All skin conditions can be difficult and stressful, but if you or a loved one has sebhorrheic dermatitis, you know exactly how challenging they can be. This common skin disorder, which causes red, greasy patches on oil-producing areas of the body, can be extremely embarrassing and uncomfortable. And unlike other prevalent skin problems, such as acne, treating seborrheic dermatitis isn’t as simple as heading to the drugstore and picking up one of many available acne treatment products. Instead, most cases of this condition will need to be diagnosed at a dermatologist clinic, as only dermatology specialists can accurately determine if a case is psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. Only then can treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. But whether your next step is scheduling an appointment or trying out a recommended treatment, it is important to remember that there are steps you should not take when it comes to resolving your condition. Read on to learn what common behaviors you should avoid.
Washing Too Much
For many people, the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is the regular usage of gentle cleansers and antifungal creams. However, cleaning your skin vigorously or too often will dry out your skin and can make your skin worse. And whatever you do, don’t scrub! This will irritate your condition. Instead, follow the instructions your dermatologist gives you and keep a close eye on how your skin reacts to different products.
Over-using Steroids
If you have seborrheic dermatitis on your face or scalp, you may be prescribed a mild steroid cream or solution to treat your condition. While the solution usually has no ill effects when used on the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis on the face should only be treated with mild steroids, and carefully at that. While it is relatively rare, the skin can become “addicted” to these products, causing a rash or breakout. If you are prescribed steroids, make sure you follow the directions correctly.
Relying on Sun Exposure
Many people find that sun exposure exacerbates and then improves the condition of their seborrheic dermatitis. However, this treatment for seborrheic dermatitis can have some troubling consequences: at the very least, it can result in premature signs of aging, and at the worst, you may develop skin cancer. Don’t trade one skin condition for another: ask your dermatologist about sunscreens that won’t harm or irritate your skin, especially when used in conjunction with topic treatments.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a mild yet troubling problem: while it causes no major health problems and may even disappear on its own, dermatologists are unsure what exactly causes the problem, and there is no true cure. Instead, the only thing to do is follow the skin care tips your dermatologist prescribes and avoid problematic habits, like the ones mentioned about. With proper care and dedication, you will likely be able to successfully reduce and relieve your seborrheic dermatitis without complications.