There is an inherited component and there are some features in common with psoriasis. An intriguing fact is that any emotional or physical stress can cause seborrhea to worsen. There is no more dramatic example than when an individual develops the AIDS syndrome. In these cases, the rash shows a florid redness and scaling covering not only the face but the entire chest. Signs and Symptoms Mild forms are simple dandruff with a little redness, often at the hairline.
Treatment Refer to dandruff treatment for the scalp.
Washing with ZNP soap, a zinc-based product, can be recommended. In general, washing is critical to remove any scale so that medications can reach the underlying redness. It is an anti-yeast cream that works for some refractory cases and contains no steroid. Alternating cortisone application in the morning and Nizoral in the evening can be tried. The final take-home message is that seborrheic dermatitis comes and goes, so intermittent treatment will be necessary.