Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a recurring skin condition that produces greasy, flaking patches on oil-rich areas of the body. The scalp is most commonly affected, but redness and scaling also appear on the eyebrows, sides of the nose, behind the ears, and the central chest. It is not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene.
Medicine used to treat Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
What triggers flare-ups
The exact cause is not fully understood, but overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, which lives naturally on skin, is a key factor. Stress, fatigue, and cold or dry weather tend to make symptoms worse, as does oily skin. In Southeast Asia’s humid climate, the condition often cycles through periods of improvement and worsening year-round rather than clearing fully in summer as it sometimes does in cooler climates.
Topical corticosteroids are a common short-term treatment for inflamed flare-ups. Mometasone, available through skin care options on ZoneMD, is one agent used to bring redness and irritation under control. An ingredient overview is at the mometasone page.