Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and ringworm are common skin diseases found frequently in Thailand. These conditions vary in severity and can affect daily life and self-confidence, as they are easily noticeable. Each disease has distinct symptoms and lesion characteristics.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation or sebaceous gland rash. It is a common skin condition caused by inflammation of the sebaceous glands, occurring in oily areas with many sebaceous glands such as the face, back, chest, nose, scalp, around the hips, and groin.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Oily skin patches covered with white or yellow flakes
• Red rash, peeling skin, burning and itching
• Inflamed, red, or crusted eyelids
• May accompany hair loss
• Symptoms may worsen under stress
• Often worsens in winter and summer seasons

Seborrheic dermatitis cannot be permanently cured. Once symptoms improve, avoid irritants such as alcohol-based creams, manage stress, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol to strengthen the immune system and prevent recurrence.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is easily recognized by thick red patches with white flakes resembling dandruff. Psoriasis usually starts on the scalp and spreads to other areas, most commonly the elbows and knees. Psoriasis is not contagious. Stress and insufficient rest are key triggers for flare-ups.

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

• Thick red patches with clear borders and heavy scaling on the trunk, arms, and legs
• Shallow pustules on red lesions
• Dry skin that may crack and bleed, with itching and burning
• Inflamed red patches in armpits, groin, or widespread redness across the body
• Nail abnormalities such as pitting, separation, or thickening
• Pain and swelling in joints

Ringworm (Tinea / Dermatophytosis) is a fungal skin infection that can occur in all genders and ages. It is a curable condition. Ringworm can appear anywhere on the body including the scalp, face, hands, feet, nails, and groin. It appears as red-bordered rings on the skin, with the center having normal skin color.

Symptoms vary by location:

• Scalp ringworm — flaking scalp, pain on touch, patchy hair loss, itching
• Body ringworm — itching, redness, irritation around the ring, may develop blisters or pustules
• Athlete's foot (Hong Kong foot) — dry, itchy, red patches between toes
• Jock itch (groin ringworm) — reddish-brown, painful, blisters or pustules, itching
• Facial/neck ringworm — itching, swelling, dry scaling (doesn't form classic ring shape)
• Hand ringworm — thickening of skin on palms and between fingers
• Nail ringworm — white, cloudy, thick brittle fingernails; yellow, separating, brittle toenails

Knowing the symptoms and differences between these conditions helps us identify and treat them correctly. Some can be cured completely; others can be managed to prevent spreading. Maintaining good health is essential to prevent recurrence.

• Consult a doctor for diagnosis — for mild cases, topical and oral medications are recommended; severe cases may require injections
• Keep skin moisturized with gentle external products, anti-dandruff shampoo, and lotion
• Keep the affected area clean at all times
• Manage stress and get adequate rest
• Reduce irritation of affected skin, avoid scratching

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Treatment Results

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