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Seborrheic Dermatitis
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema/dermatitis which causes an itchy rash with flaky scales. It affects the sebaceous, gland-rich regions of the scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest. It is also called cradle cap, dandruff, seborrhea, seborrheic psoriasis, and seborrheic eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis causes red skin, scaly patches and stubborn dandruff.
Seborrheic dandruff can also occur in infants in a condition known as infantile dermatitis, which causes cradle cap (diffuse, greasy scaling on the scalp). The rash may spread and affect armpit and groin folds. Seborrheic dermatitis cause is not understood but may be related to:
- A yeast (fungus) called Malassezia that is in the oil secretion on the skin
- An inflammatory reaction
- An irregular response of the immune system
- Cold, dry weather
- Oily skin
- Family history of psoriasis or familial tendency to seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis treatment with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy
- Lack of sleep and stressful events
- Neurologic and psychiatric conditions like Parkinson's disease and depression
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Itchiness
- Salmon pink, thin, scaly and ill-defined plaques in skin folds on both sides of the face
- Petal or ring-shaped flaky patches on the hairline and the chest's anterior
- Rash in the armpits, under the breasts, in the groin folds and genital creases
- Scaly red eyelid margins
- Combination of oily and dry midfacial skin
- Red skin
- Skin flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or moustache
How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?
Seborrheic dermatitis treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment typically involves several options, including:
Antifungal medication
This medication may be taken in a pill form and often prescribed if the condition does not improve with other treatments.
Creams, ointments or shampoos help control inflammation
Such as calcineurin inhibitors, topical antifungal agents, ketoconazole, hydrocortisone cream and white petrolatum.
Seborrheic Dermatitis FAQ:
Can seborrheic dermatitis cause hair loss?
No, it does not cause hair loss; it just causes flaky patches of skin.
How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?
Seborrheic dermatitis diagnosis usually is clinical, meaning that the dermatologist may recognise it based on its appearance. On some occasions, the skin scales may be taken and examined under a microscope to exclude fungal infection. A skin biopsy is rarely recommended for diagnosis.
Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?
Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.
