Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is also called as seborrheic eczema. It is skin infection mostly affecting the scalp, face and trunk.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Patchy scaling or thick crusts on the scalp

• Yellow or white scales that may attach to the hair shaft

• Red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales

• Small, reddish-brown bumps

• Itching or soreness

• Skin flakes or dandruff

Predominately affects the scalp but can occur between folds of skin and on skin rich in oil glands, in and between eyebrows, the sides of nose and behind ears, over breastbone, groin area, and sometimes armpits. 

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is known as cradle cap: thick, yellow, crusty or greasy patches. In most cases, the condition isn't itchy for infants like it is for older children or adults.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Shampoo daily

• Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream like clotrimazole 
  Apply an anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area like A nonprescription hydrocortisone cream, containing at least 1 percent hydrocortisone

• Avoid harsh soaps and detergents

• Wear smooth-textured cotton clothing

• Avoid scratching whenever possible

Advice from your physician

See your doctor if:

• You're so uncomfortable that you're losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines

• Your skin is painful

• You suspect your skin is infected

• You've tried self-care steps without success

There's no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but treatments can control its signs and symptoms. Treatment depends on your skin type, the severity of your condition and where it appears on your body.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 08, 2011