Itchy scalp? Flakey skin, red scaly patches? You may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin condition that causes irritation and unsightly skin flakes. A chronic condition, seborrheic dermatitis appears similar to other skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. It can appear on the scalp, on the face and eyelids, behind the ears and on different areas of the body–including the chest and under the arms. When it appears on the scalp, it is also referred to as dandruff.

Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

The precise cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not well-understood. However, it generally arises on oily patches of skin, thus it is thought that sebum (oil) production plays a role. In addition to a link to oil secretion, some patients have shown evidence of a skin fungus (Malassezia)in affected areas, indicating  that the fungus may be related to outbreaks.

The skin condition is not due to an allergy or poor hygiene. Some common triggers include:

Change of seasons. Flare-ups often coincide with the onset of cold and dry weather (winter and early spring).
Stress. Like eczema and other chronic skin conditions, seborrheic dermatitis is associated with increased levels of stress. Depression can also raise your risk. If somebody in your family has seborrheic dermatitis, you may be more prone to developing it.
Heredity. If somebody in your family has seborrheic dermatitis, you may be more prone to developing it.

Because seborrheic dermatitis can resemble other skin conditions, it is important to have it properly diagnosed by a dermatologist. Once other problems have been ruled out, the appropriate treatment can be recommended.

Treatments for Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Scalp

Seborrheic dermatitis can be difficult to cure, but given the right shampoo and conditioner it can be. Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner is proven to clear seborrheic dermatitis. Sometimes the outbreak will clear up on its own. You can reduce flare-ups and prevent infection with a combination of treatments, including self-care and reducing stress. Some simple steps you can take to help alleviate symptoms include: Shampooing daily with a cleanser that is designed to control inflammation and help heal the skin, applying mineral oil or olive oil on the scalp to loosen the dandruff scales, avoiding scratching the scalp, reducing stress.

In some cases, oral antifungal medication may be prescribed and light therapy recommended (particularly if the condition arises areas with no hair). Although seborrheic dermatitis does not pose any health threats, it is important to control it so that secondary infections do not arise and exacerbate the irritation.

Finding Relief for Seborrheic Dermatitis with Dr. Marder Skincare

Dr. Marder Total Relief Shampoo and Conditioner can help restore the balance in your scalp and discourage future seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.

The active ingredients in Dr. Marder products have been clinically proven to address seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Marder Total Relief Shampoo contains maximum strength hydrocortisone 1%, which reduces the redness, inflammation and itchiness associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Dr. Marder Total Relief Conditioner has extra strength pyrithione zinc, an antibacterial and antifungal agent that inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Pyrithione zinc has been shown to be effective against Malassezia.

Specially formulated for scalp problems, Dr. Marder products work together to improve overall scalp health and relieve discomfort.