Face dermatitis is an extremely aggravating skin problem. Given that it affects the face, scalp and upper body area the most, it can also be a very embarrassing issue. As a result, it is a good idea for any one who has suffered from this problem to know about it so that they can do what they can to prevent it in the future.
The most common form of seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema, is common dandruff. Dandruff is an uninflamed version of the disease that causes dry scalp and itching. The inflamed versions of dermatitis of the face result in yellow or white flakey skin in areas of the face that tend to be the oiliest. This generally includes besides the nose, the eyelids, behind the ear, in the ear, on the chin etc. The condition may be coupled with red skin but not always.
In infants, this condition is called cradle cap. It usually affects infants under the age of three and goes away over time. Cradle cap, or any of the other face seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, is not contagious nor is it created by allergies, which are both common myths related to the condition. Also, the disorder is unrelated to hygiene. The cause is, rather, a low tolerance to a common yeast, called malessizia, that results in a fungus when the skin produces too many oils. The condition is generally worsened with psychological stress, fatigue, weather extremes, use of lotion that contain alcohol, other skin disorders (like acne) or obesity. Generally, anything that lowers the immune system can increase the likelihood of face seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.
There are many common over the counter treatments for dermatitis of the face. For the dandruff, there are all sorts of dandruff shampoos that one can purchase to aid in the healing of the eczema. Most of these require vigorous use on a daily basis that includes trying to loosen the scales with one’s fingers and scrubbing vigorously to get all of them out of the hair. Most of these dandruff shampoos will contain one or more of the following active ingredients: selenium, ketoconazole, or corticosteroids. These are also the same ingredients you should look for in topical lotions when trying to medicate other parts of the body infected with the dermatitis. Most of these lotions require that you apply them liberally twice a day. Often the condition will be better in the summer, especially if coupled with more outdoor activity, as this will allow your skin to dry out naturally.
If a person pays close attention to his or her skin, cleaning it regularly, made a skin bleaching then he or she should be able to prevent most cases of this disorder. Unfortunately, it is a lifelong disease that will present itself intermittently. If one has a family history of the problem, then one is also far more likely to contract the issue at some point. Hopefully though, with the proper information and preventative measures, sufferers can keep face dermatitis under control, and, in the event of an outbreak, one can also stop the disease from getting worse.