From the Guidelines
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by greasy yellowish scaling, itching, and secondary inflammation from Malassezia yeast, typically affecting the ears, scalp, central face, and other sebaceous areas of the skin. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Flaky white or yellowish scales
- Redness
- Skin lesions with a greasy appearance
- Mild itching
- Sometimes a burning sensation These symptoms most frequently appear on the scalp (as dandruff), eyebrows, sides of the nose, behind the ears, in the external ear canal, on the chest, and in skin folds 1. The condition often fluctuates in severity, with flare-ups triggered by stress, hormonal changes, harsh detergents, cold and dry weather, or certain medical conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by an inflammatory reaction to Malassezia yeast, which naturally lives on the skin, combined with excess oil production and individual susceptibility.
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis includes the use of topical antifungal medications to reduce the amount of yeast present and topical anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and itch 1. Maintaining good skin hygiene, managing stress, and avoiding harsh skin products can help reduce flare-ups. Regular cleansing using medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or salicylic acid can also be effective in managing the condition. For facial and body symptoms, topical antifungal creams or mild corticosteroids may be needed.
From the Research
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring inflammatory skin disorder that manifests as erythematous macules or plaques with varying levels of scaling associated with pruritus 2
- The characteristic symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include scaling, erythema, and itching, which occur most often on the scalp, face, chest, back, axilla, and groin 3
- The skin changes are thought to result from an inflammatory response to a common skin organism, Malassezia yeast 3
Common Areas Affected
- Seborrheic dermatitis tends to occur on seborrheic areas, such as the scalp, face, chest, back, axilla, and groin areas 2
- The scalp is a common area affected by seborrheic dermatitis, with symptoms including dandruff and itching 4, 5
Treatment and Management
- Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis focuses on clearing signs of the disease, ameliorating associated symptoms, and maintaining remission with long-term therapy 2
- Topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents are commonly used to treat seborrheic dermatitis, with other therapies including lithium gluconate/succinate, coal tar, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide 2
- Systemic therapy is reserved for widespread lesions or cases that are refractory to topical treatment 2