Seborrheic dermatitis

Overview 

A typical skin problem that primarily affects your scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. It results in skin inflammation, scaly patches, and flaky dandruff. The face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest are typical oily body regions affected. Although it doesn’t cause permanent hair loss and is not contagious, this condition can be unpleasant. 

The “sebaceous” glands are referred to as “seborrheic” while “derm” is the scientific term for “skin.” It’s known as “cradle cap” when it affects a baby’s scalp and “dandruff” (pityriasis capitis) when it affects an adolescent or adult. 

Without therapy, seborrheic dermatitis can fade away. To eliminate symptoms and stop flare–ups, you might also need to use medicated shampoo or other items on a long–term basis. 

Dandruff, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis are other names for seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap is the term used to describe it when it affects infants. 

Symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis might include: 

• Itchy areas 
• Greasy skin patches that are coated with flaky white or yellow scales or crust on the head, face, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, chest, armpits, groin, or beneath the breasts. 
• Scalp, hair, eyebrow, beard, or mustache flaking skin (dandruff) 
• Petaloid seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by a ring–shaped (annular) rash  
• A rash can exhibit variations in color based on an individual’s skin tone. In individuals with brown skin, the rash may appear darker or lighter compared to the surrounding skin. Conversely, in individuals with white skin, the rash may appear redder in comparison. 

Seborrheic dermatitis signs and symptoms frequently worsen in response to stress, exhaustion, or seasonal changes. 

If you experience these, consult your doctor: 

• You suspect an infection on your skin. 
• Despite your efforts at self–care, your symptoms continue. 
• You are unable to sleep or focus on your regular tasks because you are so uncomfortable. 
• You feel ashamed or anxious about your condition. 

Causes 

It is unclear what causes seborrheic dermatitis. It might be brought on by the yeast Malassezia, too much sebum in the skin, or an immune system issue. 

Risk factors 

The following are risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis: 

• Extreme tiredness 
• Seasonal changes 
• Being under stress 
• Disorders present at birth such as Down syndrome  
• Healing from traumatic medical problems like a heart attack 
• Disorders of the immune system (e.g., HIV infection, organ transplant recipient, adult Hodgkin’s or Non–Hodgkin’s lymphoma) 
• Disorders of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, tardive dyskinesia, spinal cord injury, or facial nerve palsy. 
• Suffering from a mental illness, such as sadness or depression 
• Taking psychotropic medications such as buspirone, chlorpromazine, lithium, or haloperidol decanoate. 

Infants under three months old and adults in their 30s to 60s are the most common age groups to experience it. It affects men more often than women, and Caucasians have a higher prevalence than African Americans. 

You are more prone to get this type of dermatitis if you were born with naturally oily skin. You become more susceptible if your family has a history of psoriasis. Living in a dry, cold climate doesn’t cause seborrheic dermatitis, but it does make the condition worse.