SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS TREATMENT WITH MUSTARD OIL: A CASE REPORT

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease which is primarily associated with sp. Malassezia infection on the epidermis of the skin. The disease is characterized by massive skin exfoliation of seborrheic regions like forehead, behind pinna of ear, armpits, nasolabial fold, dandruff in the scalp, etc. Around 5% of general population is a victim of this disease. The patient condition often becomes a hindrance for his or her livelihood and results into low self-esteem. Modern medical therapy recommends use of selenium sulfide sulfide, azole group of antibiotics like ketokonazole, Econazole, Clotrimazole, etc. In severe cases corticosteroids like Betamethasone dipropionate (0.05% potency) is also used. But all these have not given clinically efficient results. The clinical symptoms visible in this disease are scaling or exfoliation of skin; redness and swelling of affected regions along with itching. Neutrophilic infiltration in the epidermal crust and dense presence of inflammatory mediators in the region are found in the region on performing histological studies using skin biopsy. In the ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda, mustard oil or Sarshapa taila has been characterized as deep penetrating, hot potency, pungent smelling fluid effective against skin itching and urticaria. This is a case report of experimental mustard oil therapy on a patient with Seborrheic dermatitis. It is being addressed by the global health community from both the fields of modern medicine and Ayurveda to carry a much deeper study on the topic and the therapy method which is being shown in this research.

Formulation and in vitro characterization of tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoo

Background: Dandruff is the common scalp condition affecting half of the population of the world. Objective: The current study was aimed at developing anti-dandruff shampoos containing tea tree oil, which is believed to have effects against Malassezia furfur, a fungus involved in dandruff production. Methodology: Various shampoos containing tea tree oil in 0.5 to 3% concentration were prepared after careful selection of various shampoo ingredients. The formulated shampoos were subjected to various quality tests such as pH, viscosity, foam production, dirt dispersion, wetting time, surface tension, solid contents and antimicrobial activity against a model fungal strain, namely Candida albicans. The formulated shampoos were also compared with the marketed shampoos for quality attributes. Results: The results revealed that tea tree oil shampoos had pH values in the range of 5 – 6, which is close to the slightly acidic skin’s pH and considered as good for hair. All other quality attributes were comparable to the marketed products. The marketed shampoos had superior antifungal activity due to presence of zinc pyrithione or higher concentration of salicylic acid or selenium sulfide. Notwithstanding, the tea tree oil shampoos demonstrated an appreciable antifungal activity due to synergistic effects of tea tree oil, sodium lauryl sulphate and salicylic acid. Furthermore, the tea tree oil shampoos were stable during two months long stability testing. Conclusion: Thus, tea tree oil anti-dandruff shampoos have the potential to address the dandruff problem.

An overview on seborrheic dermatitis and its treatment (allopathy and homeopathy)

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic inflammation of the skin, characterized by the appearance of red, flaking, greasy areas of skin, most commonly on the scalp, nasolabial folds, ears, eyebrows and chest. The incidence of the disease has two peaks: one in newborn infants up to three months of age, and the other in adults of around 30-60years of age. The exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not completely understood, multiple factors appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. The principle three factors involved are: sebum secreted from sebaceous gland, presence of Malassezia yeast, and the immune response of the host. Currently allopathic treatment and prophylaxis regimens usually include antifungal agents, most often azoles, mild topical steroids, immunomodulatory activity of topical calcineurin inhibitors such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus and other agents such as selenium sulfide, sulfur, metronidazole and coal tar. Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for seborrheic dermatitis during all stages. Various homeopathic medicine used to treat seborrheic dermatitis are kali sulphuricum, thuja occidentalis, natrum muriaticum and more. The objective of this review is to discuss and provide information about seborrheic dermatitis and its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis and its treatment in allopathy and homeopathy.