by Jennifer Hellwig, MS, RD
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash. It can appear as a mild, white scaling or a yellowish greasy or reddish scaly rash. Most commonly affected areas are along the hairline, in and behind the ears, and on the eyebrows, around the nose, and chest.
Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis. It is the scaling of the skin on the scalp. It can be dry or oily and sometimes itchy.
Seborrheic dermatitis involves swelling and redness of the underlying skin (inflammation), while dandruff is just a mild, white scaling of the scalp (no inflammation).
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The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, though common skin yeast organisms, called Malassezia, may play a role in some persons. Seborrheic dermatitis seems to run in families and to affect people with oily skin or hair. It may also be associated with other chronic conditions, such as disorders of the immune system and of the nervous system.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.In this case, your risk factors are:
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can vary from mild to severe. They include:
Dry or greasy scaling of the scalpItchy scalpItchy, scaly rash with small pimplesThickened, flaking skinReddened skin over the forehead and on either side of the noseIn babies less than one month old, seborrheic dermatitis may cause a thick, yellow, crusted scalp rash known as "cradle cap." DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (a dermatologist). TreatmentTreatments for seborrheic dermatitis are usually applied directly to the skin in the form of shampoo or lotion. Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and your symptoms. Treatment can take several weeks or months and may need to be repeated if the condition recurs. A wide variety of treatments are used for seborrheic dermatitis. These include: Prescription or over-the-counter shampoos containing one or more of the following ingredients: Pyrithione zincHydrocortisone or other cortisone (steroid) preparationsSelenium sulfideSalicylic acid, sulfurCoal tarKetoconazole or other antifungal medications Prescription or over-the-counter creams or lotions containing: Hydrocortisone or other cortisone (steroid) preparationsKetoconazole or other antifungal medicationsPimecrolimus PreventionThere are no guidelines for preventing seborrheic dermatitis, because the cause is unknown. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, following treatment guidelines may help prevent a recurrence.
RESOURCES: American Academy of Dermatologyhttp://www.aad.org/default.htm National Skin Care Centerhttp://www.nsc.gov.sg/cgi-bin/WB_GroupGen.pl?id=33 CANADIAN RESOURCES: BC Health Guidehttp://www.bchealthguide.org/ Canadian Dermatology Associationhttp://www.dermatology.ca/english/ References: American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org . Cunha PR. Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in seborrhoeic dermatitis refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids. Acta Derm Venereol . 2006;86:69-70. Schwartz RA, Janusz CA, Janniger CK. Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview. Am Fam Physician . 2006;74:125-130. Last reviewed October 2007 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
