Gentle skin care can also help with itchiness and flaking.
Studieshave shown seborrheic dermatitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of those who have it.
Appearance plays a role in how people feel about themselves.
Doble-d / Getty Images
This makes sense, because the face is what is shown to the world every day.
Younger people seem to be more emotionally affected by the condition than those who are older.
Females also report more embarrassment and shame because of the condition compared to their male counterparts.
Start a treatment routine.
If you haven’t alreadystarted treatment, this is a great first step.
Seborrheic dermatitis is very treatable, although not curable.
Get a more aggressive treatment.
Is your current treatment just not cutting it?
Let your healthcare provider know.
You likely need a different treatment.
There are plenty of options available so don’t settle on one that isn’t working for you.
Take care of yourself.
Your well-being is important.
While it doesn’t often bother baby, it can be distressing to parents.
Some parents report feeling badly about the state of their baby’s skin.
Some even feel guilty, thinking they possibly caused the condition somehow.
(Not true, by the way.
Cradle cap is not sparked by any failing on the parents part to give good care.)
Other parents say they often feel judged, especially if their baby’s cradle cap is severe.
They worry others think they aren’t caring for their baby properly or failing to keeping their baby clean.
Physical
Although seborrheic dermatitis is a benign condition, it can make your skin uncomfortable.
Managing Itch
One of the more annoying aspects of seborrheic dermatitis is the itch.
Severity varies between people, with some finding it very itchy and others not at all.
Many treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, like topical corticosteroids, do help with itch.
Regular utility of gentle moisturizing creams help soften scales and can minimize redness.
For daytime, you may wish to use a green-tinted moisturizer.
This help offset the redness without the look of makeup.
Don’t discount makeup.
If makeup seems to further irritate your skin, it’s best to skip it.
People with visible skin conditions often worry about what others think of their skin.
Do others think the condition is resulting from a lack of hygiene?
Or wonder if it’s contagious?
This perceived judgment can lead to loss of self-esteem and a withdrawal from social activities.
It’s important to acknowledge that feeling distressed by seborrheic dermatitis is not vanity.
This loss of self-confidence can negatively impact many aspects of one’s life.
They may shy away from taking on roles that draw attention to themselves.
Or, simply, feeling less-than-confident can translate into feeling less-than-capable, at work and beyond.
These feelings can also affect dating and social life with friends and family.
Again, treatment, sometimes aggressive treatment, can help.
But you must let your healthcare provider know the impact this condition is having on your social experiences.
Finding Support
Acknowledging your feelings and thoughts to supportive family and friends can help ease the burden.
If you live in a larger metropolitan area, there may be local support groups nearby.
Ask your healthcare provider’s office if they can point you in the right direction.
Online support groups can be found through organizations such as theNational Eczema Association.
They can also help you find support groups near you.
Treatment itself then becomes a source of frustration.
If you are having trouble consistently using your treatments, it can be helpful to ask yourself why.
Is your treatment too time-consuming?
Is it too expensive?
Or maybe you’re simply frustrated by lack of results and not motivated to continue with the current treatment.
In all of these cases, it’s time to have a frank talk with your healthcare provider.
If you’re using over-the-counter products, it may be time to move on to prescription medications.
A reevaluation of your treatment regimen may be in order.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends.
Makeup can sometimes irritate seborrheic dermatitis.
Yes, seborrheic dermatitis can go away.
Sometimes it may even clear up without treatment.
However, it usually requires topical antifungal treatments or corticosteroids to clear up.
Stress and poor eating habits can trigger seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
Practicing stress management techniques, getting regular exercise, and avoiding processed food may help to prevent a flare-up.
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