Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation mainly in the head and trunk area where the most sebaceous glands are found. Sebaceous glands secrete substances that help the skin and hair stay moist. If the sebaceous glands are underactive, the skin and hair may be dry; if overactive, these areas can become oily. In order to treat the symptoms, which can include dandruff, greasy, scaly or flaky skin, pain, itching and rashes, it is important to determine the cause of seborrheic dermatitis when possible.
Yeast Infection
While the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains unknown, it is possible that this condition is exacerbated by a yeast infection, states the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis occur when the sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum, or natural skin oil. Overtime yeast, fungus and bacteria can grow in the oil and lead to inflammation in the affected area. It tends to be more common in infants, those in middle age and in the elderly. Symptoms can flare when feeling stressed, fatigued or exposed to extreme weather. It can also be exacerbated by poor hygiene and infrequent bathing, when it occurs in adults.
Medical Conditions
The risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis increases when there are chronic medical conditions present that affect the nervous or immune system, claims the Mayo Clinic. This includes HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, stroke and head injuries. The risk may be higher, due to the body's inability to respond to inflammation correctly or because these conditions can make bathing and skin care more challenging.
Hormones and Genetics
While much more research is needed to understand why some patients develop this condition and others do not, it may be linked to genetics. Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families, warns the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. It also tends to be more prominent during periods of hormonal changes. Hormones released during pregnancy may play a role in the infant form called cradle cap, which is restricted to the scalp of newborns. In newborns, the condition usually clears up on its own within weeks or months. In adults, the condition may require a lifetime of treatment.
