Hair Disorders - Examining Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema
- By Brian Welsch
- Published 10/16/2008
- Health
- Unrated
There are many hair disorders, of various levels of seriousness. In this article, let's examine the hair disorder of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema .
What Does Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema Look Like?
The hair disorder of Seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema is a condition marked by scaly, flaky, irritation, red, itchy skin. It is common on the scalp, where there are sebaceous glands. The hair is often more oily than would be expected. In adults, it is commonly called "dandruff." In infants, it is known as "cradle cap." They are the same hair disorder, officially called seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema .
One of the unfortunate side effects is temporary hair loss in the affected places. If the skin goes untreated for too long, hair loss can become permanent. The hair loss will usually last from two to six months before the hair begins growing again.
Who Gets The Hair Disorder Of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema ?
Babies younger than 3 months old are more likely to have "cradle cap". Adults from 30 - 60 years old tend to get seborrhoeic dermatitis.
What Are The Causes?
No one really knows what causes the hair disorder of seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema . Studies show that a yeast (Malassezia furfur) is part of the problem, as well as genetic, environmental, immune-system, and hormonal factors. There have also been s
ome studies pointing to a link between seborrhoeic dermatitis and some neurologic disorders like Parkinson's and epilepsy, but more research is needed.
How Can I Treat The Hair Disorder Of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis/ Eczema ?
Treatment depends on where it is found and the age of the patient. If it is on the scalp of an adult, there are shampoos that can be used to treat it. Certain medicines that have been found useful for some adults that are put into shampoos are salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione. Some people get better results with a coal tar product. A good way to get the scalp condition under control is to use one of these shampoos every day until it is responding to the shampoo, then go to using it only two to three times a week. It should be rubbed into the hair so that it can reach the scalp. Leave it on your hair and scalp for at least five minutes before washing it out. It needs that much time to be able to fully work. If the shampoo isn't working sufficiently, check with your primary healthcare physician for another alternative, perhaps a prescription medicine.
Some people find help in being in the sun (UV-A and UV-B rays) as they can help inhibit the growth of the yeast.
Alternative treatments include biotin supplements, keeing a humidifier by the bed, or using a moisturizer - consider trying one with oatmeal. Some people find that using milk of magnesia helps - just apply it topically and rub into the scalp or skin prior to washing the hair.
What Does Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema Look Like?
The hair disorder of Seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema is a condition marked by scaly, flaky, irritation, red, itchy skin. It is common on the scalp, where there are sebaceous glands. The hair is often more oily than would be expected. In adults, it is commonly called "dandruff." In infants, it is known as "cradle cap." They are the same hair disorder, officially called seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema .
One of the unfortunate side effects is temporary hair loss in the affected places. If the skin goes untreated for too long, hair loss can become permanent. The hair loss will usually last from two to six months before the hair begins growing again.
Who Gets The Hair Disorder Of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis / Eczema ?
Babies younger than 3 months old are more likely to have "cradle cap". Adults from 30 - 60 years old tend to get seborrhoeic dermatitis.
What Are The Causes?
No one really knows what causes the hair disorder of seborrhoeic dermatitis / eczema . Studies show that a yeast (Malassezia furfur) is part of the problem, as well as genetic, environmental, immune-system, and hormonal factors. There have also been s
How Can I Treat The Hair Disorder Of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis/ Eczema ?
Treatment depends on where it is found and the age of the patient. If it is on the scalp of an adult, there are shampoos that can be used to treat it. Certain medicines that have been found useful for some adults that are put into shampoos are salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione. Some people get better results with a coal tar product. A good way to get the scalp condition under control is to use one of these shampoos every day until it is responding to the shampoo, then go to using it only two to three times a week. It should be rubbed into the hair so that it can reach the scalp. Leave it on your hair and scalp for at least five minutes before washing it out. It needs that much time to be able to fully work. If the shampoo isn't working sufficiently, check with your primary healthcare physician for another alternative, perhaps a prescription medicine.
Some people find help in being in the sun (UV-A and UV-B rays) as they can help inhibit the growth of the yeast.
Alternative treatments include biotin supplements, keeing a humidifier by the bed, or using a moisturizer - consider trying one with oatmeal. Some people find that using milk of magnesia helps - just apply it topically and rub into the scalp or skin prior to washing the hair.
Brian Welsch
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