An overview on seborrheic dermatitis and its treatment (allopathy and homeopathy)

Abstract

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic inflammation of the skin, characterized by the appearance of red, flaking, greasy areas of skin, most commonly on the scalp, nasolabial folds, ears, eyebrows and chest. The incidence of the disease has two peaks: one in newborn infants up to three months of age, and the other in adults of around 30-60years of age. The exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not completely understood, multiple factors appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. The principle three factors involved are: sebum secreted from sebaceous gland, presence of Malassezia yeast, and the immune response of the host. Currently allopathic treatment and prophylaxis regimens usually include antifungal agents, most often azoles, mild topical steroids, immunomodulatory activity of topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus and other agents such as selenium sulfide, sulfur, metronidazole and coal tar. Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for seborrheic dermatitis during all stages. Various homeopathic medicine used to treat seborrheic dermatitis are kali sulphuricum, thuja occidentalis, natrum muriaticum and more. The objective of this review is to discuss and provide information about seborrheic dermatitis and its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and its treatment in allopathy and homeopathy.