Sometimes, this condition is referred to as seborrheic eczema. When affecting the scalp, it may be referred to as dandruff when mild, or as scalp psoriasis, or ascradle capin babies.
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What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis itself is not a life-threatening condition in general, although in rare cases, it can be widespread and affect the majority of the skin surface, leading to complications found in erythroderma. These cases are rare and more common in certain populations such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Causes
While the exact cause is not known, the involvement of theMalasseziayeast has been implicated based on the observation that treatment with an anti-yeast agent such as ketoconazole may improve the condition.
This is also based on the observation that this condition tends to affect areas with high sebum content which can help promote yeast growth.We do know that inflammation is present in this condition and some experts postulate that the inflammation is in reaction to the yeast.
Other conditions that can produce a facial rash include acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. See a healthcare provider for diagnosis and to ensure you get the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
There is a whole range of presentations of seborrheic dermatitis. Here, we discuss the involvement of the face. However, this rash can actually affect many other areas, especially those high in sebaceous glands like the back, nose, and scalp.The scalp is another commonly affected area.
When seborrheic dermatitis affects the face, it often affects the area between the eyebrows, over the eyebrows, on the sides of the nose including the folds on the side of the nose. It often affects the hairline as well, often extending into the scalp.
When seborrheic dermatitis appears on the face, there may be variable amounts of flaking skin, redness and itch.When mild, the skin may appear just slightly pink with very small amounts of flaking. When severe, there can be more intense redness and flaking. The amount of itch, irritation, or burning can vary as well.
Treatment
Many people think that peeling off the flaking skin will help the rash. However, this does not help treat the rash and can actually irritate the rash even more.
People with seborrheic dermatitis often opt for treatment for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons. Treatment is often topical and may consist of over-the-counter or prescription lotions, solutions, soaps, or washes
Over-the-counter anti-dandruffshampoois sometimes used as a face wash. including those containing selenium, salicylic acid, tar, zinc, or ketoconazole may be helpful.
Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors, such as Zoryve (roflumilast), are FDA-approved for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in people 9 years of age and older.
How Do You Get Prescription Medications for Seborrheic Dermatitis?
In many cases, your primary care provider can provide these medications. In more severe or stubborn cases, you may want to see adermatologist.
Prognosis
Seborrheic dermatitis is often considered a chronic condition where it is not cured, but rather, is controlled through the above treatments if desired. The condition may get better and worse on its own at different times as well.
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.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190.Mangion SE, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS, Holmes AM.Seborrheic dermatitis: topical therapeutics and formulation design.Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2023;185:148-164. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.023Valenzuela F, Fernández J, Sánchez M, Zamudio A.Erythrodermic psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus: association and therapeutic challenges.An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(3):438-440. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187387American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic dermatitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
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.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190.Mangion SE, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS, Holmes AM.Seborrheic dermatitis: topical therapeutics and formulation design.Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2023;185:148-164. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.023Valenzuela F, Fernández J, Sánchez M, Zamudio A.Erythrodermic psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus: association and therapeutic challenges.An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(3):438-440. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187387American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic dermatitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
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.
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190.Mangion SE, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS, Holmes AM.Seborrheic dermatitis: topical therapeutics and formulation design.Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2023;185:148-164. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.023Valenzuela F, Fernández J, Sánchez M, Zamudio A.Erythrodermic psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus: association and therapeutic challenges.An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(3):438-440. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187387American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic dermatitis.John Hopkins Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Am Fam Physician.2015;91(3):185-190.
Mangion SE, Mackenzie L, Roberts MS, Holmes AM.Seborrheic dermatitis: topical therapeutics and formulation design.Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2023;185:148-164. doi:10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.01.023
Valenzuela F, Fernández J, Sánchez M, Zamudio A.Erythrodermic psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus: association and therapeutic challenges.An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(3):438-440. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187387
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Eczema Foundation.Seborrheic dermatitis.
John Hopkins Medicine.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Saunte DML, Gaitanis G, Hay RJ.Malassezia-associated skin diseases, the use of diagnostics and treatment.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020;10:112. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.00112
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