If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

OVERVIEW

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition. It affects the scalp, face, or inside the ear.   The skin also can be red and greasy.   When adults get it on their scalp, it is commonly called “dandruff.” In babies, it is known as “cradle cap.”  Seborrheic dermatitis can appear on other parts of the body, such as the face and chest, and the creases of the arms, legs and groin.  Seborrheic dermatitis is common in babies younger than 3 months of age and in adolescents and adults. In adults, it’s more likely to affect men than women.

SYMPTOMS

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms include:

• White to yellowish flakes of skin
• Red skin (in some cases)
• Greasy or oily skin
• Itching
• Hair loss

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?

Healthcare providers don’t know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. The cause may be different in infants and adults.  It may run in families. One cause may be hormones. It usually appears in babies and disappears before puberty. Another cause may be a fungus. This fungus is called malassezia. It is present on the skin in small numbers.  Sometimes its numbers increase, resulting in skin problems.

Seborrheic dermatitis has been linked to neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke. Healthcare providers do not know why. Other factors include:

• Oil gland activity
• Changes in your skin’s barrier function
• Weather extremes
• Stress or fatigue
• Heavy alcohol use
• Lotions that contain alcohol
• Obesity
• Having HIV/AIDs

DIAGNOSIS

How is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam of your skin and scalp. If your healthcare provider is uncertain about whether you have the condition, they may have you get a skin biopsy. This involved in cutting or scraping off a small sample of the affected skin. This step is rare.

PREVENTION

Can seborrheic dermatitis be prevented or avoided?

If the condition is genetic, it cannot be prevented. Most other causes cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce the severity of symptoms. Controlling risk factors and careful skin care can help. This includes avoiding lotions that contain alcohol, using special skin products recommended by your healthcare provider, protecting yourself from HIV/AIDs, losing weight and getting plenty of rest.

TREATMENT

How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?

Treatment depends on your age and location of the symptoms.  Several over-the-counter and medicated shampoos can relieve the flaking and dryness. You do not need a prescription for these products. Look for a product that says it treats seborrheic dermatitis. Important ingredients include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole and selenium sulfide.

Adult and adolescent scalp (dandruff):

• Effective shampoos that contain salicylic acid and zinc. These shampoos can be used 2 times a week. Shampoos that contain coal tar may be used 3 times a week. If you have dandruff, you might start by using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled. Then use it 2 or 3 times a week.  Rub the shampoo into your hair thoroughly and let it stay on your hair and scalp for at least 5 minutes. Then rinse. This will give it time to work.  If the shampoo alone doesn’t help, your healthcare provider might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily.

Adult and adolescent skin creases: 

• Steroid lotions may be used in adolescents and adults.
• Infant scalp (cradle cap): Baby products are not as strong as those used for adults. Start with a mild, nonmedicated baby shampoo. Use mineral oil, olive oil or petrolatum jelly to loosen the flakes. Brush your baby’s scalp with a soft brush, like a toothbrush to loosen flakes. But be gentle when massaging or brushing your baby’s scalp. A break in the skin could lead to an infection

Infant skin creases:                                                              

• Mild steroid lotions or creams may be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis in the skin creases of babies. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the correct strength of steroid to use.

Living with seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is considered chronic. Also, it is a life-long condition. It comes and goes, and it can be controlled with treatment. The negative effects of living with the condition are additional fungal infections and emotional distress. Most people who live with seborrheic dermatitis feel embarrassed and have low self-esteem.