Many people have dandruff, a condition that can cause flakes of skin to appear on the scalp and in the hair. That's one reason why people often don't think much of it when they first develop an alternate condition that can cause similar symptoms. But if your so-called dandruff is now migrating out of the scalp and is appearing on parts of your face or ears, then what you have isn't dandruff. It's likely a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Here's what you should know about it.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes small bumps of skin to develop on the scalp, face, ears, neck, and even trunk of the body. It's more common in areas of the body that have a high quantity of skin oil, so it tends to appear in the T-zone, around the hairline, and on the scalp.
Unfortunately, seborrheic dermatitis isn't a condition that's fully understood just yet. There's some belief that having cradle cap as a child or being related to someone who did could increase the likelihood of you developing seborrheic dermatitis as an adult, but others can develop this condition without any predisposition to it.
The Good News
It's not easy having this condition, but the good news is that it can't be spread to others. It's completely non-communicable, so you don't need to worry about it. Although you really shouldn't be sharing brushes or skincare products, if you do, no one is going to get this condition from you.
Controlling It
Controlling seborrheic dermatitis is a must. As you've likely already experienced, it can spread to other parts of the body when it isn't well controlled. So unless you want seborrheic dermatitis all over your face and neck, the time to take action is now.
To do this, visit with a dermatologist. As skin experts, they're the best at identifying and treating seborrheic dermatitis. They can also ensure that you don't have a similar condition, like eczema.
Treating seborrheic dermatitis usually means doing your best to keep your skin clean and oil-free and by using mild steroid products like hydrocortisone cream. This reduces the inflammatory reaction and prevents breakouts of dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis isn't the end of the world, but it is something that can get worse if you don't seek help for it. Rather than dealing with unsightly skin flakes and bumps, get the help that you need and say hello to healthy skin again. Look online at sites like https://eastcarolinadermatology.com to learn more.
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