SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
THIS IS A MORE troublesome version of simple dandruff. It involves scaling of the scalp, eyelids, and eyebrows or of the skin around the nose, behind the ears, under the arms, around the anal and genital areas, and in the body folds of the obese. The rash may involve redness and oozing or hard, dry crusting of the skin. In men, the rash may extend to the beard area and the hairy parts of the chest and back.
I’ve had numerous patients with seborrheic dermatitis who have seen many physicians in an effort to get it cleared up, to no avail. I think the problem is that it’s so commonly misdiagnosed. Many times it’s mistaken for a simple rash, another type of eczema, or just a dry skin condition. In fact, seborrheic dermatitis is a specific condition that will not respond to treatments for these other skin problems, and if it’s not taken care of it can spread.
Seborrheic dermatitis, we now know, is caused by the yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, which also causes dandruff. In order to fight the yeast and keep the seborrheic dermatitis under control, you should eliminate yeast and yeast-promoting foods from your diet. That means giving up many popular foods, but sufferers find the sacrifice worth it. Taking acidophilus capsules also helps.
Don’t expect the yeast avoidance diet to work immediately-it may take thirty days or so.
Keeping to a yeast-free diet will keep the condition under control, but I’ve found that my patients are really helped by using a prescription cream that 1 describe below.
NATURAL PRESCRIPTION FOR SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
- Avoid all sugars and sweets, which promote yeast and make the condition worse.
- Eliminate all foods and beverages that contain yeast such as bread and other baked goods, cheese, mushrooms, vinegar, soy sauce, fermented condiments such as olives and pickles, as well as all wines and alcoholic drinks.
- Acidophilus: one capsule three times a day.
IN ADDITION: Ask your doctor to prescribe nystatin triamcinolone acetonide cream (sold under the name Mycolog cream) for you to help keep the condition under control.
