What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Dandruff
• Seborrheic Eczema

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin? (Definition/Background Information)

• Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin is an inflammatory condition that causes white to yellowish flaky scales to form on oil prone areas of the skin. The condition most commonly occurs on the skin of scalp, face, and inside the ear. Seborrheic Dermatitis is an extremely common skin condition
• The condition may be due to a combination of an excess production of skin oil and irritation by a fungus known as Malassezia. The risk factors associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin are stress, fatigue, presence of oily skin, depression, and weak immune system. It is more common and severe in patients with neuropsychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease
• The signs and symptoms associated with the condition include flaky skin on the affected parts, skin being greasy, covered with yellow or while scales or crust, redness of skin and itching. Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin may lead to complications from secondary bacterial and fungal infections
• However, most of the cases can be treated with over-the-counter medicated shampoos. Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be maintained with proper treatment. Although, this skin condition can have periods of remission and exacerbation

Who gets Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin can affect individuals of any age group, but it commonly occurs in the post-pubertal period. It can also occurs in infants and older adults
• Both genders, all races and ethnic groups are susceptible to this condition

What are the Risk Factors for Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin? (Predisposing Factors)

Some of the risk factors associated with Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin are:

• Stress, fatigue
• Weather extremes
• Oily skin
• Infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning
• Use of lotions that contain alcohol
• Skin disorders (such as acne)
• Obesity
• Depression
• Individuals with weak immune system, such as HIV patients and those on immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplant
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
• The stress and changes in hygiene of hospitalization is often known to worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin? (Etiology)

• Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin may be due to a combination of excess production of skin oil and irritation by a fungus known as Malassezia. It may also run in families
• The condition gets worsened in the cold weather
• Certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, head injuries, and stroke may have an association with this condition
• A link has also been discovered between Seborrheic Dermatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Contrary to popular belief, Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin is not a sign of poor personal hygiene.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin?

Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin can occur on several body parts, commonly where the skin is particularly oily or greasy. Typical areas include the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, creases of the nose, lips, ear, middle of the chest, armpit groin, and scrotum.

The condition is characterized by several symptoms such as:

• Flaky skin lesions
• Plaques over large areas
• Greasy oily areas of skin
• Skin scales (white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and adherent)
• Itching, increasing with infection
• Mild redness
• Hair loss
• Seborrheic Dermatitis in infants is commonly referred to as Cradle Cap
  • It is characterized by thick, crusty, brown or yellow scales over the scalp area
  • Other susceptible areas include the eyelids, ear, nostrils, and groin. It is a harmless and transient condition
  • Cradle Cap is detectable in newborns and young children up to 3 years of age.

Seborrheic Dermatitis has the potential to improve during summer and after outdoor activities. 

How is Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin may involve:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical exam
• Skin biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis, though is rarely required

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin?

Complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin include:

• Psychological complications  such as distress, low self esteem, and embarrassment of the appearance
• Secondary bacterial or fungal infections may also occur

How is Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin Treated?

Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin is a chronic condition, but certain home remedies can lessen the signs and symptoms during an outbreak.

• Flaking and dryness of the scalp can be treated with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. The hair should be shampooed vigorously and daily. Scales can be loosened with the fingers scrubbing for a minimum of 5 minutes
• Shampoos to treat the dryness and flaking should contain active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, pine tar (not coal tar), zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium
• Severe cases are usually prescribed shampoos containing selenium, ketoconazole, or corticosteroids
• If Seborrheic Dermatitis appears on the face or chest, medicated lotion prescribed by a physician should be applied twice a day. Topical immune modulator creams are also being prescribed
• This condition can be managed by several over-the-counter treatments such as:
  • Washing the hair with a medicated shampoo
  • Using an over-the-counter antifungal cream
  • Applying an anti-itch cream
  • Avoiding harsh soaps and detergents
  • Wearing breathable cotton clothing
  • Shaving facial hair
  • Avoiding scratching the irritated area

For infants with Cradle Cap: 

Massage the scalp with fingers, gently removing the scales and improving scalp circulation

• Give daily, gentle shampooing with mild soap when scales are present. Once the scales disappear, the shampoo usage may be reduced to twice weekly
• Rinse-off all soap and brush hair with a soft brush after each shampoo
• If scales do not loosen and wash away, apply mineral oil to scalp while wrapping warm, wet cloth around the head for up to an hour before shampooing

How can Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin be Prevented?

• It may not be possible to prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin
• However, the severity of the condition can be lessened by controlling the risk factors and giving appropriate attention to skin care regimens

What is the Prognosis of Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be maintained with proper treatment
• It is possible for the condition to have extended sedentary periods followed by outbreaks

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Seborrheic Dermatitis of Skin:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/