From the Guidelines
Seborrheic dermatitis is primarily caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin, which can be exacerbated by genetic predisposition, inflammatory responses, and various triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions. This condition typically affects areas with many oil-producing glands, including the scalp, face, chest, and back. According to 1, seborrheic dermatitis is more pronounced in patients with Down syndrome, HIV infection, and Parkinson's disease, suggesting a link between the condition and certain underlying health issues. The presence of greasy yellowish scaling, itching, and secondary inflammation from Malassezia yeast are common characteristics of seborrheic dermatitis.
Some key factors that can contribute to the development of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Inflammatory responses
- Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin
- Certain medical conditions, such as Down syndrome, HIV infection, and Parkinson's disease
- Stress and hormonal changes
- Oily skin, which provides an ideal environment for the yeast to thrive
Management of seborrheic dermatitis typically involves:
- Antifungal treatments, such as topical antifungal medications, to reduce the amount of yeast present
- Anti-inflammatory treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and itch
- Regular gentle cleansing to reduce oil and yeast buildup
- Identifying and avoiding personal triggers to prevent flare-ups of this chronic but manageable condition, as suggested by 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Mode of Action:In vitro studies suggest that ketoconazole impairs the synthesis of ergosterol, which is a vital component of fungal cell membranes. It is postulated that the therapeutic effect of ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis is due to the reduction of M. ovale, but this has not yet been proven. The therapeutic effect of ketoconazole in seborrheic dermatitis is postulated to be due to the reduction of M. ovale (Malassezia ovale), suggesting that M. ovale may be a cause of seborrheic dermatitis 2 2.
From the Research
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Malassezia yeasts are thought to play a significant role in the development of seborrheic dermatitis, as evidenced by the effectiveness of antifungal treatments 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- An abnormal or inflammatory immune response to Malassezia yeasts may also contribute to the condition 3, 4, 6, 7
- Hormones, such as androgens, and sebum levels are known to play important roles in the development of seborrheic dermatitis 6
- Other factors that may exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis include:
Additional Factors
- The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors 6, 7
- Seborrheic dermatitis tends to relapse after treatment, suggesting that there may be underlying factors that contribute to its development and recurrence 5