Newbie looking for advice…

Hello to all:

I just joined this group and am searching for some help with my SD
(as I recently found out it was called). I have had this problem for
only a year or so (I am 24 years old). For me personally, the
problem consists of mild dryness under the armpit area and sometimes
on my back with itching. However, the biggest problems are (1) my
scalp which constantly flakes and often itches and (2) my face
around my eyebrows, my upper lip, and predominantly on the sides of
my nose and on my face area next to my nose. I have done quite a bit
of research on the topic tonight trying to get a feel for the
condition because it has seemed to get worse for me over the past
few weeks. My skin on my face around my nose is constantly peeling
now and is noticeably red.


I was hoping that someone could give me some starter advice to see
if I can find any basic, easy solutions before moving on to more
drastic measures. From what I have read in my research, it would
appear that my condition is on the mild end of the scale and
subsequently, I am looking for a way to remedy the problem
immediately without having to see a doctor (unless of course it
comes to that in the future). I would really appreciate anyones help
recommending solutions (i.e., scalp treatments, shampoos, anti-yeast
or anti-fungal creams, etc.). As I said, I am truly new at this and
so I only have an idea of some basic treatments from my brief
research. Thanks a bunch in advance!!

33 Responses to “Newbie looking for advice…”

  1. Josh Carlson Says:

    I can only help you telling what works for me. That
    doesnt mean it will work for you too. Thats isnt how
    SD works. But you can always try

    After trying various approaches and soaps, i’ve come
    up with the following scheme

    1) NodeDS shampoo for the scalp every two days
    2) lactibon pH 3.5 for the rest of the skin

    cheers

    ———————————

    Hello to all:

    I just joined this group and am searching for some
    help with my SD
    (as I recently found out it was called). I have had
    this problem for
    only a year or so (I am 24 years old). For me
    personally, the
    problem consists of mild dryness under the armpit area
    and sometimes
    on my back with itching. However, the biggest problems
    are (1) my
    scalp which constantly flakes and often itches and (2)
    my face
    around my eyebrows, my upper lip, and predominantly on
    the sides of
    my nose and on my face area next to my nose. I have
    done quite a bit
    of research on the topic tonight trying to get a feel
    for the
    condition because it has seemed to get worse for me
    over the past
    few weeks. My skin on my face around my nose is
    constantly peeling
    now and is noticeably red.

    I was hoping that someone could give me some starter
    advice to see
    if I can find any basic, easy solutions before moving
    on to more
    drastic measures. From what I have read in my
    research, it would
    appear that my condition is on the mild end of the
    scale and
    subsequently, I am looking for a way to remedy the
    problem
    immediately without having to see a doctor (unless of
    course it
    comes to that in the future). I would really
    appreciate anyones help
    recommending solutions (i.e., scalp treatments,
    shampoos, anti-yeast
    or anti-fungal creams, etc.). As I said, I am truly
    new at this and
    so I only have an idea of some basic treatments from
    my brief
    research. Thanks a bunch in advance!!

    =====
    Running on:
    1.5 Ghz P4
    256Mb
    asus v800x chipset
    RH9 CCRMA-patched linux

  2. Neva Marjory Says:

    I think the most effective over the counter stuff for you
    may be various anti dandruff shampoos.
    These can be made much more than normally effective
    by spreading a layer on the skin about 15 to 30 minutes
    before bathing.

    Some types to try are (look for the active ingredient):
    selenium sulfide group (Selsun Blue)
    ketoconizole (Nizeral)
    pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders, DHS Zinc, Zincon)

    The last is an extremely broad spectrum antimicrobial agent
    (actually, a biocide), but since it kills just about anything,
    it can also attack skin and hair folicles with enough exposure.
    So I wouldn’t start with a full half hour soak with that one,

    till you have some idea how sensitive you are to it
    and use it no more often than every other day.
    The others can be used daily.

    In any case, rinse extra thoroughly because the detergent residue
    can also cause irritation.
    This does not mean you have to scrub hard.
    Just rub gently with your fingers under clean flowing warm water,
    a while after it no longer feels soapy.

    If you find one that is going to work,
    you should see definite improvement in two days or so.

    If more than one works, rotate through the successful types,
    one a day.

  3. Adolph Trudie Says:

    there is no immediate safe treatment for seb derm unless you use steroids.
    But stay away from them as much as possible. I have been doing excellent
    now with hollistic treatments. Im on a regimine of Omega 3’s, Vitamin E,
    Detox, Magnesium, Adrenal and on a healthy diet. Never been better.

    tony the baloney

  4. Rodrick Georgiana Says:

    Elidel and ciclopiroxolamine(Loprox or Batrafen) creams. They are
    effective and safe.

    Best wishes

  5. Neva Marjory Says:

    Hi,

    New to group. SD all my life. Was born with the crud. Went away for a
    while in childhood only to come back with vengeance in teens.

    Your protocol is very similar to mine. I am also getting good
    results.

    Vit E blocks 5-lipoxygenase pathway(dose dependent), same as boswellia
    and that seems to help. I also use Vit C and selenium to boost
    glutathione. That is always low in SD. Oxidation load high in SD. CD4
    T-cells low. Interferon gamma, IL-2 low. Similar profile to HIV.

    The adrenals may be shot and this may be a big clue to a posssible
    treatment. Very interesting IMO. This warrants some serious review I

    think :

    In a similar vein :

  6. Neva Marjory Says:

    Interesting articles,
    Scary thing for me was two years ago when the SD spread to my face
    and then on to my underarm area, I had no idea what was happening. I
    decided a bad rash on my face was not normal and went to my doctor.
    He was an old timer late 60s, he examined me, leaned back, looked me
    square in the eye as if to tell if my response to his question would
    be a lie and asked " Have you ever been at risk for hiv?" Well
    needless to say, I shit, broke out in a cold sweat. He explained to
    me, that SD is very common in hiv positive people. About 90% get it
    and when it spreads from the scalp to other areas of the body, this
    is a tale tale sign of being hiv positive or having a bad
    functioning immune system.

    Well facts are, I had been in a faithful relationship for over 12
    years, but hey I’m a guy and prior to this in my younger years there

    had been a few ladies. Well the wise old doctor suggested a test.
    He said he rarely has ever seen SD anywhere but the scalp or face in
    a negative person. He said anytime it is located on the chest area
    or other parts of the body, the person’s immune system is in bad
    shape usually because of hiv. I was freaked, thought for sure I must
    have gotten hiv in my younger years.

    Well thank God the test was negative. No hiv for me. All my blood
    work came back in the perfect range, shoing my immune function to be
    operating perfectly. This indicates to me that this disorder is not
    always related to a poor immune function. Has anyone else has this
    type of experience?

    And as for my progress using vinegar, well it working wonders! My
    face is on it’s way and i’m over the hump for sure, past the major
    scabs and flaking and moving into smooth skin.

    Kevin

  7. Neva Marjory Says:

    I thought HIV meds were what caused a lot of them to have SD? Was
    your doctor making the claim that having SD(which he said was due to
    a week immune system) makes you more susceptible to HIV?

    Also, with the vinigar routine, are you following a diet or just
    applying and drinking.

    Thanks
    Ohyes93

  8. Neva Marjory Says:

    Oh yes,
    No the meds are not the cause of SD, it’s hiv itself. In fact, most
    all people with hiv have ongoing problems with SD. Scientists have
    discovered that the bodies actual immune reaction to the presence of
    hiv is what causes SD to errupt in hiv positive individuals. I.E.,
    you’re immune response to the hiv itself is what causes the SD. Most
    individuals with hiv will develop SD VERY EARLY after hiv infection
    and it will stay with them UNTIL they get treatment. In other words,
    SD in hiv positive people happens before their immune system is
    damaged! There is so much reading about this on the web you can
    spend days researching it! Try Goggle "Seborrheic dermatitis HIV"
    You’ll be amazed. SD is the NUMBER #1 early hiv symptom. I hope i’m
    not scaring people here, but these are facts. All this being said SD
    is prevalent in hiv negative people too.

  9. Adolph Trudie Says:

    I had Seb, Derm well before having sex, unless my own hand counts
    so i know mine isnt related to HIV

    tony the baloney the one and only

  10. Adolph Trudie Says:

    Hey guys i wanted to give this ACVM treatment a try for my stubborn scalp
    problem. Can anyone tell me the step procedures neccessary for this
    treatment.

    thanks

    tony baloney the one and only

  11. Nona Mozelle Says:

    ha ha good one, I developed ‘cradle cap’ soon after I was born, which
    is just another form of SD so I reckon I’m in the clear too!

    Tony, can you be sure that your hand wasn’t seeing anyone else during
    that time?

  12. Nona Mozelle Says:

    Tony baloney,
    To do the ACV treatment justice you should really follow the routine
    in full as per the recommendations of the ….yadda…..yadda….yadda

    If you want to skip ahead and just try ACV on your scalp, this would
    probably be an acceptable variation on the routine, but no complaints
    please if it doesn’t work because you are technically cheating!

    1. Shower twice a day, washing your hair with a mild non-medicated
    shampoo, this helps cut through the scale and keep your scalp clean.
    2. Dry your hair thoroughly and drench your scalp with 100%
    unpasterised, unfiltered, organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the
    mother.
    3. Leave the vinegar on your scalp, do not wash off. Towel dry hair
    or blow dry is ok. Your hair will get all silky smooth and shiney.

    4. Repeat for as long as it takes (weeks)

    You really are missing out on some very important steps, like a
    change in diet, if you only do the things I have mentioned but it’s
    worth a try. You should consider what styling products (if any) you
    are using on your hair and try to cut back or eliminate. Again,
    there is so much more to ACV treatment than I have mentioned, so
    please consider doing some research yourself (dare i say at
    the ‘other’ group) before you give it try.

    People with long time dandruff problems have reported a stop in
    itching the very first time they use ACV on their head, please let
    the group know what it does for you!

    Regards,
    Scott no SD problems anymore

  13. Neva Marjory Says:

    I have a question. Why does the ACV work so quick and affective on
    the scalp and take much longer to work on the face? I’ve been at
    this for 8 days now. My scalp flakes went away almost overnight,
    while my face is getting better, but still a mess? Anyone know why
    this is? Scalp SD and the stuff on the face is basically the same
    thing?

    And on a side note, don’t knock the connection between SD and HIV.
    Again, it is the most common, frequent symptom of all. If any of you
    have had a sudden outburst of SD on the face get tested. Also, if
    you have SD anywhere but the face or head, your immune system is
    under attack, this is sceintifcally proven. SD on the chest,
    underarms, groin, etc, is due to immunity function problems, usually
    severe. This is not a joking matter. Ask any doctor if you do not
    believe me, or simply look it up on the web. You guys make fun and

    don’t get tested. I’m the only here, apparently who got tested!

    Kevin

  14. June Preston Says:

    ACV treatment is more difficult on the face becasue your facial skin is a
    lot more sensitive than scalp skin, this is why I beleive that using full
    force acv can be causing a cycle of irritant dermatitis along with the seb
    derm–I could tolerate the acv on my face only at 50%, but use it full
    strength on scalp without any problems.

    Regarding seb derm and HIV–seb derm on a non-HIV person is due to an
    over-reactive immune system and is not indicative of an immune system under
    attack. This is why immunosuppressants will lessen the seb derm in someone
    who is not immuno-compromised.

    Those with HIV get seb derm because they cannot fight off the normal levels
    of fungus on the skin because their immune system has been compromised.

  15. Neva Marjory Says:

    WRONG!
    Nice of you to try and apparently lesson your concern for HIV. It
    was a nice try, but here are the facts.
    SD usually appears VERY early in HIV infection due to the immune
    system being over stimulated and on high speed trying to contain the
    virus. It is usally the very FIRST marker, or indication of HIV!!!!
    It is the MOST common syptom, do to it’s occurance BEFORE immune
    supression!! Most people who experience SD outbreaks and are HIV
    positive still have normal T-cell counts! Once again, it’s the
    bodies response to the presence of the HIV virus that causes SD. NOT
    from a diminished immune system. In the later stages of the disease,
    after the immune system has been weakened or destroyed, you will
    then see a resurgence in SD flare ups. This can be downright
    uncontrollable.


    Any unexplained sudden worsening, or onset of middle aged SD (20-
    50’s) should warrant the testing for HIV!!! Now, I was a man,
    swallowed that hard pill, got tested, maybe some of you should too.
    Quit trying to convince yourselves otherwise. If you dipped your
    noodle and got it wet, then get tested! I spent over 300 hours
    reading this when I had my HIV scare! I know what i’m talking about
    here.

  16. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    This very recent study(pub. last month) proves that if
    you boost CD4(+) T-cells you clear SD. I suggest we
    concentrate on ways to do this.(eg vitamin E, aspirin,
    zinc, selenium etc) Note : you can have genetic low
    t-cells without HIV. ie I was born with SD in the 60’s
    long before AIDS. The approach to treating it is the
    same as for HIV IMO. PS : the immune deficiency leads
    to gut microflora becoming deranged and acetic acid
    and lactic acid producing bacteria are decimated by
    pathogens. AVM addresses the acetic acid part of the
    equation without the lactic acid part or the lactic
    acid bacteria part or the immune system part IMO.

    J Invest Dermatol. 2005 Jan;124(1):151-9. Related
    Articles, Links

    Click here to read
    A novel T cell receptor transgenic animal model of
    seborrheic dermatitis-like skin disease.

    Oble DA, Collett E, Hsieh M, Ambjorn M, Law J,
    Dutz J, Teh HS.

    Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
    University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

    We have characterized a novel animal model of the
    common inflammatory skin disease seborrheic dermatitis
    (SD) that involves the expression of the self-specific
    2C transgenic T cell receptor on the DBA/2 genetic
    background. Opportunistic fungal pathogens are present
    in the primary histological lesions and severe disease
    can be mitigated by the administration of fluconazole,
    demonstrating a role for infection in disease
    pathogenesis. Spontaneous disease convalescence occurs
    at 70-90 d of age and is preceded by an expansion of
    CD4(+) T cells that partially restores the T cell
    lymphopenia that occurs in these animals. The adoptive
    transfer of syngeneic CD4(+) T cells into pre-diseased
    DBA/2 2C mice completely abrogates the development of
    cutaneous disease. The pattern of disease inheritance
    in DBA/2 backcrosses suggests that one, or a closely
    linked group of genes, may control disease penetrance.
    Bone marrow reconstitution experiments demonstrated
    that the DBA/2 susceptibility factor(s) governing
    disease penetrance is likely non-hematopoietic since
    bone marrow from disease-resistant 2C mice can
    adoptively transfer the full disease phenotype to
    non-transgenic DBA/2 animals. This model implicates
    fungal organisms and CD4(+) T cell lymphopenia in the
    development of a SD-like condition and, as such, may
    mimic the development of SD in acquired
    immunodeficiency syndrome.

  17. Neva Marjory Says:

    could you tell me what AVM is ie "AVM addresses the acetic acid part
    of the equation without the lactic acid part or the lactic acid
    bacteria part or the immune system part IMO"

  18. June Preston Says:

    First, seb derm is not a virus. Second, trying to scare people into thinking
    they have HIV because of some redness on their faces is just plain silly.

    If your theory is true, then why is seb derm the first indicator of HIV,
    why is not a host of other autoimmune related conditions like psoriasis,
    asthma, rheumatoid arthirtis, etc–things that are not related to fungus
    feeding off of our sweet sebum in our central face and scalp.

    Seb derm is simply an over-reaction to normal levels of fungus on our
    skin–t-cell counts are silly, it is only the various skin cells in our
    skin, not in our blood, that lead to seb derm flares.

    Should everyone get tested for HIV, I suppose, I did before I got married-
    but I have had seb derm for ages and not once did any of a 6-8 doctors say
    that it may be an indicator of HIV.

  19. June Preston Says:

    This study doesn’t prove a thing regarding human adult seb derm and just
    about all studies done in the past are polar to the idea that you treat AIDS
    and seb derm the same way–I have experimented for years with boosting the
    immune system, it doesn’t do shit for seb derm (not that this proves
    anything either, but it does for me). On the other hand, everytime I take
    prednisone my seb derm vanishes within 1-2 days, and then it always comes
    back when I stop take steroid.

    Look at all the new biologic drugs on the market and other anti-rejection
    drugs for transplant patients–they are dangerous but work for the most part
    against autoimmune conditions, seb derm being a relatively weak autoimmune
    condition similar to psoriasis more than anything else.

    If they do this study on adult humans and not 3 month old mice I would think
    diferrently, but in the meantime, I wouldn’t bother going out of your way to

    boost the immune system thinking it ia going to help.

  20. Leonor Felicitas Says:

    steve,

    i am an artist/musician. my brother is the phd in the family. i get the jist of
    what you are saying, but once more in english. based on what you wrote…is
    there a to do/don’t do list?

    what is your background that you are so comfortable with the technical info?

    piotr

  21. June Preston Says:

    I have experimented with low dose prednisone and it did not work, I do not
    see full clearance until I hit about 35mgs a day for 2-4 days–I take the
    does all at once in the morning with food.

    Trying to get the adrenals to naturally produce more cortisone does not seem
    to work–if you have any suggestions for this I will attempt them.

    I still however do not understand what studies have been done on seb derm in
    particular to determine that the immune response is different from
    psoriasis, or is this just theory that has not been tested?

    I do look at the underlying cause of seb derm with respect to natural
    production of GLA (the best source of this is borage oil at 24% GLA, evening
    primrose at about 18% GLA is second best), which naturally regulates immune
    responses. Studies done on atopics show that many patients had a lazy

    enzyme, delta 6 desaturase–this enzyme is responsible for converting LA
    into GLA–supplementing with borage oil does help, but it’s long term safety
    is questionable and the extraction process of any unregulated supplement is
    always questionable as well.

    Borage applied directly to skin may help, but not on the face because the
    skin is too sensitive and you end up getting contact dermatitis from it or
    acne from pores getting clogged.

  22. Neva Marjory Says:

    Once again, SD in early stages of HIV is due to an OVERACTIVE IMMUNE
    SYSTEM, not a depleted one! The overactive immune system is WHAT
    CAUSES SD.

    I’m HIV negaitve and have SD, it used to be very bad dandruff and
    two years ago when it spread, it was recommended I have an HIV test,
    I did, it was negative. For good measure I also had a full CBC
    workout and had my lymphocyte subsets done, which is a breakdown of
    all you T-cells. My T-4 cells the same cells destroyed by his, the
    same cells you claim are low in HIV and SD sufferers, was a whopping
    1290!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Way above average! I’m as healthy as a
    fricken BULL and yet I still have SD!!!
    Kevin

  23. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    35mg prednisone will certainly shut down the adrenals.
    Healthy body produces 40mg cortisol per day. Max at
    8am and minimum just before bed. 35mg prednisone=175mg
    cortisol. Something else to consider is cortisol
    resistance(genetic or acquired). This complicates the
    picture and blunts cortisol treatment.

    TH2 TEND to have insufficient cortisol. Cortisol boost
    TH1 cytokines. The diseases of high circulating
    cortisol tend to be diseases of the metabolic syndrome
    or syndrome X. Heart disease, diabetes type II,
    atherosclerosis, psoriasis, some arthritis. The
    allergies(asthma eczema rhinitis), CFS, cancer, HIV
    tend to be low circulating cortisol. Of course it is
    probably not as conveniently simple as this, but it is

    the current state of research and a starting point.

    At a glance you would think SD belongs in the latter
    group. Especially since it is almost always found in
    HIV+ at some point in the disease progression. SD
    seems dependent on excessive androgens. We should try
    and study other diseases of androgen excess and look
    for clues in how to treat them. eg polycystic ovary
    syndrome(PCOS), acne. I have seen refs where PCOS is
    treated with cortisol.

    GLA has been found to be ineffective in atopics. The
    delta 6 desaturase role has been questioned.

    CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with EFA has no
    clinically relevant effect on the severity of AD.

    Rather in SD it is the inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase
    that seems to be involved and this is tied up with
    excess androgens. Cortisol is one inhibitor of this
    enzyme, ketoconazole is another popular one, in fact
    cortisol has been cited as one treatment for that
    other seborrheic disease : acne.

    The answer lies in the hormonal system IMO.

    A difficult disease.

  24. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    Here we have some strong suggestion that SD is a TH2
    humoral disease :

    The study results suggest that Pityrosporum ovale
    yeast might be implicated in causing a humoral immune
    response, which is important for the developing
    inflammatory reactions in Dermatitis seborrhoides

    IL-10 is the initiator of the TH2 immune response(and
    consequently suppresses TH1) :

    However, stimulation of PBMC from SD patients with P.
    ovale antigen induced significantly increased IL-10
    synthesis. IgA, IgG and IgM synthesis was
    significantly increased in cultures of PBMC from

    patients with SD whether the cells were
    antigen-stimulated or not. Our results support the
    assumption that strong skin colonization with P. ovale
    in SD is due to an altered cellular immunity, which
    may be induced by increased IL-10 secretion.

    A subset of atopics also have a similar reaction to
    these yeasts. However, so do some psoriatics and that
    is where it gets fuzzy……..

  25. June Preston Says:

    Steve–with regards to EFA, particluarly GLA, it depends on what study you
    read–there are several that says GLA supplements help–I did take large
    amounts of borage oil to test it and it did work–not full clearance, but a
    definite improvment–maybe placebo effect, who knows, but lowering he
    amount of borage and my seb derm came back. I hate taking supplements so I
    stopped treatment.

    I am not convinced, but certainly will keep an open mind, based upon your
    theories and studies posted–however, the several synthetic steroid
    therapies, prednisone, desowen, elocon, etc or immunomodulators (protopic in
    particular) have all worked very sucessfully for me and for a majority for
    those who use them–are they are a cure,no–are the side effects worth it,
    debatable and a personal decision, but until some human testing is done on
    Seb derm specifically with the various therapies you have suggested, it
    won’t get acceptance by derms, and thus, we won’t get them prescribed, and

    thus, we are stuck with what we have currently.

  26. Neva Marjory Says:

    So have we come to some type of conclusion here?

  27. Neva Marjory Says:

    My conclusion is that SD in most instances are related to an
    overactive immune response to yeast. That the skin is regenerating
    at a 20-30% faster rate then in a non SD sufferer. This why SD is so
    prevalent in those who have HIV, because their immune system is over
    stimulated from that virus, thus causing SD. There is no correlation
    between having low T-4 cells and SD in non HIV people. Furthermore,
    new scientific studies have indicated the SD in HIV + individuals is
    totally different then those without HIV. In HIV + people, the rash
    is more red and has less flakes. The rash tends to have more oil,
    but not the dead flakes associated with skin destruction.

  28. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    Are you saying that in HIV they have an over active
    immune system ? That goes against everything I have
    ever heard about the disease.

    What they do have is an UNDERactive TH1 immune system
    and an OVERactive TH2 system. ie they OVERreact to
    extracellular yeasts and bacteria and UNDERreact to
    intracellular yeasts, bacteria, virus

    Here is an overview, and note some treatment
    suggestions(albeit unscientific) :

    PS : I don’t have the answers, but I am sure the
    answers lie in this debate/topic, and I welcome the
    debate. After all, we have the same goal.

  29. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    Hi RJ,

    I agree that studies can contradict each other. I just
    posted that study since it is a study of studies
    (meta) and that was the conclusion re FA and GLA. It
    is also my experience with these supplements.

    I am not sure that we should wait for the derms to get
    aggressive. We have the worlds largest library at our
    fingertips I reckon we have some serious tracking to
    do. I am sure that there are enough clues out there to
    crack this. Just need a team effort.

  30. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    Looks like cortisol does block androgens. Antiandrogen
    is a proven treatment for SD, this includes
    ketoconazole, isotretinoin, steroids. Safe, low dose
    cortisol is worth a look IMO.

    :

    Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2004 Sep;76(3):143-6. Related
    Articles, Links

    Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

    Spandri A, Cogliardi A, Maggi P, De Giorgi A,
    Masperi R, Beccaria L.


    Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital
    "Alessandro Manzoni", Lecco, Italy.

    Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an
    autosomal recessive condition characterized by an
    insufficient production of cortisol and mineraloactive
    hormones with a consequent hyperstimulation of
    hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal feedback and an increase
    of androgens. Although the lack of different enzymes
    in adrenal steroidogenesis can be responsible for
    different forms of the disease, the deficiency of
    21-hydroxylase is the more frequent defect. It is
    caused by mutations in CYP21 gene located on the short
    arm of chromosome 6 and it causes a heterogeneous
    phenotype characterized by a classical form (genitalia
    virilization in female, early onset acute adrenal
    insufficiency with salt wasting, precocious
    pseudopuberty, signs of hyperandrogenism), or by a
    simple virilizing form (presence of signs of
    hyperandrogenism without salt-loosing crises) or by a
    non-classic form evidenced only by mild to moderate
    signs of hyperandrogenism. The diagnosis can be made
    by 17-hydroxyprogesterone measurement in basal and
    after ACTH stimulation test. Glucocorticoid and
    mineraloactive therapy have been proved to reduce the
    risk of adrenal crisis reducing the levels of
    androgens and controlling the symptoms of the disease.

  31. June Preston Says:

    The anti-androgen Proscar (propecia) should probably be added to the list as
    well–I took 1.25 mg daily of Proscar a few years ago for about 10 months,
    it greatly reduced the amount of sebum production as it curbs the natural
    production of DHT, which led to less severe seb derm breakouts, but not full
    clearance. Side effects were eyebrow thinning and really dry skin, neither
    of which I was too fond of so I stopped taking it. Taking the drug at
    higher levels could have led to more clearance but I never really
    experimented with higher doses.

    A good website for proscar and seb derm discussions is www.keratin.com–go
    to the forums, the guy you owns this site is a hair loss specialist in
    Europe and knows his stuff pretty well when it comes to seb derm, alopecia
    areata, psoriasis, etc.

  32. Jeromy Sanders Says:

    These 3 articles , taken together look like they have
    a coherent meaning and could very well apply to us
    scalers. They may not, but it is sure suspicious. Note
    natural thyroid supplement is said to be a part of the
    low-dose cortisol therapy. Whatever the case, I am
    foolish enough to want to try it. Lots of reading :

  33. Neva Marjory Says:

    Steve, Kevin,& RJ
    I found your recent postings excellent - some of the best
    contributions to the group in recent times. Thanks.
    I want to take the time to re-read them and will post my humble
    comments shortly.
    Tom.

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