Seborrheisen

Seborrheisen is a term used in dermatology to describe conditions related to sebaceous glands and sebum production. It is not a single disease but a broad descriptor that appears in some texts to refer to seborrheic processes affecting the skin and scalp. The word blends seborrhea, referencing excessive sebum, with the general medical notion of disease states, and it may be used in various languages with slightly different nuances.

Definition and scope: Seborrheisen covers disorders characterized by abnormal sebum production and associated skin changes such as greasiness, shine, scaling, dandruff, or inflammatory lesions. It is frequently discussed in relation to scalp disorders and inflammatory dermatoses such as seborrheic dermatitis and, in broader contexts, acneiform eruptions.

Causes and pathophysiology: Contributing factors include hormonal influences, genetic predisposition, climatic and lifestyle conditions, and colonization by Malassezia yeasts on the skin. Excess sebum can alter the skin barrier and microbial balance, promoting flaking or inflammation in susceptible individuals.

Diagnosis and differentiation: Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on appearance and distribution. In uncertain cases, especially with persistent scaling or itching, clinicians may exclude fungal infection or other dermatoses and consider the patient’s response to anti-seborrheic therapies.

Treatment and management: Management targets the underlying sebum-related process. Common measures include regular cleansing, medicated shampoos (selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole), topical antifungals when indicated, and anti-inflammatory agents for inflammatory lesions. Lifestyle adjustments can help reduce symptoms.

History and usage: The term seborrheisen is not uniformly used in English-language dermatology and may appear mainly in non-English sources or older literature. It is best understood as a descriptive descriptor rather than a distinct disease entity.