Seborrhea causes the skin to release a waxy, greasy substance that formulates in the ears and armpits and around the belly, elbows, and ankles. This greasy substance is very fatty and VERY smelly. It causes dogs to itch like crazy; often, the affected areas become crusty and bleed.
Seborrhea (say: seb-uh-ree-uh) is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called “dandruff.” It can be on parts of the face as well, including the folds around the nose and behind the ears, the forehead, and the eyebrows and eyelids.
Treatment is needed to keep your dog comfortable while the underlying cause is identified and secondary skin diseases are corrected. In addition to treating any secondary infections with antibiotics, medicated shampoos are often used to help control the seborrhea and speed the return of the skin to a normal state.
Canine seborrhea, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in dogs. Seborrhea occurs when the skin cells produce too much keratinous material, which causes dermatitis and increased scale formation. In addition, the sebaceous glands may overproduce sebum, causing oily skin.
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Seborrheic dermatitis is a superficial fungal disease of the skin, occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands. It is thought that an association exists between Malassezia yeasts and seborrheic dermatitis. This may, in part, be due to an abnormal or inflammatory immune response to these yeasts.
Seborrheic dermatitis generally doesn't cause hair loss. However, excessive scratching can injure your hair follicles, resulting in some hair loss. In addition, the extra sebum associated with seborrheic dermatitis can trigger an overgrowth of malassezia.
An inflammatory reaction to excess Malassezia yeast, an organism that normally lives on the skin's surface, is the likely cause of seborrheic dermatitis. The Malessezia overgrows and the immune system seems to overreact to it, leading to an inflammatory response that results in skin changes.
Seborrheic dermatitis can flare up anytime and is triggered mainly by: Cold, dry weather. Stress.
Other things that can trigger seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Hormonal changes.
- Harsh detergents and soaps.
- Medicines such as psoralen, lithium, and interferon.
Simple Seb Derm Tips from a Derm. Seborrhoeic dermatitis can't be totally cured, but often symptoms can be controlled almost completely. Once daily use of a facial moisturizer, and use of a hair conditioner after shampooing may be very helpful.
Applying a cream containing salicylic acid and sulfur. Do not use petroleum jelly to soften the scales. It tends to worsen seborrheic dermatitis.
It might be concluded that crude honey could markedly improve seborrheic dermatitis and associated hair loss and prevent relapse when applied weekly.
In case of mild to moderate SD involving face and other sites (other than scalp), the topical antifungal of choice is ketoconazole 1% cream or terbinafine 1% cream.
Likewise, it's important to avoid eating too much sugar. Sugar may trigger an overgrowth of the candida yeast on your skin and impact the levels of vitamins C and E in the body. These vitamins play an important role in fighting dandruff and keeping your immune system strong.
Apple Cider Vinegar. Soaking the patches of seborrheic dermatitis in apple cider vinegar will loosen the scales. Also, apple cider vinegar reduces the inflammation in the flare-up area. To treat seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, wash your hair with a mild Ayurvedic shampoo first.
Folliculitis. Superficial bacterial folliculitis is an infection that causes sores, bumps, and scabs on the skin. These skin abnormalities are easier to see in shorthaired dogs. In longhaired dogs, the most obvious symptoms may be a dull coat and shedding with scaly skin underneath.
Yeast is tremendously itchy. If your dog smells musty and is scratching at their ears, rubbing their bottoms on the ground or constantly scratching, or licking, they are probably dealing with yeast. Dogs can get yeast infections anywhere on their skin including between toes, arm pits, folds of skin and ears.
Oatmeal is a grain which provides a food source for that yeast on your dog's skin. Use an anti-fungal shampoo made from, for example, tea tree oil or an herbal blend. These will help control the amount of yeast growing on your pet.
The following over-the-counter treatments and self-care tips may help you control seborrheic dermatitis:
- Soften and remove scales from your hair.
- Wash your skin regularly.
- Apply a medicated cream.
- Avoid styling products.
- Avoid skin and hair products that contain alcohol.
- Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing.
Seborrheic dermatitis may go away without treatment. Or you may need many repeated treatments before the symptoms go away. And they may return later. Daily cleansing with a gentle soap and shampoo can help reduce oiliness and dead skin buildup.
Outcome. Infant: Seborrheic dermatitis often completely disappears by 6 months to 1 year of age. Adolescent or adult: A few people see seborrheic dermatitis clear without treatment.
It occurs most often in infants younger than three months old and in adults ages 30 to 60. It is more common in men than in women, and in Caucasians more than African Americans. If you are born with naturally oily skin, you are more likely to get this type of dermatitis.
