Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema that can cause dandruff and other symptoms. Treatment can include home remedies and prescriptions, depending on the severity.
Seborrheic dermatitis (pronounced “seh-bah-ree-ick der-muh-tie-tis”) is a common skin condition that causes skin discoloration, scaly patches, and dandruff.
It is a chronic form of eczema that most often affects the scalp. It can also develop on oily areas of the body, like your face, upper chest, and back.
When infants develop this condition, doctors call it cradle cap. This typically develops within the first few weeks of birth and gradually disappears over several weeks or months.
In this article, we’ll discuss seborrheic dermatitis, its symptoms, and how to manage it.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but they believe two main factors contribute to its development.
One factor is the overproduction of oil. An excess amount of oil in the skin might act as an irritant, causing your skin to become red or discolored and greasy. This may relate to hormone production.
Another contributing factor is Malassezia, a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the skin’s oils. It can sometimes multiply more than usual,
Cradle cap can develop in infants due to hormonal changes that occur in the birthing parent during pregnancy. In adults, seborrheic dermatitis can also develop with psoriasis, which is called sebopsoriasis.
Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop seborrheic dermatitis while others don’t. But it does appear that your chance of developing the condition increases if a close family member has it.
Other
- obesity
- inconsistent skin care
- stress
- environmental factors, like pollution
- the presence of other skin issues, like acne
- the use of certain skin care products, particularly those containing alcohol
- certain medical conditions, like HIV or Parkinson’s disease
- harsh detergents, soaps, and chemicals
- cold, dry weather
- medications, including psoralen, interferon, and lithium
- hormonal changes
What makes seborrheic dermatitis flare?
Seborrheic dermatitis may flare up more due to those factors listed as well as stress, change of seasons, and alcohol misuse.
The types of symptoms that develop can vary from person to person and can also occur in different parts of the body.
That said, seborrheic dermatitis has a
- The skin develops scaly white or yellowish patches that flake off. This is commonly known as dandruff and can occur in the scalp, hair, eyebrows, or beard.
- The skin develops erythematous plaques, which are solid patches of thick-crusted skin. They may turn yellow and greasy and occur in severe cases.
- The skin in the affected area tends to be greasy and oily.
- The skin in the affected area
may be discolored or hypopigmented, particularly in people with darker skin tones. - The skin in the affected area may be itchy.
- Hair loss may occur in the affected area.
Areas affected
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to develop in oily areas of the body. It most often affects the scalp, but it can also occur in the following areas:
- in and around the ears
- on the eyebrows
- on the nose
- on the back
- on the upper portion of the chest
Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the scalp and hairline, with symptoms ranging from mild dandruff to thick, dense patches of dried skin.
Dandruff can appear as fine, powdery pieces of dead skin. It might be visible in your hair or on dark clothing.
If you have more severe seborrheic dermatitis, you may experience erythematous plaques. These are raised, solid patches of thick-crusted skin on and around the scalp.
If left untreated, the plaque could thicken and become yellow and greasy, causing a secondary infection.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition that requires ongoing treatment. But you can manage the condition effectively by:
- working with a doctor to develop a treatment plan
- developing a good skin care routine
- learning to recognize and eliminate triggers
Home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis
Your doctor will likely recommend trying some home remedies before considering medical treatments.
People frequently use dandruff shampoos to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp. Daily use is often necessary for optimal results. Make sure to carefully follow all instructions on the bottle.
Other home treatments that may help you manage seborrheic dermatitis include:
- using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal and anti-itch creams
- using hypoallergenic soap and detergent
- thoroughly rinsing soap and shampoo off the skin and scalp
- shaving off a mustache or beard
- wearing loose cotton clothing to avoid skin irritation
Medications
If your symptoms don’t improve with these home remedies, talk with your doctor about trying the following treatments:
- Prescription-strength shampoos and ointments: These typically contain hydrocortisone, fluocinolone, or desonide.
- Antifungal medication: Your doctor might sometimes prescribe antifungal medication, such as topical ketoconazole and metronidazole or oral itraconazole and terbinafine.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy: Your doctor can use this type of light therapy to help manage your seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. They’ll expose the affected skin area to ultraviolet light for a short period over several sessions a week for as long as 2 months.
Cradle cap usually doesn’t require medical treatment. It often resolves within a few months.
A caution about skin cream use for infants
Check with your child’s doctor before using OTC hydrocortisone or antifungal creams. Some can be toxic for infants after absorption through the skin. Dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid aren’t always safe for infants, so speak with your pediatrician before trying any treatment for cradle cap.
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will
Your doctor may want to perform a biopsy before making a diagnosis. During this procedure, your doctor will remove skin cells from the affected area.
They will then send the samples to a laboratory for analysis. The results will help to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to those of other skin conditions, including rosacea and psoriasis.
| Condition | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| psoriasis | thick patches of dry, inflamed skin covered in silvery-white scales; patches are often itchy |
| atopic dermatitis (eczema) | dry, itchy skin that turns into a rash |
| rosacea | small, pus-filled bumps on the skin appearing in cycles of flare-ups |
| tinea versicolor | small, discolored, flaky patches of skin ranging from red to other color changes |
In general, you should reach out to your doctor if:
- you don’t get relief from a regular dandruff shampoo
- some areas are extremely red
- some areas are very painful
- an area has pus, fluid, or crusting
- you experience significant discomfort and believe you may need medical treatment
You should also contact your child’s doctor if cradle cap symptoms are severe or persist. They may recommend certain medicated shampoos or lotions.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, so you may need to manage it on some level throughout your life. You may go through extended periods where there are little to no symptoms. You’ll also likely experience flare-ups, which are episodes when symptoms become more severe.
Over time, you can find a skin care routine that works for you and minimizes the effect of the condition. Recognizing and eliminating triggers can help you manage seborrheic dermatitis effectively. It doesn’t lead to serious medical conditions or complications.