QUESTION: Please can you tell me all that is known about seborrhea? Recently I was diagnosed as having this skin problem, and there doesn't seem to be much known about the cause.
Since I have had three recurrences in six weeks, it is most depressing.
ANSWER: I am happy to tell you all I know about this distressing skin disease, but that's a long way from ALL that is known about it.
It is defined as an inflammatory scaling disease of the scalp and face, and occasionally other areas of the body.
The name comes from two words, one from the Latin "sebum" meaning "suet" and the other a Greek word "rhoia" translated as "to flow".
Sebum is a thick, semifluid liquid that is composed of fat and the remains of epithelial cells, and is secreted by the sebaceous glands located in the skin.
Despite all this, it is probable that the amount, composition and flow of sebum in people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis is pretty close to normal.
It starts in adults in a gradual fashion, showing itself as a greasy scaling of the scalp leading to dandruff, and being just a bit itchy. When the condition is severe, we can see scaling yellow-red papules (round, raised, solid elevations of the skin) along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows and bridge of the nose, and even down over the sternum (middle bone of the chest).
You're right, not much is known about its cause, but seems to appear most in the middle aged and elderly.
However children in the first month of life can also develop seborrheic dermatitis, at which time it is called "cradle cap".
It may be related to our genetic make-up, but emotional stress, diet, hormones and even climate may effect the condition. It's a condition that once started is with you for life, and each episode may last from weeks to months.
A number of treatments do exist, and the choice depends upon the location of the rash and its severity.
Dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, and coal tar may be effective when used on a daily basis.
To control the redness and inflammation, a corticosteroid (cortisone-like) cream or lotion may also be used.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
