Find out the right treatment for inflammation of the skin and scalp

Its cause is not yet well known, but it is thought that it will be due to the presence of a fungus of the species Malassezia, which usually exists on our skin, and the oil produced by the sebaceous glands, which creates a favourable environment for the growth of this fungus.

It is a disease that affects men more and has its peak incidence during the first year of life and after puberty. It is not a contagious disease nor is it a sign of poor personal hygiene. Seborrheic dermatitis in the baby ends up disappearing as it grows, while in the adult, it can appear intermittently. 

The most common areas to appear are on the scalp, commonly called dandruff, on the eyebrows, ears, central portion of the face, chest, and regions of skin folds.

It is a chronic disease where periods can appear in which there is improvement that lasts for a long time and may appear again. Its appearance or worsening may be linked to cold and dry weather, stress and tiredness, some foods, and a weakened immune system.

Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes be confused with other diseases such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and tinea, requiring a differential diagnosis.

In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is also called a cradle cap. The treatment is different from that adopted for adults, since the baby's skin is more fragile.

The scalp can be washed daily with a shampoo indicated for the cradle cap, massaging gently to help loosen the scales of the scalp.  Sweet almond oil and creams specific to the cradle cap can also be used, when dermatitis is not limited to the scalp.