Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderTreatmentPreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Treatment
Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
An itchy, dry, flaky scalp is a common complaint. A frequent cause of it is a condition calledseborrheic dermatitis, also called seborrheic eczema, dandruff, or, in babies,cradle cap.It’s not contagious, it doesn’t indicate poor hygiene, and it doesn’t cause serious damage to your hair or scalp.
The severity of seborrheic dermatitis varies from mild flaking and a little itchiness to an intense itch and thick, greasy scales encasing the hair. Treatment is often topical and may consist of over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription lotions or shampoos.
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Not everyone with seborrheic dermatitis will have symptoms, but many people with it have flaking and/or itching.
Flaking
At its mildest, this condition may just cause very small, thin flakes. When more severe, the flakes can be thicker, and are often yellowish or greasy as well.
If you have silvery scales on your scalp, it may be from an overlap with psoriasis, a condition sometimes referred to assebopsoriasis.
Itching
Seborrheic dermatitis may or may not be itchy. When it does itch, it can be mild or intense. Some people say the itchbothers them the most at night, and some may wake up scratching.
Irritated, itchy skin may also be red, even if you haven’t scratched it.
What to Know About Scalp Peeling
Other Areas
This rash can actually affect many areas other than the scalp, especially those that have a lot of sebaceous glands, including:
Rare, Life-Threatening ComplicationIn rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can be widespread and affect the majority of the skin’s surface. This is callederythroderma, and it’s a severe, potentially life-threatening condition.Erythroderma is more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as from HIV/AIDS.
Rare, Life-Threatening Complication
In rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can be widespread and affect the majority of the skin’s surface. This is callederythroderma, and it’s a severe, potentially life-threatening condition.Erythroderma is more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as from HIV/AIDS.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Seborrheic dermatitis has many possible causes and triggers. Among the causes are:
Certain factors can trigger flare-ups of this condition, such as:
Causes and Risk Factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis
If you haven’t been previously diagnosed with or treated for sebhorreic dermatitis or any other skin condition, you should see your practitioner about an itchy, dry scalp if your symptoms:
If you’re already being treated for it, you should talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms:
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Symptoms, Complications, and More
You have a lot of treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis. The first one many people turn to is OTC dandruff shampoos. Look for ones that contain ingredients that may help address the underlying cause(s) of the condition, including:
The 7 Best Shampoos for Seborrheic Dermatitis
If OTC shampoos don’t work, you healthcare provider may prescribe an anti-fungal shampoo, such as:
In most cases, you’ll use it a few times a week until your scalp clears up, then use it less often to keep symptoms from coming back. Your practitioner can tell you the best treatment regimen for you.
In some moderate to severe cases, healthcare providers prescribe shampoo containingtopical steroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatories. Brands include:
If you have a severe or stubborn case of seborrheic dermatitis, you may want to see adermatologist.
How Seborrheic Dermatitis Is Treated
Prognosis
Seborrheic dermatitis usually is considered chronic, meaning you may have occasional flares of symptoms throughout your life. However, it usually improves considerably with treatment and can be well-controlled for the long term.
What is the difference between dandruff and dry scalp?
A Word From Verywell
The visible flakes and itching from seborrheic dermatitis can be annoying and embarrassing. Fortunately, you have plenty of treatment options that are likely to control it pretty well, so don’t think you just have to live with it!
It’s simple to start working toward managing the condition, and if you need something more than what’s available without a prescription, talk to your healthcare provider.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Naldi L, Diphoorn J.Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp.BMJ Clin Evid: 1713.César A, Cruz M, Mota A, Azevedo F.Erythroderma: a clinical and etiological study of 103 patients.J Dermatol Case Rep; 10(1):1-9. PMID:27119000Aktaş Karabay E, Aksu Çerman A.Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: a case-control study.Turk J Med Sci. 2019;49(5):1503-1508. Published 2019 Oct 24. doi:10.3906/sag-1906-72Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.Gu RL, Wang SQ.Clinical study on treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis with intense pulsed light combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid.Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e1875. Published 2020 Nov 11. doi:10.6061/clinics/2020/e1875Barnes TM, Greive KA.Topical pine tar: History, properties and use as a treatment for common skin conditions.Australas J Dermatol. 2017;58(2):80-85. doi:10.1111/ajd.12427
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Naldi L, Diphoorn J.Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp.BMJ Clin Evid: 1713.César A, Cruz M, Mota A, Azevedo F.Erythroderma: a clinical and etiological study of 103 patients.J Dermatol Case Rep; 10(1):1-9. PMID:27119000Aktaş Karabay E, Aksu Çerman A.Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: a case-control study.Turk J Med Sci. 2019;49(5):1503-1508. Published 2019 Oct 24. doi:10.3906/sag-1906-72Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.Gu RL, Wang SQ.Clinical study on treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis with intense pulsed light combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid.Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e1875. Published 2020 Nov 11. doi:10.6061/clinics/2020/e1875Barnes TM, Greive KA.Topical pine tar: History, properties and use as a treatment for common skin conditions.Australas J Dermatol. 2017;58(2):80-85. doi:10.1111/ajd.12427
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Naldi L, Diphoorn J.Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp.BMJ Clin Evid: 1713.César A, Cruz M, Mota A, Azevedo F.Erythroderma: a clinical and etiological study of 103 patients.J Dermatol Case Rep; 10(1):1-9. PMID:27119000Aktaş Karabay E, Aksu Çerman A.Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: a case-control study.Turk J Med Sci. 2019;49(5):1503-1508. Published 2019 Oct 24. doi:10.3906/sag-1906-72Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.Gu RL, Wang SQ.Clinical study on treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis with intense pulsed light combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid.Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e1875. Published 2020 Nov 11. doi:10.6061/clinics/2020/e1875Barnes TM, Greive KA.Topical pine tar: History, properties and use as a treatment for common skin conditions.Australas J Dermatol. 2017;58(2):80-85. doi:10.1111/ajd.12427
Naldi L, Diphoorn J.Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp.BMJ Clin Evid: 1713.
César A, Cruz M, Mota A, Azevedo F.Erythroderma: a clinical and etiological study of 103 patients.J Dermatol Case Rep; 10(1):1-9. PMID:27119000
Aktaş Karabay E, Aksu Çerman A.Serum zinc levels in seborrheic dermatitis: a case-control study.Turk J Med Sci. 2019;49(5):1503-1508. Published 2019 Oct 24. doi:10.3906/sag-1906-72
Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Ketoconazole topical.
Gu RL, Wang SQ.Clinical study on treatment of facial seborrheic dermatitis with intense pulsed light combined with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid.Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2020;75:e1875. Published 2020 Nov 11. doi:10.6061/clinics/2020/e1875
Barnes TM, Greive KA.Topical pine tar: History, properties and use as a treatment for common skin conditions.Australas J Dermatol. 2017;58(2):80-85. doi:10.1111/ajd.12427
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