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Seborrhoeic dermatitis - Management
What advice should I give?
- Reassure the person that seborrhoeic dermatitis is not caused by lack of cleanliness or excessive dryness of the skin, and is not transmissable.
- Explain that treatment cannot cure seborrhoeic dermatitis but can control it. Symptoms often recur after treatment has stopped.
- Avoid using cosmetic products that contain alcohol.
- Avoid using soap and shaving cream on the face if they cause irritation. Advise the use of non-greasy emollients or emollient soap substitutes.
- A diet rich in yeast-containing products will not affect the disease. If the person has known dietary triggers, these should be avoided, and if the diet is generally poor, advise an improved diet.
- Advise stress reduction, if possible.
In depth
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