WHAT IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition which affects 1-3% of adults. It causes redness, flaking, and scaling in oily areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and face.
Dandruff is a very mild variant of seborrheic dermatitis with lots of flaking but not so much characterised by inflammation and little to no redness. Around 50% of the adults worldwide will experience dandruff at some point in their lives.
The condition is most common between the ages of 30 and 60, and it often gets worse in the winter or during times of stress, poor diet, or alcohol use. In babies, it is known as cradle cap, and usually appears within the first three months of life.
The main cause is dysbiosis of the skin microbiome, with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast in oily areas of the skin. This imbalance leads to inflammation, flaking, and irritation.
Factors such as excess oil production, hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and cold weather can all make symptoms worse, while sunshine and humidity often improve them.
HOW IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS DIAGNOSED?
Our expert trichologist and scalp specialist Donia Maria Messeh will recognise seborrheic dermatitis based on your history and a physical examination. It is a clinical diagnosis, and in most cases no specific laboratory tests are needed. Occasionally, further tests may be performed to rule out other conditions if the presentation is unusual.
Typical features include:
- Redness and scaling, often along the frontal hairline
- Itching of the scalp
- Silver flaking or yellow, greasy scales
- Involvement of other areas such as behind the ears, eyebrows, beard, eyelashes, moustache, chest, or back
- Hair that may appear greasy or dirty and sometimes has an odor
HOW IS SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS TREATED?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the needs of each patient. It usually involves a combination of medicated shampoos, topical treatments to calm inflammation and reduce flaking, and in some cases, oral medication prescribed.
Because seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, treatment often needs to be continued over time to keep symptoms under control. Our expert trichologist Donia Maria Messeh will design a personalised treatment plan to keep your symptoms under control and your scalp healthy.
Please inform trichologist Donia Maria Messeh if you take any of the following medications, as they may trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis: auranofin, aurothioglucose, buspirone, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, ethionamide, gold compounds, griseofulvin, haloperidol, interferon alfa, lithium, methoxsalen, methyldopa, phenothiazines, psoralens, stanozolol, thiothixene, and trioxsalen.
WHY VISIT DONIA MARIA CLINIC FOR YOUR SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS?
Expert trichologist Donia Maria Messeh is a highly respected trichologist and scalp specialist with over 15 years of clinical experience. Specialising in a wide variety of hair loss conditions, our expert Donia Maria Messeh works closely with each patient to truly understand your hair concerns, current hair care routines, and the emotional and physical impact it has on your daily life. Following a detailed assessment, she develops a personalised treatment plan designed to deliver lasting results.
At Donia Maria Clinic, we recognise that SD is more than a skin condition, it is a deeply personal experience that can affect your confidence, identity, and may also affect your daily life. Our approach combines medical expertise with a deep commitment to personalised care.
At the clinic, each treatment plan is meticulously tailored based on the extent of scaling, hair loss, age, medical history, and personal goals. Advanced diagnostic tools are used to identify potential contributing factors.
DNA testing may also be included, offering valuable insights into each individual’s unique genetic profile and allowing for the creation of truly bespoke, highly effective treatment strategies.
Every consultation begins with a thorough evaluation of the hair, scalp analysis by trichoscopy, lifestyle, medical history, current routines, and emotional wellbeing. We take the time to listen and we take time to identify underlying triggers, whether it being genetic, hormonal, nutritional, environmental, before designing a tailored treatment plan that may include advanced therapies, topical or systemic treatments, and supportive care.
WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?
Book a consultation with trichologist Donia Maria Messeh, who will evaluate your condition and offer treatment options going forward. Click the link below to start the process.