Seborrheic Dermatitis which is also called seborrhea, cradle cap (in babies) and dandruff usually begins its assault on the scalp. It appears as wax or oil like patches. This type of eczema is common and also spreads to the face. Like other type eczema's this form also flares when the air is cold and dry.
Seborrheic eczema has no one specific look. It can look waxy or oily, it can look like flaking skin, and it can be reddish like Atopic eczema. When an infection is present is when this type of eczema begins to itch. Skin inflammation is also present in this type of eczema after the skin has become infected.
Skincarephysicians' website gives insight that this type of eczema occurs on the areas of the body where sebaceous glands are. The scalp, hairline, under the eyebrows, on the upper lip, the ears (behind, around and inside), around the nose and mouth are the areas on the face and head. Other areas of the body where seborrheic eczema occurs are the armpits, groin, navel, buttocks, the creases under breasts, and the upper back. When the eczema is severe, the patches are widespread across the body.
This form of eczema usually begins within the first six months of a newborns' life. If not then some people still get it at puberty and even older in some instances past the age of 40. When infants contract the disease, it is usually gone by the time the baby is one year old, and stays away either until puberty or indefinitely. In adults men are the main carriers of this type eczema.
Like other forms of eczema, the exact cause of this type of eczema is also unknown, with genes being a suspect to the cause. Other possible reasons for this type of eczema include problems with yeast that live on the skin, the climate or environment the sufferer lives in, his stress levels and his overall general health.
The seborrheic eczema treatment is somewhat different from the other forms of eczema treatments. The other treatments rely most on aggressive moisturizing to do the work of healing, and returning stability to the skin. Like the other forms of eczema, seborrheic eczema also has no known cure, but will (like the others) also respond to the right treatment. The treatment you use should be one that exfoliates scaly skin and crusts which have developed from oozing. You want an eczema treatment that prevents skin infections, and removes the inflammation. The treatment also varies depending on the part of the body to be treated, as well as the age of the person, i.e. if the person is an adult or infant.
With infants, when the eczema is restricted to the scalp, the treatment recommended is to wash his hair more frequently with a baby shampoo, and brush away the flakes with a soft brush. When it goes beyond the scalp, a dermatologist will usually advise that you use a topical anti fungal creme, or a corticosteroid which are used to relieve inflammation.
With adults, eczema treatments may be different depending upon race. Dermatologists are able to recommend a shampoo when used weekly will alleviate the problem with people of African descent. Caucasians find relief when they shampoo more often with a shampoo designed for dandruff, while also allowing the lather to stay in their hair longer before rinsing. It may still be a good idea to see your dermatologist with this matter as they recommend that when undergoing these treatments different shampoos should be used. They will explain this process in more detail telling you which shampoo to use when. But you will want to change the shampoo every few days.
When the eczema moves beyond the scalp dandruff shampoo is also the medicant of choice to relieve symptoms.
