SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS OF THE SCALP

Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common form of dermatitis on the scalp. This rash affects mainly adults, however, in some cases it can also occur in childhood. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a disorder of the maturation and desquamation of the stratum corneum and should be considered as a true minor skin pathological condition.

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis vary from person to person, but are mainly linked to:

• genetic predisposition
• environmental factors (stress and seasonality)

Seborrheic dermatitis looks different depending on where it appears

• on the scalp: dandruff or small scaling plaques
• on the hairline: redness and scaling

Dandruff as a symptom can often mean seborrheic dermatitis is misdiagnosed as simply that. However, dandruff – the flaking of the scalp into small white lamellae – is often caused by external factors such as:

• Use of harsh shampoo
• Inadequate rinsing
• Over-washing
• Scratching the scalp during washing
• Hair cosmetics (lotions, rubs)
• Hair salon treatments (dying, styling, etc.)
• Excessive hot air drying

In the majority of cases, simply removing the trigger will remove the dandruff.
However, unlike dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis only worsens when subjected to the aforementioned external factors and will not heal when the trigger is removed.
People notice they have seborrheic dermatitis when they see silver or yellowish dandruff or scales on their hair or clothes.
They may also experience redness, itching and the urge to scratch.
In people who are bald or, in more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis, stubborn, darker yellow plaques of skin are present.

Specific treatments should be adopted according to the complexity of the problem.

• Massage 2S Cream into the affected area every evening. 2S Cream combats seborrheic dermatitis thanks to its salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur content.
• As an alternative to harsh shampoos which can aggravate symptoms, use the gentle, non-foaming Dermicitol Shampoo which cleanses the hair and scalp during dermatitis flares.

Dermicitol Shampoo contains natural anti-inflammatory ichthyol sulfonate compounds which help soothe redness. For best results: Wet hair, Pour Dermictiol Shampoo into hands and massage into the hair only. Do not rub the shampoo into the scalp. To ensure this, it may be easier to wash the hair with the head upside down. Rinse, and repeat, if necessary. Dry the hair with a cotton terry cloth.