Seborrhoeic dermatitis | |
---|---|
Other names | Sebopsoriasis, seborrhoeic eczema, pityriasis capitis[1] |
Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Flaking, dry or greasy, red, itchy, and inflamed skin[2][3] |
Duration | Several weeks to lifelong[4] |
Causes | Multiple factors[4] |
Risk factors | Stress, dry skin, winter, poor immune function, Parkinson disease[4] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms[4] |
Differential diagnosis | Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, tinea capitis, rosacea, systemic lupus erythematosus[4] |
Treatment | Humidifier |
Medication | Antifungal cream, anti-inflammatory agents, coal tar, phototherapy[3] |
Frequency | ~5% (adults),[4] ~10% (babies)[5] |
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (also spelled seborrheic dermatitis in American English) is a long-term skin disorder.[4] Symptoms include flaky, scaly, greasy, and occasionally itchy and inflamed skin.[2][3] Areas of the skin rich in oil-producing glands are often affected including the scalp, face, and chest.[4] It can result in social or self-esteem problems.[4] In babies, when the scalp is primarily involved, it is called cradle cap.[2] Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp may be described in lay terms as dandruff due to the dry, flaky character of the skin.[6] However, as dandruff may refer to any dryness or scaling of the scalp, not all dandruff is seborrhoeic dermatitis.[6] Seborrhoeic dermatitis is sometimes inaccurately referred to as seborrhoea.[4]
The cause is unclear but believed to involve a number of genetic and environmental factors.[2][4] Risk factors for seborrhoeic dermatitis include poor immune function, Parkinson's disease, and alcoholic pancreatitis.[4][6] The condition may worsen with stress or during the winter.[4] Malassezia yeast is believed to play a role.[6] It is not a result of poor hygiene.[7] Diagnosis is typically clinical and based on the symptoms present.[4][8] The condition is not contagious.[9]
The typical treatment is topical antifungal cream and anti-inflammatory agents.[3] Specifically, ketoconazole or ciclopirox are effective.[10] Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is often treated with shampoo preparations of ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione.[11]
The condition is common in infants within the first three months of age or in adults aged 30 to 70 years.[2][4][5] It tends to affect more males.[12] Seborrhoeic dermatitis is more common in African Americans, among individuals who are immune compromised, such as with HIV, and individuals with Parkinson's disease.[11][12]
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