What is seborrheic dermatitis? The common skin condition affecting thousands of women

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition often mistaken for simply dry, flaky skin

"Many people with this chronic skin condition just think that they have really dry and flakey skin around the nose, on the eyebrows, behind the ears, and sometimes in the beard area, especially during the winter when it tends to get worse," Dr. Mark said

However, these symptoms - including flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or moustache - actually point to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. 

This issue is more than just a superficial dryness; it involves complex interactions within the skin's microbiome. 

"We don't know all of the factors that cause seborrheic dermatitis. It's thought to be caused in part by yeast that lives in our skin as part of our microbiome called Malassezia, and the flaking may be caused by an immune reaction or allergic reaction to this yeast," says Dr. Mark.

Seborrheic dermatitis requires targeted treatment strategies and according to Dr. Mark, there are "lots of different treatments [that] can help improve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Antifungal treatments aimed at reducing yeast on the skin are my first line of treatment. 

"Some great options are the Vanicream Shampoo For Sensitive Skin as well as Nizoral shampoo."

In addition to these antifungal treatments, over-the-counter products containing sulfur can also be beneficial. 

These products help to reduce the yeast population on the skin and minimise the inflammatory response.

For cases where inflammation is particularly pronounced, Dr. Mark suggests additional interventions. 

"Other treatments aimed at reducing inflammation on the skin can additionally help. Those are things like topical steroids and topical non-steroidal creams, but these treatments are best discussed with your dermatologist," he advises.

Understanding the nature of seborrheic dermatitis and its triggers is crucial for effective management. 

Consulting with a dermatologist ensures that treatment plans can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient, providing the best outcomes for those suffering with seborrheic dermatitis.

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