Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis, I’m Worried Because My Stress Is Getting Worse

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases. It can occur in areas with sebaceous glands, such as the scalp or face, and many people experience skin inflammation on the face where sebum is actively secreted. When it occurs on the face, it can also lead to psychological stress and lower self-confidence, so it is important to respond quickly.

What Are the Characteristics of Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis?

When people think of seborrheic dermatitis, they usually imagine white flakes of dead skin falling off. However, facial skin is thinner than skin on other areas and is repeatedly exposed to external irritants. As a result, the skin tends to turn red more quickly and develop oily, flaky scales along with sebum. It also often appears on the T-zone, such as the forehead, nose, and eyebrows.

If You Notice These Symptoms, Suspect Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis should be treated without missing the right timing so it can be prevented from spreading across the entire face. You may notice fine flaking, or your face may frequently feel tight and become red. You might think it is simply caused by an imbalance between oil and moisture, but the flaking increases and does not calm down even if you apply lotion. It can progress into red patches, and the skin may also become itchy. If scratching causes flakes to come off, it does not go away; instead, the skin becomes even redder, inflammation sets in, and crusts may form. If treatment does not go well, the skin can thicken and even leave scars. Oozing may also occur. Over time, as the skin barrier weakens, it can lead to other skin problems.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Improve?

Because seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the face, it causes significant cosmetic stress, and it can be difficult to cover with makeup. When the skin is sensitive, cosmetics can act as irritants and worsen symptoms. For these reasons, many people visit a dermatologist. In addition to seborrheic dermatitis, treatment involves checking whether any other conditions are present and evaluating the current condition of the skin. In dermatology, ointments or creams containing antifungal ingredients are commonly used, and depending on the condition, steroid ointments may be prescribed for a short period. In addition, using a moisturizer that strengthens the skin barrier is important, and if symptoms are severe, oral medication may be tried separately. ​

What Can Be Done to Prevent It?

To prevent seborrheic dermatitis, it is necessary to manage your lifestyle habits. First, avoid using harsh cleansers that irritate the skin, and gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Excessive washing or using hot water can instead weaken the skin barrier, so washing with lukewarm water is recommended. After washing, you should apply moisturizer right away, and irritating foods can also weaken the skin barrier and worsen skin inflammation. Lack of sleep can also make itching worse and does not help recovery, so maintaining a regular daily routine is necessary as well. Especially when temperature changes are large like they are these days, please make sure to protect your skin from direct exposure to cold wind with a mask or scarf.

Seborrheic dermatitis has a chronic nature, so rather than disappearing completely, it needs ongoing care. With proper treatment and prevention, symptoms can be relieved, so if you notice any suspicious symptoms, please visit a dermatologist for a diagnosis.