Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition, primarily affecting the scalp, and characterized by the overproduction of skin cells and oil. In infants, this skin condition is called cradle cap. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be uncomfortable but are controllable with certain types of medication or lifestyle changes. People who experience symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis should talk with their doctors for further evaluation and care.
Skin Lesions or Plaques
Seborrheic dermatitis lesions or scales most commonly occur in oily skin areas across the scalp, back or face or behind the ears. Skin patches can appear scaly or crusty and may be red, white or yellow in color. These itchy skin plaques and lesions can fade over time, only to re-emerge sporadically throughout a patient's life. Certain factors, such as weather changes or emotional stress, may exacerbate symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, explain health educators at Up To Date, a peer-reviewed medical information website for patients.
Oily Skin
Typically, patients with this condition have unusually oily skin, explain doctors at the Mayo Clinic, which may be due to overactive oil glands beneath the skin. Excess skin oil can worsen the skin symptoms of this condition and can contribute to the buildup of scaly, thick or crusty patches of skin.
Dandruff
Dry patches of skin across the scalp resulting from seborrheic dermatitis can begin to flake off--a condition referred to as dandruff, explain medical professionals at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at Penn State in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Dandruff can also be accompanied by itching, which may worsen skin-flaking symptoms. Infants with cradle cap typically develop crusty skin lesions across the scalp.
Hair Loss
Seborrheic dermatitis can result in temporary hair loss at the site of skin lesion or plaque formation, explains Medline Plus. Hair along the scalp, eyebrows or eye lashes can become sparse or patchy. Men with facial hair, such as a beard or mustache, can also develop patchy hair loss across the face. These symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis typically do not result in permanent hair loss.
