Diseases
seborrheic dermatitis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
Symptoms
- flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache
- rash that may look darker or lighter in people with brown or black skin
- ring-shaped (annular) rash, for a type called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis
- patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales
- crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears
Causes
- the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isn't clear. it may be due to the yeast malassezia, excess oil in the skin or a problem in the immune system.
Risk factors
- stress
- a change of season
- nervous system conditions, such as parkinson's disease
Diagnosis
- physical exam.
- skin biopsy
- signs and symptoms.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?
flaking skin (dandruff) on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard or mustache, rash that may look darker or lighter in people with brown or black skin, ring-shaped (annular) rash, for a type called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis, patches of greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales, crust on the scalp, face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears
What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isn't clear. it may be due to the yeast malassezia, excess oil in the skin or a problem in the immune system.
Which medicines are used for seborrheic dermatitis?
salicylic acid
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