According to specialists' estimates, seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases on our planet. It is a skin inflammation caused by the overgrowth of a small fungus called Malassezia furfur. This condition can be aggravated by a number of factors such as stress, pollution, excessive medication and fatigue. Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly affects adults, but infants can also catch the condition during the first few weeks after birth.
Symptoms
In adults, seborrheic dermatitis begins with the formation of reddish, scaly patches on areas with high sebum secretion, mainly the scalp, face, and folds. It is characterized by severe itching and oozing lesions. During its evolution, the plaques turn into films that will spread beyond the seborrheic areas. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis takes the form of "cradle cap", present mainly on the scalp and face.
Treatments for localized irritations
In many cases, a surface treatment is sufficient to soothe the inflammation caused by seborrheic dermatitis. The application of ointment based on Graphite (1%) or Mezereum (4%) is particularly recommended. These remedies have the effect of softening and moisturizing the skin. However, in order to limit the proliferation of the fungus responsible for the disease, antiseptic treatment is often recommended. This is how a treatment with Urticium gel or a Calendula-based ointment is prescribed to be applied two to three times a day.
Depending
on the severity of the pruritus and the location of the inflammation, remedies can be taken at a dilution of 7 CH to 9 CH, with two doses of 5 granules per day for two months. Thus, Natrum muriaticum 9 CH, Graphites 9 CH and Oleander 9 CH correspond to cases of facial and scalp seborrheic dermatitis. If the irritation reaches the limbs, Antimonium 9 CH, Anagallis 9 CH and Petroleum 9 CH will be recommended. But if there is itching on the genitals, Croton tiglium 9 CH can be taken.
Tendency towards eczema
Occasionally, seborrheic dermatitis manifests as oozing, scaly, or eczema. In these cases, taking 3 to 8 granules per day, diluted to 7 CH, is indicated for one of the following remedies: Arsenicum album, Arsenicum iodatum, Mazereum, Natrum sulfuricum and Antimonium crudum. If chronic inflammation appears and is accompanied by an eczema flare-up, you can opt for the combination of a dose of Natrum muriaticum 15 CH, to be taken once a week with Apis mellifica, Urtica urens or Muriaticum acidum.
When to see a doctor?
In principle, any abnormal formation of dandruff on the scalp and the appearance of atypical dermatitis should lead to a medical consultation. The same applies when you are aware of a genetic predisposition to a skin disease and a skin problem occurs. Finally, in all cases of persistent skin irritation, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
