Seborrhoea

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (seborrhoea) is a common chronic skin disorder accompanied by excessive sebum formation, inflamed or irritated skin, itching and scaling in greasy yellow flakes. Affected areas are located not only in hair on the scalp but also on the face, upper part of the chest and other parts of the body such as hair follicles in armpits, eyelids & parts of the ears.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis primarily affects infants, at their early stage [cradle cap] reoccuring again in late adolescents & adulthood. Men are affected more frequently than women. In adolescence, the condition occurs primarily or often on the scalp. While seborrhoea at infant stage age usually disappears after several weeks, seborrhoea in adolescents frequently persists until adulthood and should be treated. Seborrhoea affects 3–5 % of the population.

What causes seborrhoea?

Cause of the condition is not exactly known. It is assumed that one of the predisposing factors includes an increased production of sebaceous glands. Impaired immunity, microbial factors, most frequent outbreak of Malassezia furfur yeast, play its role, as do hormonal, nutrition disorders or stress. More symptoms of the condition emerge in winter months of the year, whereas summer period brings relief.

Management of seborrhoea

Caring for seborrhoea concentrates on suppression of pathogenic microorganisms, reducing itching and regulating sebum production. Selection of the right means depends on the current phase of patches, their location and also age of the patient to the same extent. Skin can be treated by appropriate products available in pharmacies. We recommend using shampoos with anti seborrhoeic ingredients such as ichthyol pale and octopirox cream, e.g. Mediket Ictamo. Problematic areas located on face or other body parts can be treated with strong soothing paste Vitella Ictamo Forte which is suitable to care about skin with seborrhoea.