Definition
Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, swollen, and scaly rash on the skin. The skin may also be itchy. It is common on the scalp, ears, eyebrows, face, eyelids, chest, back, armpits, and genitals.
Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis where there is a scaling of the skin on the scalp.
Seborrheic Dermatitis |
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Risk Factors
This problem is more common in men. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Having a weakened immune system due to things like HIV infection or a recent organ transplant
- Chronic health problems, such as hepatitis C
- Genetic diseases, such as Down syndrome
Symptoms
Problems may be mild to severe. Symptoms may also come and go over time.
The skin may have:
- Patchy scales that may look greasy or moist
- Yellow to white scales that flake off
- Redness
- Itching and burning
- Small pimples on the nose, eyebrows, chest, back, arm pits, or genitals
Newborns may have a thick, yellow, crusted scalp rash known as cradle cap.
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the rash. This is often enough to make the diagnosis. You may need to see a doctor who treats skin problems.
Treatment
There is no cure. The rash may get better on its own in children. Baby shampoo, mineral oil, and anti-fungal shampoos can help.
In others, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:
- Prescription or over the counter shampoos
-
Prescription or over the counter creams or lotions that contain:
- Hydrocortisone or other cortisone (steroid) preparations
- Antifungal medications
- Antibiotic medication
- Pimecrolimus or tacrolimus
- Lithium salt
RESOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Dermatology Association https://www.dermatology.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Ijaz N, Fitzgerald D. Seborrhoeic dermatitis. Br J Hosp Med (Lond). 2017 Jun 2;78(6):C88-C91.
Seborrheic dermatitis: overview. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/seborrheic-dermatitis. Accessed March 23, 2021.
Seborrheic dermatitis in children and adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/seborrheic-dermatitis-in-children-and-adults. Accessed March 23, 2021.
Seborrheic dermatitis in infants. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/seborrheic-dermatitis-in-infants. Accessed March 23, 2021.
3/12/2018 DynaMed Systematic Literature Surveillance https://www.dynamed.com/condition/seborrheic-dermatitis-in-children-and-adults: Karakadze MA, Hirt PA, et al. The genetic basis of seborrhoeic dermatitis: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Nov 20.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 12/2020
- Update Date: 00/32/2021