Seborrheic
Dermatitis
Also
known as: seborrhea
What is
it?
Seborrheic
dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that causes
flaking on the scalp, face, and behind the ears.
Who gets
it?
Seborrheic
dermatitis usually appears in infants younger than
three months and adults. It is also more common in
men, and people with epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease,
HIV, and vitamin B deficiencies. It appears more
likely to occur in people with oily skin, those who
don’t wash their hair often, and those undergoing
illness, stress, or hormonal changes.
What
causes it?
The exact
cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. However,
there may be a genetic link because this condition
tends to run in families. Researchers believe there
may also be a link to a certain type of fungus found
in hair follicles.
What are
the symptoms?
The
symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis occur gradually,
usually beginning with dry skin on the scalp, which
flakes off (dandruff). The skin on the face, behind
the ears, and anywhere where there are folds of skin
are other common areas for flaking and redness. Flakes
can be yellow, white, or grayish. In some patients,
the skin on the eyelids near the eyelashes becomes red
and flaky, as does the skin on the forehead and around
the sides of the nose. In more severe cases, thick,
oily, yellow scales form on these areas. Some patients
may also have symptoms on the chest and upper back.
Seborrheic dermatitis in infants is better known as
cradle cap, seen as thick, oily, yellowish crust on
the scalp and around the hairline. Symptoms of
seborrheic dermatitis can last for anywhere from weeks
to years.
How is it
diagnosed?
Seborrheic
dermatitis is diagnosed through a physical
examination, according to its appearance. Your doctor
may want to test for certain types of fungus, but, in
most cases, no diagnostic tests are necessary.
What is
the treatment?
Seborrheic
dermatitis on the scalp can be treated effectively by
using a dandruff shampoo. Look for shampoos containing
pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, tar, or selenium
sulfide. Shampoos containing ketoconazole may also be
effective. Follow the instructions on the shampoo
bottle for the best results. How often you use the
shampoo depends upon the severity of your condition
and your doctor’s recommendations. To treat cradle
cap, you can shampoo the scalp with a mild baby
shampoo and use a soft toothbrush to gently loosen the
scales. Be extremely careful not to break the skin,
which can cause infection. Your doctor may prescribe a
mild steroid cream for more severe scalp symptoms, as
well as flaking and scaling on the face, ears, and
other parts of the body, but not around the eyes. The
eyelid area is treated by gently swabbing with a mild
shampoo. Because seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic
condition, your symptoms may come back if you stop
treatment. If this occurs, you can simply restart the
treatment prescribed by your doctor.
Self-care
tips
Although
there is no known way to prevent seborrheic
dermatitis, you can control it by following your
doctor’s treatment recommendations.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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