Do you have seborrheic dermatitis? This is a common type of eczema that affects the scalp. It usually manifests as scaly red patches, red skin, and severe dandruff. Sometimes, dandruff can be considered a very mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, and a dermatologist may treat both conditions in the same way. They both cause dryness, greasiness, and itchiness of the scalp. However, there are some differences between the two. Seborrheic dermatitis may develop on more than the scalp, unlike dandruff, such as on the ears, eyebrows, beard, or skin around the nostrils. Seborrheic dermatitis may also cause inflammation, while dandruff does not.
This form of eczema does not have an exact cause, although it has been thought to be a result of an inflammatory reaction to a yeast called malassezia, which builds up in oil secretion on the skin. If you are a teenager or an adult with this condition, you should know that the skin can be easily irritated, and if so, can result in flare-ups.
Be gentle while cleansing your skin! Wash your skin twice a day and bathe and shower as needed. When doing so, follow these steps to get the best results:
Wet your skin thoroughly
Gently wash the skin with a fragrance free cleanser, as fragrance can further irritate the skin. A great option is the LEMYKA Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser, made up of plant derived, gentle ingredients to ensure your skin gets thoroughly cleaned while not stripping the skin. This creamy, foamy product is so gentle, you could use it on babies. It contains ingredients such as algae, aloe vera, geranium flower oil, and calendula extract which work together to help calm and relieve irritated skin. It is absent from fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals, SLS, and GMOs.
Rinse thoroughly, making sure no cleanser or soap is left on the skin.
Apply a fragrance free moisturizer, as hydrated skin is less likely to flare.
Learn what triggers your flare ups and make sure to avoid them! What triggers your dermatitis may not do the same for someone else. If you are unsure what your trigger is, try keeping a journal, noting when you get a flare-up and what you were doing before it happened. Common triggers include:
Stress
Cold, dry weather
Hormonal changes
Very hot showers or baths that can dry out the skin
Harsh detergents and other household products
Medications
Illnesses
Sweat, if left on your body for long periods of time can dry out the skin
Wear loose-fitting, soft, cotton clothing.
Try to reduce the amount of times you use hair spray, hair gel, pomade, etc.
Protect your skin with a ZnO sunscreen! Read more on the importance of ZnO in our blog post, “The Power of Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen”.
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