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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffering From Seborrheic Dermatitis. Can I Use Hydrocortisone? How Do I Use? Side Effects?

Hi i m 30 years old and i am suffering from sebborheic dermatitis from the last 10 years on my face and scalp.But i have never tried and treatment for it.Can i use hydrocortisone 1% cream on my face?How it is supposed to be applied?and for how long for best results?I have serached on net that it has some side effects.But my skin condition is getting worse day by day.Please help me.The whole skin of my face is dry,flaky with red patches.
Wed, 8 May 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

The Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that mainly affects your scalp, causing scaly, itchy, red skin and stubborn dandruff. It can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment when it develops on visible parts of your body.

The exact cause is not known but there are some factors which can contribute to its development:

1) A yeast (fungus) infection called Malassezia. s.
2) Change of season. Episodes are often worse in winter.
3) Neurological conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur more frequently in people who have 4) Parkinson's disease and certain other neurological disorders.
5) Stress and fatigue.
6) HIV/AIDS.

The treatment involves use of antifungals, corticosteroid cream, calcineurin inhibitor, etc. The other treatment options are
1) Selenium sulfide
2) Zinc pyrithione is available in over-the-counter products.
3) Coal tar is the active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Gel and products marketed by other manufacturers.
4) Salacylic acid.

The following over-the-counter treatments and self-care tips can help you control and manage seborrheic dermatitis.

1) Wash your hair with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo according to the recommended schedule. If you don't see results, try a shampoo with a different active ingredient.
2) Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Application of nonprescription-strength ketoconazole may be helpful.
3) Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. A short course of a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve itching.
4) Avoid harsh soaps and detergents. Be sure to rinse soap completely off your body and scalp.
5) Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. This will help keep air circulating around your skin and avoid irritation.
6) Shave off your beard or mustache. Seborrheic dermatitis can be worse under mustaches and beards. If this is the case for you, shaving might ease your symptoms.
7) Avoid scratching whenever possible. Scratching can increase irritation, making you more uncomfortable and increasing your risk of infection.

Thank you


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General & Family Physician Dr. S. Jegadeesan's  Response
Hi,
You are 30 yrs old suffering from Seborrhoeic dermatitis in your scalp and face for the last 10 yrs. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by seborrhea, a pathologic overproduction of sebum, and subsequent infection and inflammation. So far you have not taken any treatment for that. Now you like to know whether 1% hydrocortisone can be used, how long and side effects.
This is also known as "seborrheic eczema" affecting the scalp, face, and torso. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis presents with scaly, flaky, itchy, and red skin. It particularly affects the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin. In adolescents and adults, seborrhoeic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling similar to dandruff or as mild to marked erythema of the nasolabial fold.
Treatment: Proper scalp hygiene is primary in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Dermatologists recommend topical treatments such as shampoos, cleansers or creams/lotions that contain antifungal, anti-inflammatory, sebo-suppressive or keratolytic ingredients.
A more potent topical steroid in combination with a dandruff shampoo and antifungal agent may put some resistant patients into remission and actually decrease total steroid exposure.
Some prescription creams such as topical cortisone may be effective in minimizing inflammation and itchiness. Antihistamines are used primarily to reduce itching.
The more potent agents such as clobetasol propionate (Temovate) or fluocinonide (Lidex), may be applied once or twice per day, even on the face, but must be stopped after two weeks because of the increased frequency of side effects. If you respond before the two-week limit, the agent should be stopped immediately.
Don't search the net for indication and contraindication. If you have any doubts ask your dermatologist. Any steroid used with caution is useful for its indication.
Best wishes

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Suffering From Seborrheic Dermatitis. Can I Use Hydrocortisone? How Do I Use? Side Effects?

Hi, The Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disorder that mainly affects your scalp, causing scaly, itchy, red skin and stubborn dandruff. It can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment when it develops on visible parts of your body. The exact cause is not known but there are some factors which can contribute to its development: 1) A yeast (fungus) infection called Malassezia. s. 2) Change of season. Episodes are often worse in winter. 3) Neurological conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur more frequently in people who have 4) Parkinson s disease and certain other neurological disorders. 5) Stress and fatigue. 6) HIV/AIDS. The treatment involves use of antifungals, corticosteroid cream, calcineurin inhibitor, etc. The other treatment options are 1) Selenium sulfide 2) Zinc pyrithione is available in over-the-counter products. 3) Coal tar is the active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Gel and products marketed by other manufacturers. 4) Salacylic acid. The following over-the-counter treatments and self-care tips can help you control and manage seborrheic dermatitis. 1) Wash your hair with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo according to the recommended schedule. If you don t see results, try a shampoo with a different active ingredient. 2) Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream. Application of nonprescription-strength ketoconazole may be helpful. 3) Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area. A short course of a nonprescription hydrocortisone cream containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone can temporarily relieve itching. 4) Avoid harsh soaps and detergents. Be sure to rinse soap completely off your body and scalp. 5) Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing. This will help keep air circulating around your skin and avoid irritation. 6) Shave off your beard or mustache. Seborrheic dermatitis can be worse under mustaches and beards. If this is the case for you, shaving might ease your symptoms. 7) Avoid scratching whenever possible. Scratching can increase irritation, making you more uncomfortable and increasing your risk of infection. Thank you