While normal dandruff does not usually affect the forehead, seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that causes dandruff, can also affect other parts of the body, especially the face, back and other parts of the body that tend to be oily. Seborrheic dermatitis appears as an itchy, scaly rash on the forehead, along the hairline, between the eyebrows and sometimes on other parts of the face and body. A variety of preventative measures and treatments can help reduce flare-ups.
Identification
Unlike normal dandruff, which appears as dry or greasy white flakes in the hair, seborrheic dermatitis causes dandruff accompanied by inflammation and rash on the scalp that can extend to the hairline and appear on the forehead and other parts of the face. The flaky skin rash is itchy, scaly and may be greasy and yellow-brown or red in color.
Causes
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unclear, but it is known to occur in people with oily skin or hair, a family history of the condition or a medical condition that affects the immune system, such as AIDS, or the nervous system, such as Parkinson's Disease. Seborrheic dermatitis is also associated with a normal skin yeast known as Malassezia. The condition most commonly occurs in infants, where it is sometimes called "cradle cap," and in middle-aged and elderly adults.
Considerations
The difference between regular dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis is that regular dandruff does not affect the skin on the forehead or any other part of the face or body, according to Cornell University's Joan and Sanford I. Weill Medical College. Regular dandruff also does not cause the skin on the scalp to become red and inflamed. These more severe symptoms should be reported to a doctor, who can diagnose the condition upon physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history.
Prevention
In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up on its own within the first year. In adults, it is a chronic condition that can be treated but not necessarily prevented. Intermittent flare-ups are common throughout life. People with this condition can try to avoid risk factors such as stress, fatigue, obesity and poor hygiene to help control outbreaks.
Treatment
Scalp treatment for mild seborrheic dermatitis is usually a medicated shampoo that contains ingredients such as coal tar, salicylic acid or selenium to clear up dandruff. More severe cases may require a prescription shampoo with stronger ingredients. If skin rashes do not clear up when dandruff is resolved, they may be treated with topical corticosteroid or anti-fungal medications that target Malassezia yeast. An oral antifungal medication known as itraconazole significantly clears up the scaling and itching associated with facial seborrheic dermatitis and reduces the number of Malasseszia spores after initial treatment, according to a study reported in a 2008 issue of The Israel Medical Association Journal.
References
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- University of Rochester Medical Center: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Cornell University: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- The Israel Medical Association Journal: Treatment of Moderate to Severe Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Columbia University Medical Center Student Services/McKesson Health Solutions LLC: Seborrheic Dermatitis
