In the treatment room, I often hear patients say their face keeps turning red, flakes appear after cleansing, and the Skin feels itchy or hot. At first, some think it is acne or simple dryness and change cosmetics or repeatedly use ointments, only for the symptoms to continue longer. Seborrheic dermatitis needs to be viewed as a Chronic Skin Condition involving not only the visible Skin, but also condition, stress, eating habits, and heat circulation together.
How is it different from acne or folliculitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis often occurs in areas with high sebum production. On the face, redness and oily flakes repeatedly appear around the nose, between the eyebrows, on the eyebrows, forehead, and around the chin, and dandruff-like flakes and itching may also accompany it on the scalp. Pimples can appear like acne, and it may feel stinging like folliculitis, so it is not easy to distinguish on your own.
Important clues are “recurrence” and “accompanying symptoms.” If redness, heat sensation, itching, and flaking come and go together and worsen after lack of sleep or stress, we consider the possibility of seborrheic dermatitis. However, because it can resemble rosacea, contact dermatitis, fungal infection, and other conditions, the shape and extent of the lesions, as well as products and medications currently being used, should be checked together.
In Korean medicine, we look at the balance of the Skin and body together
In Korean medicine care, we do not look only at the inflammatory response visible on the Skin. We also check where heat is staying inside the body, how Digestion and bowel movements are, and whether fatigue and sleep are sufficient. The approach may differ for people whose heat easily rises to the upper body and whose face flushes easily, those who worsen after greasy foods or alcohol, and those whose scalp and face become itchy when tension and fatigue build up.
Treatment combines herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, and lifestyle correction according to constitution and current symptoms. herbal medicine is composed with consideration of heat sensation, itching, inflammation patterns, Digestive System status, and degree of fatigue, while acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is performed in a direction that helps relieve tension and regulate circulation. If you are already using dermatology medications or ointments, please do not stop them on your own, and it is safer to tell us during your visit.
Lifestyle Management to reduce flare-ups
- Wash your face briefly with lukewarm water, and avoid strong scrubs or frequent peeling treatments.
- If symptoms worsen after greasy foods, excessive drinking, or late-night meals, try keeping a food record for a period of time.
- Lack of sleep and overwork can increase facial heat sensation and itching, so make time for recovery.
- If scalp flakes are also present, rinse thoroughly so hair products do not touch the face.
- Do not change all new cosmetics at once; adjust slowly while checking for irritation.
When Consultation Is Recommended
If the red area spreads, oozing or pain accompanies it, inflammation around the eyes recurs, or flaking and itching interfere with sleep, I recommend receiving care. It is best to look at the Causes before changes that look like pigmentation or scarring develop. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that can easily improve and worsen repeatedly, but if you understand your Aggravating Factors and also regulate your body’s balance, you can set a direction for management. Rather than blaming the Skin, we will take it as a signal from the body and examine it step by step.