Seborrheic eczema is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. The word "seborrheic" is pronounced /sɛbəˈriːɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling may seem confusing, but it comes from the Greek word "sebos," which means "tallow" or "fat." This refers to the oily nature of the skin associated with this condition. "Eczema," on the other hand, is pronounced /ɛkˈziːmə/ and comes from the Greek word "ekzema," meaning "eruption" or "boil." Despite its slightly tricky spelling, seborrheic eczema can be effectively managed with proper treatment.
Seborrheic eczema, also commonly known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands. It is characterized by the occurrence of red, flaky, and itchy patches on the skin, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, and upper body.
Seborrheic eczema primarily results from an overproduction of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin. This overproduction can be triggered by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, certain medications, and a particular yeast known as Malassezia that naturally resides on the skin. The interaction between this yeast, sebum, and the body's immune response leads to inflammation and the development of eczematous symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema include the presence of scaly patches that may be yellow or white in color, itching or burning sensations on the affected areas, and occasionally, hair loss in severe cases. Although seborrheic eczema typically occurs in adults, it can also affect infants (referred to as cradle cap) and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Treatment options for seborrheic eczema aim to manage symptoms and include topical corticosteroids, antifungal creams, medicated shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, and moisturizers. In addition to medication, regular hair and skin care routines, stress management, and maintaining good hygiene practices can help alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups of seborrheic eczema.
The term "Seborrheic Eczema" consists of two main components: "seborrheic" and "eczema".
1. Seborrheic: The word seborrheic is derived from the Greek word "sebo", which means "tallow" or "grease", and the Greek word "rhein", meaning "to flow". It refers to an overproduction of sebum, a waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
2. Eczema: The term eczema comes from the Greek word "ekzein", meaning "to boil out" or "to effervesce". It originally referred to any inflammatory skin condition characterized by reddening, swelling, and itching.