It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin that causes redness and desquamation.
The exact cause is not known, but its origin is suspected to be multifactorial: hereditary factors, hormonal factors, immune system weakness, nervous system alterations, nutritional habits and allergy to the fungus Malassezia furfur.
It presents with areas of reddened skin with white and/or yellowish crusts or scales that flake off. It predominantly affects oily skin areas such as the scalp, face or inner ear area.
Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and physical examination.
There is no definitive treatment, being considered a chronic disease that appears in outbreaks. The application of creams and shampoos for this purpose can improve the symptoms. In more severe cases, lotions or shampoos with corticosteroids and/or immunomodulators may be used to treat inflammation. Ultraviolet light helps to improve the lesions, disappearing almost completely in times of increased sun exposure.
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