Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an acute or chronic papulosquamous dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis may represent an inflammatory reaction to Malassezia furfur yeasts. Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition mainly affecting the area, where sebaceous glands are most numerous, such as scalp, around the nose, eyelash and eyebrow regions, the middle of the chest and the outer ear.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, chronic condition that occurs in areas of the skin where there are large oil glands — the middle of the face, behind the ears, and especially on the scalp (dandruff).

What are the causes and symptoms incidence, and risk factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The exact cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is not known. The cause may be different in infants and adults. Seborrheic Dermatitis may be related to hormones, because the disorder often appears in infancy and disappears before puberty. Over-growth of pityrosporum yeast organisms may be important in the development of the adult's Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptom - The symptom is a red, itchy rash with greasy yellowish scales. It should be noted that Seborrheic Dermatitis is unrelated to seborrhea.

Because seborrheic dermatitis is uncommon in preadolescent children, and tinea capitis is uncommon after adolescence, dandruff in a child is more likely to represent a fungal infection. A fungal culture should be completed for confirmation.

Brief description of Seborrheic Dermatitis -

Seborrheic Dermatitis is most common in three age groups of infancy when it is called cradle cap, middle age, and the elderly. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by age 8 to 12 months. In some infants, seborrheic dermatitis may develop only in the diaper area where it could be confused with other forms of diaper rash. When seborrheic dermatitis develops at other ages, red scaly rash and yellowish "dandruff" may appear. It can come and go. Seborrheic Dermatitis is common in people with oily skin or hair, and may be seen with acne or psoriasis.

What are the treatments for Seborrheic dermatitis?

Shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione or selenium are used daily if possible. These may be alternated with ketoconazole shampoo (1% or 2%) used twice weekly. A combination of shampoos is used in refractory cases. Tar shampoos are also effective for milder cases and for scalp psoriasis. Topical corticosteroid solutions or lotions are then added if necessary and are used twice daily. Treatments 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 zinc
  • Selenium sulfide
  • Salicylic acid, sulfur
  • Coal tar
• Prescription or over-the-counter lotions containing:
  • Hydrocortisone or other cortisone (steroid) preparations
  • Ketoconazole