Seborrheic dermatitis may be unsightly, but it isn't a serious condition. People who develop it tend to have symptoms off and on for the rest of their lives. Because it looks unpleasant, sufferers may be embarrassed about having the condition. Seborrheic dermatitis, however, typically resolves after treatment with over-the-counter shampoos or ointments.
Symptoms
Individuals afflicted with seborrheic dermatitis notice redness, flaking and scaling of the skin, especially the skin of the scalp. The affected area may feel greasy or itchy and may have persistent dandruff. The scales may be white or yellow and may stick to the shaft of hair. They may also form a thick crust over the scalp or other affected body part. Seborrheic dermatitis may also affect the face, chest, back and creases of the arms, legs and groin.
Causes
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains a mystery, but some potential culprits have been identified that may be the cause. Hormonal changes could possibly cause the development of seborrheic dermatitis. The skin fungus malassezia also seems to be linked to the development of the condition, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. An overproduction of oil from the skin has also been implicated as a cause.
Risk Factors
People with certain underlying disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and AIDS are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. There may be a hereditary component to seborrheic dermatitis since it often runs in families, according to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health. Stress, skin disorders, oily skin and obesity may also raise the risk of developing the condition. More men develop the condition than women.
Treatment
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is usually treated with twice a week cleaning using a dandruff shampoo containing salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione. Another option is to use shampoo containing coal tar three times a week. If dandruff shampoos don't work or the condition is affecting other areas of the body, topical steroid lotions may be used.
Children
Seborrheic dermatitis is extremely common in infants in which case it is usually referred to as cradle cap, explains Healthy Children. Children from newborn to 3-years-old are more likely to get cradle cap than older children or adults. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is treated with a mild shampoo, usually containing 2 percent ketoconazole or salicylic acid, and gentle brushing of the scalp to loosen and remove flakes. Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis also occurs in folds of skin in babies, in which case it is typically treated with a gentle steroid cream or ointment.
