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What Causes Seborhic Dermatitis?

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2015

Question: Hi. My son is 3 & half months old. He has atopic skin and we have been using mustella stelatopia cream for moisturization and oil once a day. From last one week we have noticed skin discolouration on his stomach thighs and back, no specific shape of the area. We have seen a paediatrician and he said it seborhic dermatitis. First thing he asked is to stop oil. That we have done instantly.
He has prescribed deflazacort suspension and fexofenadine oral. And Flutivate cream for topical application. Are these medications safe and really needed for my little baby.?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The medicines are proper and need to be given

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

The diagnosis of seborrhoeic dermatitis seems logical in such a case. I would suggest limiting use of both oil and soap at least over the affected areas. The additional measure that I would suggest is to use ketoconazole shampoo (comes in brands like Nizoral) twice or thrice a week. Apply the foam over the affected areas as well. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused due to a fungus and this measure would be helpful. Fexofenadine is a very good antiallergic and needs to be given alongwith. The other medicines too can be used safely in a child of this age.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue the treatment as mentioned earlier

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
I have seen the images. It indeed seems to be due to fungal infection. Please continue the treatment as mentioned earlier.
Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (10 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor for your prompt replies. We are a bit concerned about the steroid based Deflazacort and hence were wondering if it would be ok to stop the oil and use the Fecefenadine and Flutivate ointment for a while and if no improvement is noticed then only administer him the other medicine or would you recommend to begin the treatment right away without further delay?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Start immediately. Use for a week and review

Detailed Answer:
Sorry for not being able to promptly reply this time. I had lost connectivity.

I would insist starting the treatment without delay. Do not worry about the steroids. They are essential. But gauge the response after 7-10 days. I do not justify its use beyond that. You may continue fexofenadine if felt required.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar