Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by skin lesions rich in sebaceous glands.

When a child is diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, signs of the disease can also be found on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest and back, in the armpits and in the groin area, in large folds of the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis on the head of a child is manifested by diffuse redness of the skin of the scalp, the presence of pronounced yellow scales-crusts (milky scab).

Usually seborrheic dermatitis is diagnosed in infants, up to the sixth week of life. It is found in every fourth or fifth baby (to the same extent in boys and girls), much less often in babies 3-4 years old.

Photo of seborrheic dermatitis in a child
Seborrheic dermatitis in children
Photo 1.
Seborrheic dermatitis in children.

Seborrheic dermatitis in children
Photo 2.
Seborrheic dermatitis in children.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis in children
The most common cause of seborrheic dermatitis in a child is excessive colonization of the skin by yeast-like fungi of the genus Malassezia: restricta, furfur and globosa, belonging to the opportunistic microflora. These microorganisms live on the skin of almost all people, feeding on the secretion of the sebaceous glands and not manifesting themselves in any way. But with a significant increase in numbers, they have an irritating effect and cause a variety of dermatological problems.

The following factors can provoke excessive activity of the fungus:

increased secretory activity of the sebaceous glands, which is typical for babies;
increased sweating, which can be the result of excessive wrapping;
maternal hormones present in the body of the newborn;
weak fragile immunity;
pathologies of the digestive system, leading to malfunctions of the organs;
non-compliance with hygiene or the use of soap, gel and shampoo with an irritating effect;
hereditary predisposition.
All types of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in a child can be treated and completely cured.

The most favorable time for the development of the disease is winter.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in children
The main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis in children can be seen in the photo:

redness of the skin in typical localizations
peeling of the skin within the rash
yellow-white or grayish scales;
itching of varying intensity and discomfort.
Over time, the rash may become more pronounced, cracks appear, and weeping is observed. Previously scattered scales merge, forming crusts that occupy large areas.

If you remove the crust on the head mechanically, then severe damage to the skin and the development of cicatricial alopecia – irreversible baldness are possible.

In severe seborrheic dermatitis, the baby’s condition may worsen, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, etc.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in children
Before answering the question: “How to treat seborrheic dermatitis in a child?”, A pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist will carefully examine a small patient and make a diagnosis. Only a specialist will be able to make a correct diagnosis, since the signs of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to the symptoms of other dermatological diseases.

Depending on the results of the examination and the severity of the symptoms, the doctor selects the best way to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children:

active monitoring of the further condition of the baby;
a diet that restores the functioning of the organs of the digestive system;
local therapy, involving the use of creams, gels, ointments, medicated shampoos.
Usually, in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in a child, there is no need to use tablets. Usually the problem disappears after reaching 4-6 months of age.

If the rash has captured large areas and causes severe discomfort in the baby, then the doctor prescribes an external treatment.

An effective effect in the complex treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on the head of a child will be dermatological shampoo Losterin, based on naftalan:

Shampoo Losterin – has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action, eliminates dryness and irritation, restores and strengthens the hair structure.

The composition of the drug includes active substances in the optimal combination, which ensures its high efficiency.

Shampoo Losterin does not cause addiction and side effects, so it can be used for daily care of children’s skin.

If necessary, therapy for seborrheic dermatitis on the face of a child may include:

sedatives;
fortifying drugs;
biogenic stimulants;
vitamin complexes.
If the above remedies are ineffective, then the doctor selects

oral ointments according to the age of the patient.

The following rules will help speed up recovery:

keep the temperature in the apartment within 18-20c to avoid sweating;
wear hats and caps only on the street, let the child stay at home without them;
take the baby out for walks more often;
In no case should dry crusts be removed mechanically, this can severely injure the skin! To soften the crusts, it is recommended to treat them with warmed sunflower oil, vaseline oil or baby oil (if necessary, the doctor may recommend special preparations in the form of shampoos) and wait 15-20 minutes, and then wash your hair with seborrheic dermatitis shampoo for children. This procedure is repeated several times a week.

Folk remedies in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in a child:
add decoctions of chamomile, string, oak bark to bathing water;
treat the affected areas with aloe juice, diluted with a double volume of water, which will help relieve inflammation and itching;
in the morning, treat the skin with warm (34-36 degrees) herbal infusion: mix plantain leaves, chamomile and calendula flowers in equal parts, phytocollection (20 grams) brew with boiling water (300 milliliters) and infuse in a thermos;
You should also pay close attention to the nutrition of the baby. When breastfeeding, a mother needs to remove butter, full-fat milk and sour-milk products with a high fat content, pastries, and sweets from her diet. At the same time, you need to drink more, eat low-fat milk, low-fat kefir and cottage cheese.

Formula-fed babies should be fed an adapted infant formula. It is best to purchase a mixture that is labeled “hypoallergenic” on the packaging.

Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis in children
In order not to look for an answer to the question: “How to cure seborrheic dermatitis in a child?”, It is recommended to pay attention to prevention:

observe the rules of hygiene;
use hypoallergenic products for bathing and shampooing;
regularly show the child to the doctor;
provide the necessary physical activity;
provide proper nutrition;
reduce stress levels.