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Are you wondering why your scalp becomes itchy and flaky at some times of the year or when you are under stress? You might have signs of a skin disease known as Seborrheic Dermatitis. Also known as dandruff on the scalp, it leads to much more than white flakes. It could cause reddish & scaly patches on the facial skin and chest area as well. In Ayurveda, recognising the signs of this condition requires looking at the entire body and the balance of doshas. This holistic approach examines not just the external signs but also the internal imbalances which could be causing the problem.

Early Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

The very first signs of Seborrheic Dermatitis that you will generally notice would be unusual changes in your scalp and skin. These are some common early symptoms to look for:

Dandruff on Scalp & Facial Hair: You might first notice white, flaky skin in your hair or on your shoulders. This is often the most prominent early symptom. It may also affect your eyebrows, beard or mustache and appear as flaky, white skin.
Mild Itchiness: You might see that the affected areas might be somewhat itchy. It might be tempting to scratch but know that this could worsen the irritation.
Redness & Skin Scales: You can also see red and scaly patches on the skin close to the nose, ears, eyelids and eyebrows. These areas might also appear slightly red in the starting and then get more severe.
Oily Skin Patches: The skin in these areas might feel especially greasy or oily. This could occur along with scaling and flaking, particularly on the face and scalp.

If you fail to act at this stage, these symptoms could become more prominent with Seborrheic Dermatitis progression. The flakiness might spread to additional places and the itchiness may become more intense. Knowing these early signs could help you get timely advice and manage symptoms before they get serious.

Advanced Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

As stated earlier, Seborrheic Dermatitis might become more serious and cause more visible changes if it is not treated. This is what you could experience as the condition gets worse:
Increased Flaking and Scaling: The scales and flakes might become thicker and much more prevalent, covering much more of the scalp, face and even the chest. This is more noticeable and harder to control at this stage.
Severe Itching & Discomfort: What begins as being a slight itch can become intense and chronic itching. But remember that if you end up scratching these places, it may cause more irritation and infections.
Thick, Crumbly Skin: The inflamed skin might develop heavy and crusty areas, particularly on the scalp and across the face (eyebrows and sides of the nose).
Skin Infections: Frequent scratching could easily break the skin and cause infections. Redness, swelling and pus are some basic symptoms of infection.
Blepharitis: In case your eyelids get affected, you might experience blepharitis, which can cause swelling, pain, and stickiness of the eyelids.

If you fail to recognise the early signs of Seborrheic Dermatitis, it becomes even more important to realise these advanced symptoms. Timely diagnosis can help you get proper treatment and avoid more complications.

When to Seek Ayurvedic Help?

If you are experiencing constant flaking, severe redness, or itchiness that is just not going away, you should consult an Ayurvedic doctor. These signs might suggest that your Seborrheic Dermatitis has progressed to an advanced stage that needs expert care. Ayurveda treats the root cause of this problem instead of addressing just the symptoms. This offers long-term relief and wellness. So, if you see these signs, consult with an Ayurvedic specialist today for expert advice and treatment.