Seborrhea

Seborrhea - a violation of the function of the sebaceous glands, characterized mainly by increased isolation of infertile sebum. The main importance is the reduced content of free lower fatty acids due to the increase in cholesterol and free higher fatty acids, which reduces bacteriostatic properties of the skin and promotes the development of secondary infection.

The etiology is unknown. Pathogenesis: functional nerve endocrine disorders, in particular vegetative dystonia. Endocrine changes are expressed in a violation of the ratio between androgens and estrogens (increased levels of androgens with a decrease in estrogens). Perhaps the neuro-endocrine disorders in seborrhea are due to a primary hypothalamic or cortical pathology, since seborrhea phenomena are usually pronounced in encephalitis, Parkinson's disease, and diencephalic disorders. Seborrhea intensifies from acute, salty and sweet food.

Clinical picture. Seborrhea can develop on any part of the skin where there are sebaceous glands, but usually it occurs where the sebaceous glands are particularly large and large: on the scalp, face, chest and back. Seborrhea is especially common in the puberty period. Seborrhea manifestations are quite clearly characterized by the term "greasy skin": the affected areas appear moist, greasy, and have a characteristic luster. The pores of the sebaceous glands are enlarged, they are often blocked by dark stoppers (comedones, "blackheads"). The skin often thickens, acquires a dirty-gray shade. All this makes the skin look like an orange or lemon peel. Hair greasy, marked seborrheic alopecia.

Often there are sebaceous cysts in the form of small yellowish-white nodules (milium, "whiteheads"). Depending on the prevalence of certain symptoms distinguish between liquid (fat) and thick (dry) seborrhea. Seborrhea is often complicated by dandruff and vulgar acne. Dandruff - diffuse peeling of the scalp, usually not accompanied by inflammatory phenomena. The appearance of dandruff is due to the activation of the bacterial flora saprophytic here, which penetrates the epidermis and disturbs its keratinization.

Treatment is mainly reduced to rational skin care (washing in the morning and in the evening with hot water and soap, rinsing with cold water, rubbing the skin with 1-2% salicylic alcohol, Vidal's milk, peeling the skin with "Ideal" creams, Chamomile"). For the treatment of dandruff, 2% sulfuric salicylic alcohol, sulsenic paste, sulsenic soap, Seborin shampoo are used. Limit spicy, salty and sweet food. Correction of neuroendocrine abnormalities.