What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrheic eczema, is one of the common chronic skin diseases, which mostly affect the scalp, and may also spread to some other parts of the body, especially places rich in sebaceous glands.

Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of some red spots on light-colored skin, while light spots appear on dark-colored skin. Its severity ranges from just a mild crusting of the affected area to severe redness and peeling of the skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis can affect the face, especially the cheeks, eyelids, and nose, as well as the scalp. Dandruff is a simple form of seborrheic dermatitis, but it is a non-inflamed form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

To date, it is not known specifically the main cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but it is possible that seborrheic dermatitis is related to the following causes:

• The natural skin flora, which is found on the skin, especially a certain type known as Malassezia, sometimes may grow on the skin abnormally, which leads to the skin secreting fat in large quantities more than usual.
• Genes and genetic factors.
• Pressure nervous.
• Sensitivity to dry or cold weather.
• some medicine.
• disorders of the immune system;

Some factors may also contribute to the exacerbation of seborrheic eczema symptoms, including:

• The weather and seasons change throughout the year.
• stress and fatigue;
• Drink alcoholic beverages.

Risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis

Certain groups of people can be at higher risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis, such as people with reduced immunity or people with diseases that cause immunodeficiency, such as:

1- AIDS patients, as there is a strong relationship between seborrheic dermatitis and AIDS, as seborrheic dermatitis affects about 85% to 95% of people living with HIV.

2- Down syndrome patients.

3- People with psoriasis, or a family history of psoriasis.

4- People who have undergone an organ transplant before, where their immunity is often low.

5- People with some neurological or psychological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and depression.

In addition to the above, people who suffer from acne may suffer from seborrheic dermatitis of the face, or who take certain types of medications, such as: lithium and chlorpromazine, are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis.

There are also some habits or practices that can be a risk factor for seborrheic eczema, such as:

• Excessive weight gain or obesity.
• Not taking care of the skin properly, as it may lead to infection or aggravate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the face.
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.