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Seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff; Seborrheic eczema; Cradle cap
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, face or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin.
Scales
Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.
Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants.
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis that affects the scalp of infants.
Causes
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. Doctors think it may be due to a combination hormone levels, weakened immune system, lack of certain nutrients, or nervous system problems. Irritation from a yeast called Malassezia may also lead to this condition. Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families.
Risk factors include:
- Stress or fatigue
- Weather extremes
- Oily skin, or skin problems such as acne
- Infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning
- Using lotions that contain alcohol
- Obesity
-
Neurologic conditions, including
Parkinson disease
,
head injury
or
stroke
Parkinson disease
Parkinson disease causes certain brain cells to die. These are the cells that help control movement and coordination. The disease leads to shaking ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleHead injury
A head injury is any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. The injury may be only a minor bump on the skull or a serious brain injury. Head injury c...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleStroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on different body areas. Usually, it forms where the skin is oily or greasy. Common areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and middle of the chest.
In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
-
Skin lesions
with scales
Skin lesions
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Plaques
over large area
Plaques
A patch is a flat area of color change in the skin that is 1 cm or more wide.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Greasy, oily areas of skin
- Skin scales -- white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and sticky dandruff
- Itching -- may become more itchy if infected
- Mild redness
- Hair loss
Exams and Tests
Diagnosis is based on appearance and location of the skin lesions. Further tests, such as skin biopsy , are rarely needed.
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
Flaking and dryness can be treated with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. You can buy these at the drugstore without a prescription. Look for a product that says on the label it treats seborrheic dermatitis. Such products contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Use the shampoo according to label instructions.
For severe cases, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a shampoo or lotion containing a stronger dose of selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, cicloprox, sodium sulfacetamide, or corticosteroid. A cream that contains an immunomodulator, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, may be prescribed. This medicine suppresses the immune system to treat inflammation.
It is thought that sunlight improves seborrheic dermatitis. In some persons, the condition gets better in the summer, especially after outdoor activities.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (life-long) condition that comes and goes and can be controlled with treatment.
Severity of seborrheic dermatitis can be lessened by controlling risk factors and paying careful attention to skin care.
Possible Complications
The condition may result in:
- Psychological distress, low self-esteem, embarrassment
- Secondary bacterial or fungal infections
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if seborrheic dermatitis symptoms do not respond to self-care or over-the-counter treatments.
Also call if patches of seborrheic dermatitis drain fluid or pus, form crusts, or become very red or painful.
Prevention
The severity of seborrheic dermatitis can be lessened by controlling the risk factors and by paying careful attention to skin care.
References
Weidman AK, Williams JDL, Coulson I. Seborrheic eczema. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 219.
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
-
Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
Review Date: 4/14/2015
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
