Ever had a flaky, itchy scalp? Chances are you’re dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition that produces scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can produce various symptoms, most notably dandruff, dry skin, and itching. The itchiness is often most severe in the cold winter when the air is dry. The rash may sometimes spread from the scalp to the face or other parts of the body.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on the skin. This yeast thrives in oily areas like the scalp and face. In addition, people with certain medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease or HIV/AIDS are also at increased risk for developing seborrheic dermatitis.
In addition to the medical conditions mentioned above, several other factors may increase an individual’s risk for seborrheic dermatitis. These include stress, fatigue, cold weather, and oily hair products. People with psoriasis or eczema are also more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. For individuals who suspect seborrheic dermatitis, it is ideal to schedule an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist.
Ketoconazole
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, flaky, and itchy skin. It most often affects the scalp but can also occur on the face, chest, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found naturally on the skin but can overgrow in people with seborrheic dermatitis. Ketoconazole works by inhibiting the growth of Malassezia yeast on the skin.
Ketoconazole is a medication that is used to treat various fungal infections. It can treat superficial skin infections, such as seborrheic dermatitis, and more severe fungal infections, such as candidiasis. Ketoconazole is available in both cream and shampoo forms. The shampoo is commonly used to treat dandruff, while the cream is more often used to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
Ketoconazole shampoo is usually used twice a week for four weeks. The shampoo should be applied to wet hair and left on for three to five minutes before rinsing. Ketoconazole cream is usually applied once or twice daily for two to four weeks. Ketoconazole is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects, such as dryness, redness, and skin irritation.
