Role of nutrition against seborrheic dermatitis induced by high BMI and anxiety

Scientists are suggesting unhealthy nutrition habits next to higher BMI and anxiety can cause increased severity of seborrheic dermatitis. The study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology underlines the importance of nutrition and psychoemotional well-being against the skin disorder.

The chronic disease causes inflammation and affects skin areas with many sebaceous glands. Other diseases of the glad are acne, rosacea and androgenetic alopecia.

The authors underscore that nutrition habits play a significant role in the development of sebaceous gland diseases. The study found that people with severe seborrheic dermatitis were more likely to have a higher BMI. Their diet consisted of more bread than fruits and vegetables. 

People with moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis were noted to consume more margarine, animal fat and sugar. Their eating habits were less healthy and showed higher anxiety levels than those who had a milder condition.

The researchers tracked 100 patients suffering from seborrheic dermatitis who answered a questionnaire about nutrition habits and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21.

Risky sebum-inducing foods

The authors claim consuming high-glycemic-index carbohydrates can lead to or worsen seborrheic dermatitis as it stimulates sebum secretion.

People with moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis were noted to consume more margarine, animal fat and sugar.They detail: “In our study, bread consumption was more frequent in the patients with seborrheic dermatitis. Sugar consumption was also more frequent but not statistically significant, and there was no association between milk and fat consumption. However, sugar and unhealthy fat (animal fat, margarine) consumption were more frequent in the moderate to severe disease group.”

“The presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is thought to be a trigger for the development of skin diseases. Insulin resistance and visceral obesity may lead to MS by causing chronic inflammation.”

However, seborrheic dermatitis and comorbidities can be avoided with good eating practices like the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC).

“AFHC is a scale that assesses healthy eating habits. A high score of AFHC means more healthy eating habits,” explain the authors.

The study authors note factors tied to the skin condition include Malassezia yeasts, sebaceous secretion, genetic predisposition, lipid composition of the skin, hormones, immune status, neuropsychiatric diseases, higher body fat content and obesity. 

Other important factors are poor barrier function and microecological disturbances of the skin. 

The paper explains that the immune system and homeostasis depend on the microbiome, which includes the fecal microbiome. Microbiome harmony preserves and protects the skin but high sebum secretion damages the balance.

Stress factors, particularly anxiety, may also contribute to inflammation and SD, add the researchers.