Who has scalp problems that are so severe that they feel itchy, and the skin on the scalp flakes? Surely you will think you have quite serious dandruff. Tried all kinds of anti-dandruff treatments and products, but nothing worked. What you are experiencing is not dandruff but seborrheic dermatitis.
Indeed, the two conditions look the same, but it turns out that dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are different. Ladies should know the difference.
What's the difference?
Dandruff is the most common condition and can be experienced by anyone. Usually, dandruff is caused by a scalp that is too oily or too dry, experiencing contact dermatitis to Malassezia fungal infections. This fungus is also one of the causes of seborrheic dermatitis. Then what is the difference between the two?
Ladies can tell the difference between the symptoms. Usually, dandruff will be accompanied by annoying itching. The appearance of dandruff has to do with the cleanliness of the scalp. In comparison, the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are accompanied by other conditions such as scaly skin, burning sensation, redness, and swelling. What causes the scalp to have seborrheic dermatitis?
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
1. Malassezia
This fungus, which is also one of the causes of dandruff, is usually found in the oil on the surface of the hair skin, which is thought to be one of the various causes of seborrheic dermatitis. People with oily skin around 30-60 years (especially women) are more at risk of developing this disease.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammation of the skin that causes scaly, thickened, flaky, and itchy skin. Several factors trigger psoriasis on the scalp, including frequent scratching of the scalp, genetics, consumption of drugs, cold or dry weather, and decreased immune system.
How to prevent and treat seborrheic dermatitis
- These methods can not only prevent seborrheic dermatitis, but the scalp will also avoid dandruff.
- Regularly wash the scalp and hair. The recommended time to wash your hair is once every 2-3 days, especially after outdoor activities, because your hair and scalp will be oily and exposed to dust and pollution.
- Do not scratch the skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis. Scratching the area will only worsen the skin condition because it will cause irritation.
- For men with seborrheic dermatitis in the beard and mustache area, shaving them regularly with cream and razors that are safe for irritated skin is advisable.
- Use an antifungal shampoo that contains ketoconazole.
- Choose skin or hair products that inhibit calcineurin.
It's better to consult a doctor immediately to get proper treatment and not worsen existing conditions. So, remember always to maintain healthy skin and hair, ladies!
Sources:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dandruff. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850#:~:text=Dandruff%20is%20a%20common%20condition,with%20a%20gentle%20daily%20shampoo
Mayo Clinic. (2022). Seborrheic Dermatitis https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
WebMD. (2021). Seborrheic Dermatitis. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/seborrheic-dermatitis-medref#:~:text=Seborrheic%20Dermatitis%20Treatment-,What%20Is%20Seborrheic%20Dermatitis%3F,seborrheic%20eczema%2C%20and%20seborrheic%20psoriasis