Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly form of dermatitis that usually affects the scalp orface.
For context, dermatitis refers to the inflammation of the skin.
This article will explore the symptoms, common treatments, and potential complications associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
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What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
It is not contagious, meaning that it cannot spread from person to person.
The scaly patches on the skin are itchy, moist, and often yellowish in color.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This includes the ears, eyebrows, and eyelids.
Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Skin Flakes, Including Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis causes white or yellowish flakes of dead skin.
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You may first notice that flakes have formed on the scalp (dandruff) only after they fall off.
Dandruff typically sheds from the scalp into hair or onto your neck or shoulders.
It can also sometimes occur in eyebrows.
Patches of Greasy Skin
Patches of greasy skin may occur beneath scaly, flaky skin.
Those with excessively oily skin may be more prone to seborrheic dermatitis.
Itching
Seborrheic dermatitis commonly causes itchiness and irritation.
Scratching can loosen flakes and also cause additional inflammation in the area.
Excessive scratching can also break the skin, leading to bleeding and increasing the risk of mild infections.
Blepharitis
Blepharitisis an inflammation of the eyelids.
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The damage tends to occur from scratching.
This can happen in the armpits, genitals, or beneath breasts.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Infants
Many infants develop cradle cap.
This bang out of seborrheic dermatitis causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp.
It’s also possible to get patches of seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area.
Like with adults, these patches are greasy and yellow to brown in color.
Unlike with adults, cradle cap usually does not itch.
The skin may appear discolored, red or darkened, and oily with yellowish patches.
This also typically resolves on its own.
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unclear, but researchers believe that it is likely due to several factors.
One of the main ones is having a family history of dandruff.
It’s likely due to many factors.
They can usually diagnose seborrheic dermatitis based on its appearance.
There are other common skin conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those seen in seborrheic dermatitis.
Although, it’s not a cure, so flare-ups can still happen.
Antifungals may be used several times a week or daily during a flare-up.
It may also be helpful to get plenty of sleep and eat an overall healthy diet.
This is because the skin tends to be open or damaged, which invites germs in.
Another potential complication of seborrheic dermatitis is related to theside effects of treatment.
In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is often a chronic condition that requires on-and-off treatment to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
This is why healthcare providers generally prefer milder agents to start, such as antifungal creams or medicated shampoos.
The psychological impact of seborrheic dermatitis can also be profound in some people.
Complications of seborrheic dermatitis in adults are uncommon.
When they occur, they are usually related to side effects of treatment or a secondary infection.
If you are feeling really anxious or distressed about your skin, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
You may need a more aggressive treatment for the seborrheic dermatitis to help improve your quality of life.
It’s also important to remember that this is a common condition and you are not alone.
You may want to consider joining a support group through organizations such as theNational Eczema Association.
If the discoloration and irritation persists and doesn’t improve with treatment, it may be a different condition.
Infants should see the doctor if cradle cap or a rash anywhere on the body isn’t improving.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up on its own for infants.
In adolescents and adults, it tends to be chronic and itchy with periods of flare-ups.
No, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t cureable.
It may seem to have gone away for a bit only to flare again later.
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