General Information on Seborrheic Dermatitis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition occurring in regions with active sebum production, presenting with yellowish, greasy scaling and crusting overlying an erythematous base.
In psoriasis, the scales are silvery, characteristically thick, and prone to pinpoint bleeding upon removal (Auspitz sign). In contrast, seborrheic dermatitis scales are more yellowish and greasy, and do not bleed easily when scraped.
It does not directly cause permanent alopecia. However, continuous excoriation and mechanical trauma to the scalp due to severe pruritus induced by the crusts can result in transient hair shaft breakage.
It is strictly non-contagious. It results from the over-proliferation of a lipophilic yeast called 'Malassezia', which is part of the normal skin flora, and a hyperactive immune response to it. Psychological stress and sleep deprivation can precipitate acute exacerbations.
Yes. The thick, yellowish, greasy crusts commonly observed on the scalps of infants during their initial months (cradle cap) represent the infantile variant of seborrheic dermatitis, which generally undergoes spontaneous resolution by the age of one.
There is no definitive cure for the disease, but exacerbations can be highly controlled. For the scalp, medicinal shampoos containing ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione are prescribed. For facial erythema, topical antifungals combined with low-potency corticosteroids are administered to restore cutaneous integrity.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
