Seborrheic Dermatitis that cannot be treated

[sebderm323]

So my derm diagnosed me with seborrheic dermatitis, they gave me all sorts of shampoos to try but none work. I've had this for months now, and finally after expermimenting with different diets i found that food was not causing it. The seborrheic dermatitis that is all over my hair is also all over my face and now spreading to the back of my ears and side of my neck. I finally concluded the reason why i get it. It seems everytime i was my hair even if i use just water i get a flair up. Shampoos and conditioners only make the matter even worse. The longer my hair is in water the worse it gets. Now the weird thing is everytime water touches my hair it seems to flare up the symptoms on my face as well! its very frustrating. my hair does not get oily whatsover i can not wash it for a week straight and it will look normal. However i have to wash my hair becasue of the intense dandruff i get from the sebderm. I'm so lost on what to do, the only thing that seems to help is real sunlight.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

As you already said, this could be seborrhoeic dermatitis.

It is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.

Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks are untreated for extended intervals, permanent hair loss may result, because of damage to hair follicles.

Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis

Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureate sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.

Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for his symptoms and a proper clinical examination if the symptoms persist.
Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seborrhoeic_dermatitis  
Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.
Regards.

[sebderm323]

Doc, I cannot wash my hair, this is what activates my symptoms. All the shampoos prescribe thus do not help and do not work. Steriods just seem to make my face red and spread it. I can't go a night without constantly being woken up by an itching scalp

[Johnnyscone]

I have had this issue, not as severe. I am relying on diet to try to help it, for me at least, the diet commitment has to be long term and sometimes prety drastic. It seems that a non- acidic, non- inflammatory diet may help....and then there may be specific foods that are triggers. I dont know about the washing thing but I could see where washing could increase inflammation. I have used olive oil for trmporary relief on the skin.
      The Perricone diet is a non inflammatory type. If you have yeast overgrowth which is causing this, you may have to go on a restricted diet....   I did hear you say food was not causing it, but it may take longer for your immune system to rebound. Smoking and alchohol are always terrible on the immune system and skin....I gave up those and wheat and sugar. Evening primrose oil and other sources of GLA I have heard reccommended as supplements.