Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in AdultsSeborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in InfantsWhat Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?How Seborrheic Dermatitis Is DiagnosedTreatment OptionsComplications of Seborrheic DermatitisCopingWhen to See a DoctorFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Seborrheic Dermatitis GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Adults
Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Infants
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
How Seborrheic Dermatitis Is Diagnosed
Treatment Options
Complications of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Coping
When to See a Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Seborrheic Dermatitis Guide
Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly form of dermatitis that usually affects the scalp orface. For context, dermatitis refers to the inflammation of the skin.
Because it forms on parts of the skin containingsebaceous (oil-producing) glands, symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis most often appear on the ears, eyelids, eyebrows, and eyelids.
Additionally, a common symptom associated with seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is calleddandruff.However, in the case of infants, it’s referred to as acradle cap.
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Left untreated, seborrheic dermatitis can result in complications, such as asecondary bacterial or fungal infection.
This article will explore the symptoms, common treatments, and potential complications associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is common, affecting about 11% of people, and usually doesn’t cause any harm beyond irritation.
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unknown, but it’s believed that one of the factors is an inflammatory response toMalasseziayeast on the skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis can develop at any age but most commonly develops in infants between 2 and 12 months of age, and then later in adults between the ages of 30 and 60.
It is not contagious, meaning that it cannot spread from person to person.
In adults, seborrheic dermatitis tends to be itchy and chronic, or ongoing, and may come and go for years with cycles of flare-ups.
The scaly patches on the skin are itchy, moist, and often yellowish in color.
Seborrheic dermatitis develops on areas of the skin that contain a large number ofsebaceous(oil-producing) glands, such as the scalp and face. This includes the ears, eyebrows, and eyelids.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Skin Flakes, Including Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis causes white or yellowish flakes of dead skin.
You may first notice that flakes have formed on the scalp (dandruff) only after they fall off.
Dandruff typically sheds from the scalp into hair or onto your neck or shoulders. It can also sometimes occur in eyebrows.
Discolored Scales on the Skin
The inflamed skin tends to include patches of scales along with the skin flakes.
The skin underneath the the flaky, scaly patches is generally discolored (a change in skin tone such as darkening or redness).
Patches of Greasy Skin
Patches of greasy skin may occur beneath scaly, flaky skin.
Those with excessively oily skin may be more prone to seborrheic dermatitis.
Itching
Seborrheic dermatitis commonly causes itchiness and irritation.
Scratching can loosen flakes and also cause additional inflammation in the area.
Excessive scratching can also break the skin, leading to bleeding and increasing the risk of mild infections.
Blepharitis
Blepharitisis an inflammation of the eyelids. Seborrheic blepharitis can cause redness or discoloration on the eyelids and dandruff-like scales on the eyelashes.It can make eyes feel itchy.
How Blepharitis Is Treated
Discolored Plaques on Face
Areas of thick, discolored skin (a change in skin tone such as pinkening, reddening, yellowing, browning, or darkening), calledplaques, can occur on both sides of the face, such as beside the nose.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Inflamed Hair Follicles
Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis can lead to inflamed hair follicles on the face or upper body.
In rare cases, seborrheic dermatitis can contribute to damaged hair follicles on the scalp and lead to temporary hair loss. The damage tends to occur from scratching.
Discolored Skin Folds
When seborrheic dermatitis occurs in skin folds and creases, it typically leads to patches of discoloration or redness. This can happen in the armpits, genitals, or beneath breasts.
Many infants develop cradle cap. This type of seborrheic dermatitis causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp.
It’s also possible to get patches of seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area.
Cradle Cap
Like with adults, these patches are greasy and yellow to brown in color. Unlike with adults, cradle cap usually does not itch.
Cradle cap is typically harmless and usually goes away on its own within a few months.It typically does not persist past 8 to 12 months of age.
What Is Cradle Cap?
Patches on Diaper Area
In addition to the scalp and face, seborrheic dermatitis can affect the diaper area, including in skin folds. The skin may appear discolored, red or darkened, and oily with yellowish patches.
This also typically resolves on its own.
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unclear, but researchers believe that it is likely due to several factors.
The following may contribute to the condition:
Risk Factors for Seborrheic Dermatitis
There are many factors that may increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis.
One of the main ones is having a family history of dandruff.
Additional risk factors for developing seborrheic dermatitis or experiencing flare-ups include:
RecapThe causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unknown. It’s likely due to many factors. Possible causes are an overgrowth of yeast and an inflammatory reaction to it or to increased skin lipids or hormone levels.
Recap
The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are unknown. It’s likely due to many factors. Possible causes are an overgrowth of yeast and an inflammatory reaction to it or to increased skin lipids or hormone levels.
A skin specialist called adermatologistor another healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. They can usually diagnose seborrheic dermatitis based on its appearance.
There are other common skin conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those seen in seborrheic dermatitis. These include:
Less commonly, a widespread rash that can mimic the patches of seborrheic dermatitis may be due tosecondary syphilis. This is a worsening of primary syphilis, the sexually transmitted bacterial infection that usually begins as a sore at the infection site.
Facial seborrheic dermatitis may also resemble the classic “butterfly rash” seen insystemic lupuserythematosus(SLE), a disorder in which the immune system damages connective tissues and the lining of blood vessels throughout the body.
To differentiate among these conditions, a dermatologist may perform the following tests:
The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on how severe the seborrheic dermatitis is, where it’s located, and whether or not it responds well to common treatments.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
If seborrheic dermatitis is on the scalp and mild, OTCdandruff shampooswith one or more of the following ingredients can be helpful for both treating and preventing seborrheic dermatitis in adults:
Dandruff products are designed to reduce oil and scale buildup and kill yeast that may be associated with development of the condition.
It’s typically recommended that OTC dandruff shampoos be used daily or several times a week during flare-ups and at least once or twice a week afterward as a preventative. Although, it’s not a cure, so flare-ups can still happen.
For mild flare-ups on other skin areas, such as your neck or chest,OTC-strengthhydrocortisonecreams or gels may be helpful.
The 8 Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoos Recommend By Experts
Prescription Medications
If you have severe flare-ups, the seborrheic dermatitis is on your face, or if OTC treatments weren’t effective, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following types of medications:
Antifungal treatments are typically tried first. Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors may be added on a short-term basis, if needed.For example, you may take them for a week or two during a flare-up.
Antifungals may be used several times a week or daily during a flare-up. Your healthcare provider may recommend some continued use, such as once or twice a week, to help prevent flare-ups.
How to Safely Use Topical Steroids
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Try to shower soon after you exercise so that excess sweat and oil won’t have a chance to build up and potentially contribute to your seborrheic dermatitis.
It may also be helpful to get plenty of sleep and eat an overall healthy diet.
A 2019 study found that eating a Western-style diet that is high in processed foods was associated with more seborrheic dermatitis, whereas eating eating more fruit was associated with less seborrheic dermatitis.
Processed foods include processed meats, such as hot dogs and deli meats, and fried foods like French fries.
You may also want to focus on healthy fats, such asomega-3 fatty acidsfound in fatty fish such as salmon.
Omega-3s may have anti-inflammatory properties that preliminary research suggests may be helpful for inflammatory skin conditions.Although, the research focused on another type of dermatitis and not seborrheic dermatitis specifically.
Natural Treatments
Research on natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis is lacking, but there are some supplements and topical options that some people use:
RecapFor babies with cradle cap, treatment is usually not necessary. For adults, OTC dandruff shampoos or prescription medications and lifestyle changes, such as showering when sweaty, can help manage and prevent flare-ups.
For babies with cradle cap, treatment is usually not necessary. For adults, OTC dandruff shampoos or prescription medications and lifestyle changes, such as showering when sweaty, can help manage and prevent flare-ups.
Infants do not usually develop complications from cradle cap.Complications from seborrheic dermatitis in adults are uncommon, but possible.
In adults, especially those with more severe cases, asecondary bacterial or fungal infectionmay occur if seborrheic dermatitis is left untreated. This is because the skin tends to be open or damaged, which invites germs in.
These infections can cause increased discoloration, tenderness, and oozing or weeping of the patch and the surrounding skin.
Another potential complication of seborrheic dermatitis is related to theside effects of treatment. In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is often a chronic condition that requires on-and-off treatment to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
Whilelow-dose topical corticosteroid therapyis an effective medication for treating seborrheic dermatitis, long-term use can cause side effects like thinning of the skin and dilated blood vessels, ortelangiectasias.
This is why healthcare providers generally prefer milder agents to start, such as antifungal creams or medicated shampoos.
The psychological impact of seborrheic dermatitis can also be profound in some people. Adolescents and adults, in particular, may feel distress or embarrassment about the appearance of their skin, leading to low self-esteem.
RecapComplications of seborrheic dermatitis in adults are uncommon. When they occur, they are usually related to side effects of treatment or a secondary infection.
Complications of seborrheic dermatitis in adults are uncommon. When they occur, they are usually related to side effects of treatment or a secondary infection.
Maintaining a consistent treatment and self-care plan can help you successfully manage the condition and feel more in control during flare-ups.
Experiment with different routines to see what works best for your scalp and skin, and what fits well with your day-to-day life.
If you are feeling really anxious or distressed about your skin, discuss it with your healthcare provider. You may need a more aggressive treatment for the seborrheic dermatitis to help improve your quality of life.
It’s also important to remember that this is a common condition and you are not alone. You may want to consider joining a support group through organizations such as theNational Eczema Association.
Coping With Seborrheic Dermatitis
It’s usually not necessary to see a healthcare provider for mild seborrheic dermatitis, but severe or persistent symptoms are worth getting checked out.
If the discoloration and irritation persists and doesn’t improve with treatment, it may be a different condition.
If you have any signs of a secondary infection, like increased pain, discoloration, drainage or fever, contact a healthcare provider right away.
When to Take Your Infant to the Doctor
Infants should see a healthcare provider if they have a widespread rash that isn’t improving, or if they have any of the signs of infection, like pain, fever, drainage, or swelling.
In addition, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that infants see a dermatologist for persistent rashes on the body or in the diaper area.
RecapInfants should see the doctor if cradle cap or a rash anywhere on the body isn’t improving.Seek urgent medical care if there are any symptoms of infection such as pain, fever, drainage, or swelling.
Infants should see the doctor if cradle cap or a rash anywhere on the body isn’t improving.Seek urgent medical care if there are any symptoms of infection such as pain, fever, drainage, or swelling.
Infants should see the doctor if cradle cap or a rash anywhere on the body isn’t improving.
Seek urgent medical care if there are any symptoms of infection such as pain, fever, drainage, or swelling.
Summary
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes discolored (a change in skin tone) patches with overlyinggreasy, yellow scales and flaky skin.
It usuallyoccurs on the scalp as dandruffor cradle cap, but it can occur in many other areas such as the face or skin folds.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up on its own for infants.
In adolescents and adults, it tends to be chronic and itchy with periods of flare-ups. There’s no cure, but it’s usually easy to manage with treatments, such as OTC dandruff shampoos or prescription medications.
Frequently Asked QuestionsMedicated shampoos, lotions, foams, or gels can help kill yeast that may be contributing to seborrheic dermatitis.Research on the possible role of food is limited, but one study found that eating a Western-style diet that is high in processed foods was associated with more seborrheic dermatitis.No, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t cureable. It may seem to have gone away for a bit only to flare again later.Possible triggers for flare-ups may include stress, hormonal changes, illness, harsh cleansers or soaps, cold and dry weather, or medications.While the condition cannot be cured, flare-ups can be successfully managed with over-the-counter or prescription treatments to help remove scales and reduce inflammation and itching.
Medicated shampoos, lotions, foams, or gels can help kill yeast that may be contributing to seborrheic dermatitis.
Research on the possible role of food is limited, but one study found that eating a Western-style diet that is high in processed foods was associated with more seborrheic dermatitis.
No, seborrheic dermatitis isn’t cureable. It may seem to have gone away for a bit only to flare again later.
Possible triggers for flare-ups may include stress, hormonal changes, illness, harsh cleansers or soaps, cold and dry weather, or medications.
While the condition cannot be cured, flare-ups can be successfully managed with over-the-counter or prescription treatments to help remove scales and reduce inflammation and itching.
16 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.AFP. 2015;91(3):185-190.Dessinioti C, Katsambas A.Seborrheic dermatitis: etiology, risk factors, and treatments: facts and controversies.Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(4):343-51. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.01.001Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Optometric Association.Blepharitis.Sasseville D.Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics).Victoire A, Magin P, Coughlan J, van Driel ML.Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap).Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011380.pub2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lupus basics.Sanders MGH, Pardo LM, Ginger RS, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Nijsten T.Association between diet and seborrheic dermatitis: A cross-sectional study.J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(1):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.027Trikamjee T, Comberiati P, D’Auria E, Peroni D, Zuccotti GV.Nutritional factors in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in children.Front Pediatr. 2021;8:577413. doi:10.3389/fped.2020.577413Department of Veterans Affairs.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis: Tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
16 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.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.AFP. 2015;91(3):185-190.Dessinioti C, Katsambas A.Seborrheic dermatitis: etiology, risk factors, and treatments: facts and controversies.Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(4):343-51. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.01.001Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Optometric Association.Blepharitis.Sasseville D.Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics).Victoire A, Magin P, Coughlan J, van Driel ML.Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap).Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011380.pub2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lupus basics.Sanders MGH, Pardo LM, Ginger RS, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Nijsten T.Association between diet and seborrheic dermatitis: A cross-sectional study.J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(1):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.027Trikamjee T, Comberiati P, D’Auria E, Peroni D, Zuccotti GV.Nutritional factors in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in children.Front Pediatr. 2021;8:577413. doi:10.3389/fped.2020.577413Department of Veterans Affairs.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis: Tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
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.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.AFP. 2015;91(3):185-190.Dessinioti C, Katsambas A.Seborrheic dermatitis: etiology, risk factors, and treatments: facts and controversies.Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(4):343-51. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.01.001Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Optometric Association.Blepharitis.Sasseville D.Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics).Victoire A, Magin P, Coughlan J, van Driel ML.Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap).Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011380.pub2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lupus basics.Sanders MGH, Pardo LM, Ginger RS, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Nijsten T.Association between diet and seborrheic dermatitis: A cross-sectional study.J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(1):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.027Trikamjee T, Comberiati P, D’Auria E, Peroni D, Zuccotti GV.Nutritional factors in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in children.Front Pediatr. 2021;8:577413. doi:10.3389/fped.2020.577413Department of Veterans Affairs.Seborrheic dermatitis.National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis: Tips for managing.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: overview.
Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA.Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.AFP. 2015;91(3):185-190.
Dessinioti C, Katsambas A.Seborrheic dermatitis: etiology, risk factors, and treatments: facts and controversies.Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(4):343-51. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2013.01.001
Cleveland Clinic.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Optometric Association.Blepharitis.
Sasseville D.Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics).
Victoire A, Magin P, Coughlan J, van Driel ML.Interventions for infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (including cradle cap).Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Mar 4;3:CD011380. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011380.pub2
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lupus basics.
Sanders MGH, Pardo LM, Ginger RS, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Nijsten T.Association between diet and seborrheic dermatitis: A cross-sectional study.J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(1):108-114. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.027
Trikamjee T, Comberiati P, D’Auria E, Peroni D, Zuccotti GV.Nutritional factors in the prevention of atopic dermatitis in children.Front Pediatr. 2021;8:577413. doi:10.3389/fped.2020.577413
Department of Veterans Affairs.Seborrheic dermatitis.
National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology.Seborrheic dermatitis: Tips for managing.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Seborrheic dermatitis: diagnosis and treatment.
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