How It’s Treated:
There is no cure for shingles, which may last anywhere from two to six weeks. Patients are typically treated with anti-viral drugs. Because shingles is incredibly painful, doctors will also often prescribe some form of pain treatment, ranging from topical creams to anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants and narcotic pain killers.
Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea)
What It Is:
Seborrheic dermatitis typically presents with plaque-type lesions, similar to plaque psoriasis, but seborrhea lesions are far less clearly defined and pinkish in color, with yellow-brown scales. This condition affects only the oil-producing areas of the skin, typically appearing around the scalp, face, chest, and sometimes on the groin and upper back.
How It’s Treated:
Seborrhea is most often treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, creams or lotions. If these remedies aren’t effective, your physician can recommend prescription treatments, including stronger topical creams, oral pills, and light therapy with medication.
Dandruff
What it is:
Seborrhea that occurs on the scalp, known as dandruff, produces fine, greasy scales that are most often distributed around the head.
How It’s Treated:
Dandruff is usually treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, but severe cases may require prescription treatments.