Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes dry flaking skin. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin without redness or scaling. Seborrheic dermatitis has both redness and scaling. The condition usually affects skin that has hair, most often the face, ears, and scalp. It can also cause thick areas of dry skin to form. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Babies, children, and adults can have it. In babies, the condition is called cradle cap. The condition isn’t contagious. It doesn’t cause any hair damage or hair loss but can be unsightly. In adults, the dermatitis can come and go for several years, with flare-ups in early winter.
The cause is unknown. A yeast-like organism may play a role in causing seborrheic dermatitis. In infants, cradle cap may be due to the gradual disappearance of hormones passed from the mother before childbirth.
Almost any part of the body can have the dermatitis, but most often the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and sides of the nose are involved. The upper chest, back, and oily parts of the body, such as groin and armpits, can also have it. Symptoms include dandruff, diaper rash, dry flaking skin, greasy scales, mild itching, rash, waxy skin (especially behind the ears), and red skin (especially next to the nose and in the middle of the forehead).
The health care provider makes a diagnosis from a medical history and examination, with special attention to the face and scalp. The health care provider may do blood tests and take a skin sample when the diagnosis is unclear and the patient is not responding to treatment.
Treatment depends on where the dermatitis is and how bad the symptoms are. Shampoo is usually used for both babies and adults with scalp dermatitis. Mild baby shampoo can be used, with scales loosened with a soft brush before rinsing. If scales aren’t loosened easily, a few drops of mineral oil can be rubbed onto the scalp before brushing and shampooing. Sometimes, a medicated cream is used, especially if dermatitis is severe. For mild symptoms, the health care provider may suggest a non-medicated cream to keep the skin moist.
The health care provider may also suggest seeing a dermatologist (specialist in skin conditions). The dermatologist may take a small sample of skin to look at with a microscope. If skin around the eyes is severely affected, the health care provider may suggest seeing an ophthalmologist (specialist in eye disorders).
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Copyright © 2016 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.
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