What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects areas with a high concentration of oil glands — most often the scalp, but also the face (eyebrows, sides of the nose), ears, and chest. In infants, it's known as cradle cap.
It's thought to be driven by an overgrowth of a yeast (Malassezia) that lives naturally on everyone's skin, combined with individual skin sensitivity to it. It tends to flare and improve in cycles, often worsening with stress, cold weather, or fatigue.
Causes
- Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, naturally present on the skin
- Individual sensitivity or inflammatory response to that yeast
- Stress, fatigue, and cold, dry weather, which commonly trigger flares
- Certain neurological conditions and immunosuppression, which are associated with more severe or persistent cases
Symptoms
- Flaky, white or yellowish scale on the scalp (dandruff) or in the eyebrows and beard
- Red, greasy-looking patches, often on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, or scalp
- Itching in affected areas
- In infants, thick, yellowish, crusty patches on the scalp (cradle cap)
Treatment Options at Dermatology of Seattle
- Medicated shampoos and topical antifungal or anti-inflammatory treatment
- Prescription-strength options for cases that don't respond to over-the-counter products
- Phototherapy (narrowband UVB, available in-office) for more extensive or resistant cases
- A maintenance plan to manage flares long-term, since seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurring condition
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist if over-the-counter dandruff shampoo isn't controlling symptoms, if the rash is spreading beyond the scalp, or if it's affecting your quality of life. Persistent or unusually severe seborrheic dermatitis is also worth mentioning to your doctor, since it can occasionally be associated with other health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seborrheic dermatitis the same as dandruff?
Dandruff is generally considered a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis limited to flaking on the scalp without significant redness or inflammation. Seborrheic dermatitis is the broader, sometimes more inflamed condition that can also affect the face, ears, and chest.
Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?
No. It's not caused by poor hygiene and can't be spread to other people, even though the yeast involved is present on everyone's skin.
Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured permanently?
It's a chronic condition that tends to flare and improve over time rather than resolve permanently, but it's very manageable with the right treatment and maintenance routine, and many people achieve long stretches of clear or well-controlled skin.