Seborrheic Dermatitis(Dandruff)
by
Jennifer Hellwig, MS, RD DefinitionSeborrheic 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, on the eyebrows, around the nose, and on the chest. Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis where there is a scaling of the skin on the scalp. The area can be dry or oily, and is sometimes itchy.
Causes TOPThe exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. Common skin yeast organisms or genetic factors may play a role for some people. Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase the chances of seborrheic dermatitis:
Symptoms TOPThe symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They include:
In babies less than 1 month old, seborrheic dermatitis may cause a thick, yellow, crusted scalp rash known as cradle cap. Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is made by the appearance of the rash.You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders. Treatment TOPTreatments for seborrheic dermatitis are usually applied directly to the skin in the form of shampoo or lotion. Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants will usually resolve on its own. Medicated ProductsBaby shampoo, mineral oil, and topical anti-fungal shampoos may be used for seborrheic dermatitis in infants A variety of treatments are used for seborrheic dermatitis in children and adults, such as:
Treatment can take several weeks or months and may need to be repeated if the condition returns. Prevention TOPThere are no current guidelines to prevent seborrheic dermatitis because the cause is unknown. RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Dermatology Association https://www.dermatology.ca Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca References:Cunha PR. Pimecrolimus cream 1% is effective in seborrhoeic dermatitis refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids.
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. Updated February 27, 2018. Accessed March 6, 2018.
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3/12/2018 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
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: Karakadze MA, Hirt PA, et al. The genetic basis of seborrhoeic dermatitis: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Nov 20.
Last reviewed March 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH Last Updated: 3/6/2018 |
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