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what is the medical definition for seborrhea

by Kelley Aufderhar Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medical Definition of seborrhea
: abnormally increased secretion and discharge of sebum producing an oily appearance of the skin and the formation of greasy scales. More from Merriam-Webster on seborrhea.

Full Answer

What does seborrhea mean?

What is seborrhea? Seborrhea (say: seb-uh-ree-uh) is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called “dandruff.”

How to cure seborrhea naturally?

How to use?

  • Cut a leaf of aloe vera plant from the middle
  • Squeeze it to obtain the gel
  • Apply this fresh aloe vera gel on the affected region
  • Use the remedy several times a day for over a month to get positive results
  • Alternatively, you can also drink aloe vera juice to ease the symptoms of Seborrheic dermatitis

What does seborrhea look like?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes an itchy rash with flaky scales. It causes redness on light skin and light patches on darker skin. It’s also called dandruff, cradle cap, seborrhea, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis. It might look similar to psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction.

What is seborrhea caused by?

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However, some scientists opine that genes and hormones may play a role in giving rise to seborrheic dermatitis. It has been observed that a tiny fungus known as Malassezia furfur contributes to the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

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What is the medical term for seborrhea?

“Seborrheic” refers to the “sebaceous” glands while “derm” means “skin.” It's called “dandruff” (pityriasis capitis) when it's on a teenager's or adult's scalp, and “cradle cap” when it's on a baby's. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body.

How do you get rid of seborrhea?

Other home remediesSoften and remove scales from your hair. ... Wash your skin regularly. ... Apply a medicated cream. ... Avoid styling products. ... Avoid skin and hair products that contain alcohol. ... Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. ... If you have a beard or mustache, shampoo facial hair regularly. ... Gently clean your eyelids.More items...•

What triggers seborrhea?

Common triggers for seborrheic dermatitis include: stress. hormonal changes or illness. harsh detergents, solvents, chemicals and soaps.

What underlying medical conditions cause seborrheic dermatitis?

Some underlying conditions can raise your risk for seborrheic dermatitis, such as HIV, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, eating disorders, and alcoholism. Triggers of the condition range from stress and hormonal changes to the use of certain detergents or medications.

What kills seborrheic dermatitis fast?

The mainstay of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is frequent cleansing. Medicated soaps or shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, sulfur, salicylic acid or tar give additional benefit. These should be applied to the affected area and left on for 5-10 minutes before being rinsed off.

What kills seborrheic dermatitis naturally?

In addition to taking medicine, there are a few home remedies that may help seborrheic dermatitis:Apply coconut oil to your scalp. ... Use tea tree oil. ... Put honey in your hair. ... Wash your skin with apple cider vinegar. ... Take fish oil supplements. ... Avoid styling products. ... Try baby shampoo. ... Change up your diet.

What happens if seborrheic dermatitis is left untreated?

Seborrhea frequently becomes apparent when men grow mustaches or beards and disappears when the facial hair is removed. If left untreated, the scale may become thick, yellow and greasy and, occasionally, secondary bacterial infection may occur.

What foods cause seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis can flare up anytime and is triggered mainly by: Cold, dry weather....Processed foods include:Cheese.Tofu.Bread.Cake.Cookies.Ketchup.Salty chips like potato chips.

What kills seborrheic dermatitis on scalp?

Dandruff, which represents mild seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, may be treated with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos. These contain one of several available active ingredients: selenium sulfide, tar, zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole.

What makes seborrheic dermatitis flare up?

Seborrheic dermatitis is long-lasting in adults When an adult gets seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can come and go for the rest of the person's life. Flare-ups are common when the weather turns cold and dry. Stress also can trigger a flare-up. The good news is that treatment can reduce flare-ups and bring relief.

What medications can cause seborrheic dermatitis?

These medications include auranofin, aurothioglucose, buspirone, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, ethionamide, fluorouracil, gold, griseofulvin, haloperidol, interferon alfa, lithium, methoxsalen, methyldopa, phenothiazines, psoralens, stanozolol, thiothixene, and trioxsalen.

Does stress cause seborrheic dermatitis?

"Stress is one of the aggravating factors of seborrheic dermatitis, and while the cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not completely clear, it may involve an inflammatory reaction to pityrosporum, also known as malassezia, a type of fungus naturally present on the skin surface," says Dr. Lortscher.

Can you cure seborrheic dermatitis permanently?

Fortunately, although there is no permanent cure yet, seborrheic dermatitis often improves with an excellent response once treatment is started.

Does seborrheic dermatitis ever go away?

Seborrheic dermatitis will sometimes clear up by itself. But often, it's a lifelong issue that clears and flares. You can usually control it with good skin care.

Is seborrhea a fungal infection?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a superficial fungal disease of the skin, occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands. It is thought that an association exists between Malassezia yeasts and seborrheic dermatitis. This may, in part, be due to an abnormal or inflammatory immune response to these yeasts.

Is seborrhea curable?

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is caused by an autoimmune response or allergy, and it is not contagious. It is also not curable but can be managed with treatment. Treatment of SD is not always necessary, as symptoms can clear up naturally.

What is Seborrhea?

Seborrhea comes from a yeast that irritates our skin. By definition, seborrhea is “the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, whose ducts open into the hair follicles.” The problem is that yeast thrives on this oily secretion. So, when yeast is present and the oil glands are over-productive, people experience red, scaly, irritated skin.

What Causes Seborrhea?

We know yeast causes the irritation, and it spreads because of oil production, but we know little about where the yeast comes from. However, once it’s there, it is hard to remove completely.

What is the most common form of seborrhea?

And since most hair is present on the head, the most common form of seborrhea is seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff. Also, people experiencing seborrhea may notice red, itchy scaliness at the base of the neck, behind and inside the ears, in the eyebrows, and/or around the nostrils.

Does seborrhea go away on its own?

Seborrhea won’t go away on its own , and it’ll come back seasonally, but you don’t have to live with the symptoms. With the right medication and proactive treatments, that red, itchy skin will soon disappear. Dr. R. Todd Plott is a board-certified dermatologist in Coppell, Keller, and Saginaw, TX.

What are the risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis?

A number of factors increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, including: Neurologic and psychiatric conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and depression. A weakened immune system, such as seen in organ transplant recipients and people with HIV/AIDS, alcoholic pancreatitis and some cancers.

What is the name of the disorder that affects the scalp?

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that mainly affects the scalp, causing itchy, yellow or white patchy scales or thick crusts that may attach to the hair shaft, as seen in the lower left side of the image. Cradle cap on light skin.

What is the name of the rash on the side of the nose?

Seborrheic dermatitis on the face. Seborrheic dermatitis causes a red rash with yellowish and somewhat "oily" scales. In addition to the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can occur on the sides of the nose, in and between the eyebrows, and in other oil-rich areas. Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition ...

What is the condition that causes red patches on the scalp?

Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.

What is the difference between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% to 4% of the population. The scales of psoriasis are often thicker than that of seborrheic dermatitis. The edges of those scales are very well-defined.

When does seborrheic dermatitis appear?

It appears within the first weeks to months of life and is rarely seen after 12 months of age in most babies. It can be easily managed with simple at-home care. In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) or the face and body is a condition that comes and goes throughout life.

What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

The goal of treatment is to reduce the visible signs of seborrheic dermatitis and itching and redness. Treatment includes use of over-the-counter products and prescription products. Prescription products include topical antifungals, calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids.

How common is seborrheic dermatitis?

About 11% of the population has seborrheic dermatitis. It occurs most often in infants younger than three months old and in adults ages 30 to 60. It is more common in men than in women, and in Caucasians more than African Americans.

Does seborrheic dermatitis cause hair loss?

No, seborrheic dermatitis does not cause hair loss.

Can seborrheic dermatitis mimic psoriasis?

Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can mimic each other. Both are patches of red skin with flakes. Both can be found on your scalp and back.

Does dry air make seborrheic dermatitis worse?

Dry air during the winter months will make your seborrheic dermatitis worse . The dermatitis behaves best during the summertime. The sun’s UV-A and UV-B light have been shown to kill the type of yeast that overgrows on the skin of people who get seborrheic dermatitis. Just watch out for sunburns!

What is the meaning of "seborrheic"?

seborrheic. 1. affected with or of the nature of seborrhea. 2. pertaining to those areas of the body whose sebaceous glands are abundant, as the scalp, face, and axillae. seborrheic dermatitis an inflammatory condition, usually of the skin of the scalp, with yellowish greasy scaling of the skin and itching.

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?

The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unclear, though it is has been linked to genetic or environmental factors. Pityrosporum ovale, a species of yeast normally found in hair follicles, has been proposed as one possible causative factor. A high fat diet and alcohol ingestion are thought to play some role. Other possible risk factors include:

What is the term for a scaly macular eruption on the scalp?

seb·or·rhe·ic der·ma·ti·tis. , dermatitis seborrheica . a common scaly macular eruption that occurs primarily on the face, scalp (dandruff), and other areas of increased sebaceous gland secretion, especially during infancy and after puberty; the lesions are covered with a slightly adherent oily scale.

What is the name of the red, inflamed, white, yellowish, or gray skin on the face?

Description. Seborrheic dermatitis appears as red, inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales that may be white, yellowish, or gray. It can effect the scalp, eyebrows, forehead, face, folds around the nose and ears, the chest, armpits (axilla), and groin. Dandruff and cradle cap are mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis, ...

What is the term for a blackhead on the face?

Key terms. Acne — A chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands that manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, and/or pustules on the face or trunk. Psoriasis — A skin disorder of chronic, itchy scaling most commonly at sites of repeated minor trauma (e.g. elbows, knees, and skin folds).

How to tell if you have seborrheic dermatitis?

Your doctor will likely be able to determine whether you have seborrheic dermatitis by examining your skin. He or she may scrape off skin cells for examination (biopsy) to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to seborrheic dermatitis, including:

What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

Medicated shampoos, creams and lotions are the main treatments for seborrheic dermatitis. Your doctor will likely recommend you try home remedies, such as over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, before considering prescription remedies. If home remedies don't help, talk with your doctor about trying these treatments.

What is the name of the rash on the trunk of the face?

It often recurs. Tinea versicolor. This rash appears on the trunk but usually isn't red like seborrheic dermatitis patches. Rosacea. This condition usually occurs on the face and has very little scaliness.

How to get rid of a mustache and beard?

This helps keep air circulating around your skin and reduces irritation. If you have a beard or mustache, shampoo facial hair regularly. Seborrheic dermatitis can be worse under mustaches and beards. Shampoo with 1 percent ketoconazole daily until your symptoms improve.

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1.Seborrhea | definition of seborrhea by Medical dictionary

Url:https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/seborrhea

5 hours ago seborrhea. (sĕb′ə-rē′ə) n. A disease of the sebaceous glands characterized by excessive secretion of sebum or an alteration in its quality, resulting in an oily coating, crusts, or scales on the skin.

2.What Is Seborrhea? Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It

Url:https://www.epiphanydermatology.com/blog/what-is-seborrhea-causes-symptoms-treatment/

31 hours ago  · By definition, seborrhea is “the oily secretion of the sebaceous glands, whose ducts open into the hair follicles.”. The problem is that yeast thrives on this oily secretion. So, …

3.Medical Definition of Seborrhea - MedicineNet

Url:https://www.medicinenet.com/seborrhea/definition.htm

6 hours ago  · Seborrhea: A chronic inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by the accumulation of scales of greasy skin. There may be yellow crusted plaques that are itchy. …

4.Seborrheic dermatitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710

6 hours ago Medical Definition of seborrhea. : abnormally increased secretion and discharge of sebum producing an oily appearance of the skin and the formation of greasy scales.

5.Seborrhea Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

Url:https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seborrhea

9 hours ago Seborrhea (say: seb-uh-ree-uh) is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called “dandruff.”

6.Seborrhea: What It Is and How to Treat It - American …

Url:https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0501/p2713.html

24 hours ago Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow …

7.Seborrheic Dermatitis: What Is It, Diagnosis & Treatment

Url:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14403-seborrheic-dermatitis

13 hours ago seb·or·rhe·ic der·ma·ti·tis. , dermatitis seborrheica ( seb'ōr-ē'ik dĕr'mă-tī'tis, seb-ōr-ē'i-kă) A common scaly macular eruption that occurs primarily on the face, scalp (dandruff), and other …

8.Seborrheic dermatitis | definition of seborrheic dermatitis …

Url:https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/seborrheic+dermatitis

22 hours ago  · The following over-the-counter treatments and self-care tips may help you control seborrheic dermatitis: Soften and remove scales from your hair. Apply mineral oil or olive oil to …

9.Seborrheic dermatitis - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo …

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352714

1 hours ago Medical Definition of seborrheic. : of, relating to, marked by, or characteristic of seborrhea seborrheic lesions.

10.Seborrheic Definition & Meaning | Merriam-Webster Medical

Url:https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/seborrheic

18 hours ago

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