What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Researchers aren’t sure of the major cause of seborrheic dermatitis. They think there are multiple causes. Factors that may cause seborrheic dermatitis are:
- A type of yeast known as Malassezia, which can be found on everyone’s skin, but overgrows in some people.
- An elevated level of androgens (a hormone).
- An increased level of skin lipids.
- An inflammatory reaction.
- Family history (dermatitis runs in the family).
Other factors that cause or exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Cold and dry climate.
- Oily skin.
- Using alcohol-based lotions.
- History of other skin disorders, including rosacea, psoriasis and acne.
Weather can affect Seborrheic Dermatitis. Dry air during the winter months will worsen your seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatitis is mild during the summertime. The sun’s UV-A and UV-B light are known to kill the type of yeast that overgrows on the skin of people who get seborrheic dermatitis. It would be best if you avoided sunburns.
Certain foods also have some effects on Seborrheic Dermatitis. Although there are theories out there, scientists are yet to discover what food triggers or improves seborrheic dermatitis. Diet does not affect dandruff [3].