Seborrheic dermatitis issues

Hi,

I have had a real nasty case of seborrheic dermatitis for about 2 years. It mainly is on my scalp, where large scales of skin form. I also have a small irritated region in my underarm, but this clears up from time to time. I have tried a number of different prescription shampoos and foams, including Loprox, Luxiq, and Selenium Sulfide 2% lotion, as well as the over the counter Selsun Blue, T-Gel, and several variants of Head and Shoulders. None of these seem to have any consistent effect on it. The only effective treatment I have discovered so far is exposure to sunlight. This cleared up the scales, but I still had horrible dandruff. After a week or so, the scales returned, and my dandruff is just as bad as ever. Does anybody have any recommendations for any alternative treatments? Could this be stress-related? I really need to get this under control, and it is becoming a problem in school. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

[Chroma]

I've read one day that the DS could be started by emotional stress. But I prefer to wait for a doctor's response for your question.

Do you have hair shedding? Did you hair changed its texture so far?

Bests,
Carlos

[Wolfman216]

I wouldn't call it shedding, but my hair does come out when I pick at the scales, which I try not to do. From what I remember my hair has pretty much stayed the same texture.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition which appears to be associated with environmental and stress related factors. Lack of sleep, emotional stressors and even weather have been implicated. There is no definite cure for seborrheic dermatitis. Vigorous and frequent shampooing seem to be the therapy of choice." The type of shampoo used is less important than the aggressiveness and the frequency with which it is applied". Shampooing should last for at least 5 minutes. Topical corticosteroids may be necessary for more severe cases. This may be applied after shampooing. For some, trying to avoid too much stress and other triggers like extreme temperature changes may help. Others would resort to behavioural therapy as this may seem to benefit some patients.

Source: Lynch,P. Dermatology for the House Officer. 1982

[frustrated1234]

i know what you are going through. do you talk to anyone about this? i feel when i talk to people i get more depressed. because they don't know what i am going through. i told a person and now i am paradoid she is staring at my head all the time. i think its best to talk to people that are going through the same thing. my best friend and my family are the only ones i tell things to or my kids. if you need someone to talk to write me back. i know exactly what you are going through. also tell me a little about yourself.

[Niambe]

I am currently using Derma-Smoothe-FS Scalp Oil for the the same condition you described. I've only used it for 5 days now, but I am seeing a change in my scalp. No itching, scales, or dryness.