How do you live with severe seborrheic dermatitis?

DUCRAY

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that progresses in flare-ups. It manifests itself through the regular appearance of red patches covered with dandruff (scales) on the scalp, face and/or torso. These symptoms are caused by three main factors: sebum secretion, the proliferation of a yeast of the Malassezia genus , and skin inflammation. Itching is often associated with the appearance of patches and can be very annoying. Although seborrheic dermatitis is often benign, it can become severe and require special medical attention. A few practical tips to apply on a daily basis can minimize your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

6 simple everyday gestures

Respect
prescribed treatment(s)
Why?
To reduce the number of malasseziayeasts present on the skin
To fight inflammation
To combat excessive sebum secretion
How?
Take treatments as recommended by your doctor, and continue them even when they improve, to limitrelapses.
You can use alarms or reminders to help you remember.
Consult a dermatologist in the event of severe or persistent symptoms, or if you notice an extension of lesions or significant hair loss.

Caution! Some natural ingredients, such as aloe vera or coconut oil, can soothe irritation, but are no substitute for medical treatment in the case of a severe form.
Adopt
good skin and scalp hygiene
Why?
Preventing recurrence
Irritating products stimulate the production of sebum and trigger inflammation, thus encouraging the appearance of patches.
How?
- Avoid scouring soaps and shampoos, and products that are perfumed, alcoholic, greasy or identified as irritants.
- Use dermo-cosmetic products that are specifically adapted and gentle for this pathology.
- Wash hair regularly, but not excessively (generally 2 times a week), to avoid accumulation of sebum and scales, while limiting irritation caused by over-frequent washing.
- On the face, use gentle foaming gels or superfatted lotions. Cleanse morning and night, without rubbing
- Pat skin dry without rubbing after cleansing.
- Dry hair with a towel and the cool air of a hair dryer
- Moisturize the skin with non-greasy, non-comedogenic creams adapted to seborrheic dermatitis, to limit irritation and flaking.
- Limit the use of gels, hairsprays, colorants and other aggressive products on the scalp and face
Avoid
scratch red patches
Why?
To avoid further irritating the skin and scalp, reactivating the inflammatory cycle and reducing the risk of infection.
How?
Apply moisturizer or cold to the itchy area (cold pack, chilled thermal water...)
Keep your hands and mind busy so you don't have to think about it.
Protecting yourself from the sun
Why?
The sun can aggravate inflammation
How?
Protect your scalp from UV rays with a hat or a suitable sunscreen.
Follow
a healthy, balanced lifestyle
Why?
To reduce triggers
Alcohol, tobacco, stress and fatigue are all factors that encourage the appearance of plaques.
How?
Reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption as much as possible
Use stress management methods (sport, relaxation, meditation, sophrology...)
Stay sufficiently hydrated
Adapting your diet
Why?
For healthy skin and scalp
Fiber supports intestinal flora, which plays a role in the production of serotonin (the well-being hormone).
Certain products and beverages can promote inflammation and aggravate stress.
How?
Eat a diet rich in fiber (vegetables, legumes, wholegrain cereals).
Eat foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and omega-3s: wholegrain cereals, oily fish (salmon, sardines), bananas, dark chocolate, dried fruit,greenvegetables.
Favoring "raw" foods and limitingultra-processedproducts
Avoid caffeine, sugary orenergydrinks
Encourage home cooking

The stages leading to seborrheic dermatitis

Triggering factors

Excess sebum Malasseziaproliferation

Inflammation and accelerated cell renewal

Itching, redness and dandruff

Comment vivre au quotidien avec de la dermite séborrhéique ?

What is the skin microbiome?

This refers to all the micro-organisms (bacteria, yeasts, viruses) present on the skin of all individuals. Each person has their own cutaneous microbiome, inherited from birth. Its composition and diversity guarantee the balance of healthy skin and help protect it from the outside world.

When there is an imbalance in its composition or diversity, this can lead to the appearance of various skin pathologies.

This is the case with seborrheic dermatitis, where an imbalance in Malasseziayeasts has been demonstrated.

What's the point of a maintenance treatment?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring pathology which evolves through alternating phases of flare-up (appearance of patches) and remission (disappearance of patches).

Once the patches have disappeared, it's important to use a maintenance treatment to reduce excess sebum and maintain the balance of the skin's microbiome. In this way, the vicious circle of seborrheic dermatitis will be broken and the risk of recurrence limited.