#Dandruff

Friends today I am discussing about a skin problem known as Seborrheic Dermatitis. What is seborrheic dermatitis? Considered a chronic form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis appears on the body where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands like the upper back, nose and scalp. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, although genes and hormones play a role. Microorganisms that live on the skin naturally can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis including infants (known as “cradle cap”). However, it most commonly affects adults between the ages of 30-60 and infants under 3 months. Seborrheic dermatitis on the chest that shows round, red areas and slight scaling Common triggers for seborrheic dermatitis include: Stress Hormonal changes or illness Harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals and soaps Cold, dry weather Medications such as psoralen, interferon and lithium In general, seborrheic dermatitis is slightly more common in men than in women. Patients with certain diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV/AIDS and psoriasis) and the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, are also at increased risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis. It can also affect people who have epilepsy, alcoholism, acne, rosacea and mental health issues such as depression and eating disorders. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. What does seborrheic dermatitis look like? Seborrheic dermatitis often appears on the scalp, where symptoms may range from dry flakes (dandruff) to yellow, greasy scales with reddened skin. Patients can also develop seborrheic dermatitis on other oily areas of their body, such as the face, upper chest and back. Seborrheic dermatitis on the sides of nose Seborrheic dermatitis appears in oily skin areas like the side of the nose and causes redness and yellow scale Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include: Redness Greasy, swollen skin White or yellowish crusty flakes Itch and burning Pink-colored patches, most prominent in people with dark skin What causes seborrheic dermatitis? The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, although genes and hormones play a role. Microorganisms such as yeast, that live on the skin naturally can also contribute to seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike many other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not the result of an allergy. People of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis including infants (known as “cradle cap”). It is slightly more common in men than women. People with certain diseases that affect the immune system, such as HIV or AIDS, and the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, are believed to be at an increased risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis. How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed? Seborrheic dermatitis can often look like – or even appear with – other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. There is no test for diagnosing seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and also perform a physical examination of your skin. Sometimes, the doctor with scrape a bit of skin, mix it with a chemical and look at it under a microscope to determine if there is a fungal infection. Similarly, a skin biopsy (a procedure in which a small sample of skin is taken) may be required to rule out the other conditions that look like seborrheic dermatitis. If you are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. Seborrheic dermatitis treatment Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis focuses on loosening scale, reducing inflammation and swelling, and curbing itch. In mild cases, a topical antifungal cream or medicated shampoo (such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, and zinc pyrithione) may be enough to control symptoms. Guidelines for treating seborrheic dermatitis include: For the scalp: Alternate between using your regular shampoo and a medicated dandruff shampoo. If you are African American, wash with the medicated shampoo once weekly. Taper off as your symptoms improve. For the body: Wash daily with a gently cleanser that has 2% zinc pyrithione, followed by a moisturizer. To further soften scale, use a cream containing salicylic acid and sulfur or coal tar. In more severe cases, you may receive a prescription for a mild corticosteroid medication to calm the inflammation as well. Use topical corticosteroids only as directed—that is, when the seborrheic dermatitis is actively flaring. In cases where corticosteroids are not appropriate, or when they have been used for a prolonged period, a non-corticosteroid topical medication such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be prescribed. These medications are called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and are approved for use by adults and children two years of age or older. Oral antifungal agents may be used in very severe cases. HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS ARSENIC ALBUM 30-Arsenic album is an effective remedy for seborrheic dermatitis in weak persons.It is also suited patients with fair skin. The scalp is covered with white scales which itch intolerably.Circular patches on bare spots are seen. Along with this great anxiety and restlessness is present. KALI SULHURICUM 30- Kali sulphuricum is one of the top remedies for seborrheic dermatitis with yellow scales. There is prominent yellow flakes on the scalp. The scales are sticky in nature, with a moist scalp. Also it is attended with itching. Heat worsens the itching . THUJA OCCIDENTALIS 200-Thuja occ. is another effective medicine for seborrheic dermatitis with white flakes on the scalp. The other prescribing points are dry hair, which may be split at ends and falling of hair. The hair may be dry in such cases. CALCAREA SULPH 30-Calcarea sulph. is prescribed for seborrheic dermatitis when eruptions with yellow pus occurs. Falling of hair also occurs. GRAPHITES 30-Graphites is an effective Homeopathic medicine for seborrheic dermatitis where the scales on the scalp are accompanied by intense itching. The scales reduce after washing, but reappear. A fetid odour on the scalp may also be observed. The scalp may also remain moist and humid. Matting together of the hair or falling of hair are also seen. Apart from the scalp, the scales may also be present on the eyelid margins and behind the ears. NATRUM MURIATICUM 30- Natrum Muriaticum is prescribed for seborrheic dermatitis with a greasy, oily scalp with redness and flakiness. The scalp is covered with white scurfs. Burning sensation on the scalp may also be present. The face is oily, with redness. Acne on the face may also be present along with the above symptoms. PHOSPHORUS 30--Phosphorus is prescribed when flakiness on the scalp is attended with excessive hairfall is occurs. The hair fall in bunches. In some cases, the hair may fall off in spots. This may be accompanied by a severe burning sensation on the scalp. In a few cases, clammy sweat on the scalp may also be present. SANICULA AQUA 200- Sanicula is another effective remedy for seborrheic dermatitis. Scales are covering the scalp. Scales are also seen on the eyebrows, eye lashes etc. Profuse sweat is present on the head. PSORINUM 200-Psorinum is suited to humid seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp which smells badly. Intolerable itching is present. SULPHUR 200- Sulphur is prescribed when well selected remedies fail. Intolerable itching and scratching of scalp. Scratching causes severe burning.

complaining of dandruff with following pictures. dx and rx??

A 3year old child presented with such lesions over his scalp. His parents also give history of passing out worms in stools. For his scalp, I have prescribed candid b lotion along with Nuforce shampoo along with a zentel 400mg.

47/Female with scaley lesions over the scalp with pus type discharge. No history of dm Attached Image

diagnosis and treatment for 8 yr old boy with lesions from birth..