Differentiation between Seborrheic Dermatitis and Eczema
Seborrheic and atopic dermatitis are two common types of eczema that affect millions of people worldwide. Here's a breakdown of their key differences, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Symptoms
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis typically affects oily, sebaceous gland-rich areas such as the scalp, face (especially around the nose and eyebrows), chest, and skin folds. It presents with flaky, scaly, greasy, yellowish or white scales, redness, and sometimes itching or inflammation. In infants, it's known as cradle cap, characterised by flaky yellow or flesh-coloured patches on the head.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis causes dry, itchy, irritated, thickened skin patches. It typically involves flexural surfaces (inside of elbows, behind knees), cheeks, and other body areas; less often oily areas. It's common for atopic dermatitis to start in childhood and may be part of the "atopic triad" with asthma and hay fever.
Causes
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be related to overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on oily skin. Risk factors include genetic and environmental factors, stress, neurological diseases like Parkinson's, and certain medications such as lithium, immunosuppressants, and dopamine antagonists.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is caused by a complex immune dysfunction and a defective skin barrier, often involving filaggrin protein abnormalities. It's strongly linked with genetic predisposition, personal or family history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies. External triggers such as dry weather, irritants (soaps, perfumes, detergents), and temperature changes may provoke flare-ups.
Treatment
Seborrheic Dermatitis
The treatment for seborrheic dermatitis focuses on controlling yeast overgrowth and inflammation using topical antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, ciclopirox). Medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium are commonly used for scalp involvement. Anti-inflammatory agents and proper skincare help manage symptoms. Treatment needs to be ongoing because it is a chronic relapsing condition.
Atopic Dermatitis
The emphasis on atopic dermatitis treatment is on skin hydration with moisturizers to repair the skin barrier. Use of anti-inflammatory treatments such as topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors during flare-ups is common. Avoidance of known irritants/triggers and management of associated allergies is also crucial. In severe or persistent cases, systemic treatments may be required.
In summary, seborrheic dermatitis is characterised by greasy, scaly patches primarily on oily skin areas caused by yeast overgrowth, while atopic dermatitis involves dry, itchy, inflamed skin due to immune dysfunction and a defective skin barrier. Their treatments address these differing causes: antifungals and anti-inflammatories for seborrheic dermatitis versus moisturizing and immunomodulatory therapies for atopic dermatitis.
Both seborrheic and atopic dermatitis can occur simultaneously, and genetics play a role in their development. Hormonal shifts, disruptions to the skin's microbes, and certain medications can also contribute to their onset. It's important to note that atopic dermatitis may appear anywhere, while seborrheic dermatitis occurs on oily areas of the body such as the scalp, face, chest, or behind the ears. People with allergies and asthma are more susceptible to atopic dermatitis, and having a weakened immune system can potentially contribute to the development of both types of dermatitis.
- The complex immune dysfunction and skin barrier defects associated with atopic dermatitis often involve abnormalities in the filaggrin protein, which is an entity in science related to health and wellness, particularly in skin-care.
- Neurological diseases like Parkinson's and certain medications such as lithium, immunosuppressants, and dopamine antagonists have been linked to seborrheic dermatitis, a type of medical condition within the category of skin care.
- Topical antifungals like ketoconazole and ciclopirox, often found in medical-conditions treatments, are used to control yeast overgrowth in seborrheic dermatitis.
- In contrast, treatment for atopic dermatitis focuses on skin hydration using moisturizers, which are a part of the health-and-wellness products that cater to skin-care needs.
