Seborrhea: What It Is and How to Treat It - American Family Physician Please note: This information was current at the time of publication. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education website. Information from Your Family Doctor Seborrhea: What It Is and How to Treat It See related article on seborrheic dermatitis . What is seborrhea? Seborrhea (say: seb-uh-ree-uh) is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called “dandruff.” It can be on parts of the face as well, including the folds around the nose and behind the ears, the forehead, and the eyebrows and eyelids. On the body, seborrhea often occurs in the middle part of the chest, around the navel and in the skin folds under the arm, below the breasts and in the groin and buttocks area. Who gets seborrhea? Infants may get seborrhea.

It's known as “cradle cap.” Cradle cap goes away after about 6 months. It may also affect the diaper area and look like a diaper rash. Seborrhea also affects adults and elderly persons, and is more common in men than in women. Seborrhea occurs more frequently in persons with oily skin. It is also common in patients with Parkinson's disease or AIDS. What causes seborrheic dermatitis? The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood. It is likely that a number of factors, such as hormones and stress, can cause it. A yeast-like organism plays an important role. How is seborrheic dermatitis treated? Treatment will help keep seborrhea under control. It's important to keep your body clean. Dandruff Shampoo If you have dandruff, use medicated shampoos (see box below). When using dandruff shampoo, first wet your hair. Rub some shampoo into your scalp and hair. Leave the shampoo on your scalp and hair for at least 5 minutes. Then rinse it out. Use the dandruff shampoo every day until your dandruff goes away.

Then use the medicated shampoo 2 or 3 times a week to keep dandruff away. Having dandruff does not mean that your scalp is too dry! Dandruff comes because you need to wash your hair more often. For black persons, daily shampooing may not be needed. Ask your doctor about a special steroid preparation in oil that can be used on the scalp like a pomade. Or you can use a steroid-containing shampoo. Medicated Shampoos Dandruff Treatment, Causes & Seborrhea Symptoms Medical Author: Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship.

After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. Dandruff facts Dandruff is produced when the skin of the scalp exfoliates excessively. The white dusty flakes of material in the hair and on the shoulders are fragments of the superficial stratum corneum. Lack of shampooing can enhance dandruff by allowing flakes to accumulate on the hair. There are a number of scalp diseases than can produce dandruff. What is dandruff? Those unpleasant white flakes on the collar of your dark shirt or blouse are dandruff. Dandruff is a sign that the skin of the scalp is peeling off (exfoliating). It is perfectly normal for the skin to exfoliate . The problem arises when the amount of dandruff becomes an eyesore. There are basically two reasons for this. Too much production or not effective removal. In the too much production category are inflammatory diseases of the scalp. In the ineffective removal category is inadequate scalp hygienic efforts. What specialties of doctors treat dandruff?

Primary-care providers and nurse practitioners are be able to diagnose and treat most cases of dandruff. Dermatologists are experts in skin diseases. Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 9/2/2016 Seborrheic dermatitis | American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology Seborrheic dermatitis: Despite its appearance, this skin disease is not caused by poor hygiene. Seborrheic dermatitis: Overview This is a very common skin disease that causes a rash. When this rash appears, it often looks like the one pictured above. The skin tends to have a: Reddish color. White or yellowish crusty scale on the surface. One or more of these rashes can appear on the body. Sometimes, the affected skin itches. Cradle cap: A type of seborrheic dermatitis Many infants get cradle cap. This is a type of seborrheic dermatitis (seb-uh-ree-ick dur-muh-tahy-tis) that develops in babies. Scaly, greasy patches form on the baby’s scalp. The patches can become thick and crusty, but cradle cap is harmless.

Cradle cap usually goes away on its own within a few months. Babies also get seborrheic dermatitis in their diaper area and elsewhere. In the diaper area, the red rash often is mistaken for diaper rash. A few babies get seborrheic dermatitis that covers much of the body with red, scaly patches. No matter where the seborrheic dermatitis forms, it tends to permanently disappear between 6 months and 1 year of age. Seborrheic dermatitis is long-lasting in adults When an adult gets seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can come and go for the rest of the person’s life. Flare-ups are common when the weather turns cold and dry. Stress also can trigger a flare-up. The good news is that treatment can reduce flare-ups and bring relief. Reddish, oily-looking patches often appear on the scalp and face. Seborrheic dermatitis: Signs and symptoms The signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis vary with age. The following describes how it affects people at different ages. A patch of seborrheic dermatitis on a man’s scalp.

The pinkish skin on this woman’s forehead, eyelids, and nose is seborrheic dermatitis. When a person is HIV positive, seborrheic dermatitis is often widespread. People with Parkinson’s disease often have widespread seborrheic dermatitis, as shown here. Scaly patches on the skin. The skin beneath these patches is reddish. Although scaly, patches often look greasy or moist. Scales can flake off and tend to be yellowish to white. In adults and adolescents, the skin can: Itch, especially on the scalp and in the ear canal. Burn. Patches form where the skin is oily: Scalp. Ears (around and in the ear canal). Eyebrows (the skin beneath). Genitals. Patches form where the skin is oily, such as on the scalp, face, and in the ear canals. Infants When an infant gets seborrheic dermatitis, it tends to form on the scalp and is known as cradle cap. Signs and symptoms of cradle cap include: Yellow, greasy scale on the scalp. A thick layer of scale can cover the entire scalp. Scale is often yellow to brownish in color.

With time, the scale becomes flaky and easily rubs off. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis also can form on the face, usually on a baby’s eyelids, around the nose, or ears. It also forms in the diaper area. In a few babies, seborrheic dermatitis covers most of the body. Most infants seem unbothered by seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap sometimes itches. Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides. References: Habif TP, Campbell JL, et al. “Seborrheic dermatitis.” In: Dermatology DDxDeck.China, Mosby Elsevier: 2006, p. 40. Plewig G Jansen T. “Seborrheic Dermatitis.” In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, et al. editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed. United States of America, McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. p.219-25.

Seborrheic dermatitis: Who gets and causes What causes seborrheic dermatitis? Researchers are still studying what causes this common skin disease. From what they have learned, it appears that the cause is complex. Many factors seem to work together to cause seborrheic dermatitis. These factors may include the yeast that normally lives on our skin, our genes, living in a cold and dry climate, stress, and a person’s overall health. By studying seborrheic dermatitis, researchers have learned the following: It is not caused by poor personal hygiene. It is not an allergy. It does not harm the body. Who gets seborrheic dermatitis? People of all colors and ages get seborrheic dermatitis. You have a higher risk if any of the following apply to you. Age People in these two age groups are most susceptible: Infants 3 months of age and younger. Adults between 30 and 60 years of age. Your risk increases if you have any of these medical conditions: HIV (About 85 percent of people infected with HIV develop seborrheic dermatitis). Acne, rosacea, or psoriasis.

Stroke or heart attack (recovering from). Alcoholism. If you are taking any of the following medicines, your risk for seborrheic dermatitis increases: Interferon. References: Habif TP, Campbell JL, et al. “Seborrheic dermatitis.” In: Dermatology DDxDeck.China, Mosby Elsevier: 2006, p. 40. Plewig G Jansen T. “Seborrheic Dermatitis.” In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, et al. editors. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed. United States of America, McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. p.219-25. Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that dermatologists frequently diagnose and treat. If you think you might have seborrheic dermatitis, you should see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. This common skin condition can look like psoriasis, eczema, or an allergic reaction. Each of these skin diseases requires different treatment.

Diagnosis A dermatologist diagnoses seborrheic dermatitis by: Reviewing the patient’s medical history. Examining the patient’s skin and looking closely at the rash. Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis is a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your dermatologist suspects this, medical tests may be necessary. Treatment Although treatment cannot cure seborrheic dermatitis, treatment has benefits. Treatment can loosen and remove scale, prevent a skin infection, and reduce swelling and itch. The type of treatment a dermatologist prescribes varies with age and where the seborrheic dermatitis appears on the skin. Infants (scalp): Called cradle cap, this tends to completely disappear without treatment. If treatment is necessary, a dermatologist may recommend: Shampooing the baby’s scalp daily with a baby shampoo. Gently brushing away the scale, once scale starts to soften. Applying a medication to the infant’s scalp. Infants (skin beyond the scalp): This, too, will clear. If treatment is needed, a dermatologist may prescribe a medicine that can be applied to the child’s skin.

Adolescents and adults (scalp and rest of body): After infancy, seborrheic dermatitis usually does not go away without treatment. For the best results, a dermatologist will consider many factors before creating a treatment plan. Treatment may include: Dandruff shampoos. Medicine to apply to the skin for short periods of time. Barrier-repair cream. Dandruff shampoos can be helpful on the skin as well as the scalp. Your dermatologist can explain how to use these shampoos on the skin. Often the best results come from combining two or more treatments. Your dermatologist can create a treatment plan to meet your needs. Most plans include medication and skin care. Always follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Using a treatment more often than prescribed or longer than prescribed can cause side effects. Outcome Infant: Seborrheic dermatitis often completely disappears by 6 months to 1 year of age. It can return when the child reaches puberty. Adolescent or adult: A few people see seborrheic dermatitis clear without treatment. More often, seborrheic dermatitis lasts for years. It tends to clear and flare without warning. Treatment often is necessary to control it.

Seborrheic dermatitis - Mayo Clinic Seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis on the face Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back. Seborrheic dermatitis doesn't affect your overall health, but it can be uncomfortable and cause embarrassment. It isn't contagious, and it's not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Seborrheic dermatitis is usually a long-term condition. You may need many repeated treatments before the symptoms go away. And they may return later. You may be able to manage flare-ups by recognizing seborrheic dermatitis symptoms and using a combination of self-care steps and medications. Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema and seborrheic psoriasis. For infants, it's known as cradle cap. References Papadakis MA, ed., et al.

Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2014. 53rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2014. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Sasseville D, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Sasseville D, et al. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2014: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2014. Accessed Jan.

20, 2014. Lebwohl MG, et al. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2014. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Pizzorno JE, et al. Textbook of Natural Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2013. Accessed Jan. 20, 2014. Ramos-e-Silva M, et al. Red face revisited: Endogenous dermatitis in the form of atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Clinics in Dermatology. 2014;32:109. Efficacious and safe management of moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis using clobetasol propionate shampoo 0.05% combined with ketonazole shampoo 2%. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2012;66(suppl 1):AB50. Kim GK, et al.

Topical pimecrolimus 1% cream in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2013;6:29. AskMayoExpert. Seborrheic dermatitis (adult and pediatric). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2013. Public health advisory: Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) cream. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Jan. 22, 2014. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 6, 2014. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed Feb. 6, 2014. Dessinioti C, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis: Etiology, risk factors and treatments: Facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology. 2013;31:343.

Products and Services Seborrheic dermatitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Hair loss Exams and Tests Diagnosis is based on appearance and location of the skin lesions. Further tests, such as skin biopsy , are rarely needed. Treatment Flaking and dryness can be treated with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. You can buy these at the drugstore without a prescription. Look for a product that says on the label it treats seborrheic dermatitis. Such products contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Use the shampoo according to label instructions. For severe cases, your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a shampoo or lotion containing a stronger dose of selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, cicloprox, sodium sulfacetamide, or corticosteroid. A cream that contains an immunomodulator, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, may be prescribed. This medicine suppresses the immune system to treat inflammation. It is thought that sunlight improves seborrheic dermatitis. In some persons, the condition gets better in the summer, especially after outdoor activities.

Outlook (Prognosis) Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (life-long) condition that comes and goes and can be controlled with treatment. Severity of seborrheic dermatitis can be lessened by controlling risk factors and paying careful attention to skin care. Possible Complications The condition may result in: Psychological distress, low self-esteem, embarrassment Secondary bacterial or fungal infections When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if seborrheic dermatitis symptoms do not respond to self-care or over-the-counter treatments. Also call if patches of seborrheic dermatitis drain fluid or pus, form crusts, or become very red or painful. Prevention The severity of seborrheic dermatitis can be lessened by controlling the risk factors and by paying careful attention to skin care. Alternative Names Dandruff; Seborrheic eczema; Cradle cap Images Skin layers References Weidman AK, Williams JDL, Coulson I. Seborrheic eczema. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 4th ed.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 219. Read More Seborrheic dermatitis | definition of seborrheic dermatitis by Medical dictionary Seborrheic dermatitis | definition of seborrheic dermatitis by Medical dictionary Related to seborrheic dermatitis: seborrheic keratosis Seborrheic Dermatitis Definition Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by scaly lesions usually on the scalp, hairline, and face. Description Seborrheic dermatitis appears as red, inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales that may be white, yellowish, or gray. It can effect the scalp, eyebrows, forehead, face, folds around the nose and ears, the chest, armpits (axilla), and groin. Dandruff and cradle cap are mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis, and appear as fine white scales without inflammation. Causes and symptoms The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unclear, though it is has been linked to genetic or environmental factors.

Pityrosporum ovale, a species of yeast normally found in hair follicles, has been proposed as one possible causative factor. A high fat diet and alcohol ingestion are thought to play some role. Other possible risk factors include: weather extremes (e. g. hot, humid weather or cold, dry weather) oily skin use of drying lotions that contain alcohol other skin disorders (for example acne , rosacea, or psoriasis) Mild forms of the disorder may be asymptomatic. Symptoms also disappear and reappear, and vary in intensity over time. When scaling is present, it may be accompanied by itching that can lead to secondary infection. Diagnosis The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is based on assessment of symptoms, accompanied by consideration of medical history. Treatment Treatment consists of vigorous shampoos with preparations that assist with softening and removing the scaly accumulations. For mild cases, a nonprescription shampoo with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione may be used. For more severe problems, the doctor may prescribe shampoos containing coal tar or scalp creams containing cortisone. The antiseborrheic shampoo should be left on the scalp for approximately five minutes before rinsing out.

Hydrocortisone cream may also be ordered for application to the affected areas on the face and body. Application of the hydrocortisone should be discontinued when the condition clears and restarted with recurrence. Prognosis This chronic condition may be characterized by long periods of inactivity. Symptoms in the acute phase can be controlled with appropriate treatment. Key terms Acne — A chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands that manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, and/or pustules on the face or trunk. Psoriasis — A skin disorder of chronic, itchy scaling most commonly at sites of repeated minor trauma (e.g. elbows, knees, and skin folds). It affects up to 2% of the population in Western countries—males and females equally. Rosacea — A chronic inflammation of the face, with associated scattered round nodules and increased reactivity of the facial capillaries to heat. It is most common in females, aged 30-50 years. Prevention The condition cannot be prevented. The severity and frequency of flare-ups may be minimized with frequent shampoos, thorough drying of skin folds after bathing, and wearing of loose, ventilating clothing.

Foods that appear to worsen the condition should be avoided. Resources Books Monahan, Frances, and Marianne Neighbors. Medical Surgical Nursing: Foundations for Clinical Practice. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1998. seborrheic [seb″o-re´ik] 1. affected with or of the nature of seborrhea. 2. pertaining to those areas of the body whose sebaceous glands are abundant, as the scalp, face, and axillae. seborrheic dermatitis an inflammatory condition, usually of the skin of the scalp, with yellowish greasy scaling of the skin and itching. A mild case in the scalp is called dandruff . Seborrheic dermatitis can involve other areas such as the face, neck, central part of the trunk, or axilla. The underlying cause is not known; the hair and scalp may be excessively oily, but the connection (if any) between this and the dermatitis is not known. Although there is no specific cure for dandruff, various measures are used to control and relieve it.

Most patients can control scalp scaling by frequent use of a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or tar. The dermatitis responds well to hydrocortisone cream. seb·or·rhe·ic der·ma·ti·tis , dermatitis seborrheica a common scaly macular eruption that occurs primarily on the face, scalp (dandruff), and other areas of increased sebaceous gland secretion, especially during infancy and after puberty; the lesions are covered with a slightly adherent oily scale. Effectiveness of treatment with betaconazole supports an etiologic role for Pityrosporum ovale infection. Synonym(s): seborrheic eczema , Unna disease seborrheic dermatitis a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by greasy scales and yellowish crusts. Common sites are the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, face, external surfaces of the ears, axillae, central chest, breasts, groin, and gluteal folds. In some people seborrheic dermatitis is associated with paralysis agitans, diabetes mellitus, malabsorption disorders, epilepsy, or an allergic reaction to gold or arsenic.

Treatment includes selenium sulfide shampoos, topical and oral corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, proper therapy for any underlying systemic disorder, and avoidance of sweating and external irritants. Kinds of seborrheic dermatitis include cradle cap, dandruff, and seborrheic blepharitis .

Seborrheic dermatitis seborrheic dermatitis Cradle cap; dandruff Dermatology An idiopathic dermatopathy characterized by greasy or dry white scales, variably accompanied by erythmea Sites Scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, behind ears, external ear, skin over sternum and over skin folds Risk factors Familial, stress, fatigue, temperature extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, acne, obesity, excess use of lotions with alcohol, AIDS, neurologic conditions–eg, Parkinson's disease, head injury, stroke seb·or·rhe·ic der·ma·ti·tis , dermatitis seborrheica (seb'ōr-ē'ik dĕr'mă-tī'tis, seb-ōr-ē'i-kă) A common scaly macular eruption that occurs primarily on the face, scalp (dandruff), and other areas of increased sebaceous gland secretion; the lesions are covered with a slightly adherent oily scale. Paul Gerson, German dermatologist and staining expert, 1850-1929.

Unna disease - Synonym(s): seborrheic dermatitis Unna mark - a pale vascular birthmark found on the nape of the neck in 25% to 50% of normal persons. Synonym(s): nape nevus Unna stain - an alkaline methylene blue stain for plasma cells. Unna syndrome - Synonym(s): seborrheic dermatitis Unna-Pappenheim stain - a contrast stain used to detect RNA and DNA in tissue sections; used to demonstrate plasma cells during chronic inflammation. Unna-Taenzer stain - Synonym(s): Taenzer stain Unna-Thost syndrome - uniform keratoderma of the palms and soles, usually presenting in the first six months of life.

seborrheic dermatitis 'chronic flaking of skin, especially of the scalp (causing dandruff), face, chest and limb flexures; in adults may be associated with malassezia fungal skin infection, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy' seborrheic dermatitis (se·b Dandruff: How to Get Rid of Dandruff Patient Comment Read 1 Comment Share Your Story Dandruff is a very common skin condition that nearly all people experience at some point in their lives regardless of age or ethnicity. It affects the not just the scalp , but also the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, beard, and less commonly the central (often hair-bearing) part of the chest. Dandruff can affect any hair-bearing area or an area with even very small hair follicles. Other names for dandruff are seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea . Dandruff is seen in all ages from babies to the elderly. In infancy, scalp dandruff is commonly known as " cradle cap ." In the teen years it has been called "druff" for short.

Some people are simply more prone to dandruff, and others experience periodic clearing cycles and periodic flare-ups of the condition. Dandruff typically looks like dry, fine flaky skin on the scalp, sometimes with areas of pink or red inflamed skin. Many individuals have no scalp symptoms but simply complain of white flakes on their shoulders, particularly noticeable on dark clothing. More advanced cases may cause intense itching, burning, and unstoppable scratching. Some people are more prone to dandruff, and dandruff tends to be a chronic or recurrent disorder with periodic ups and downs. Although it is not curable, it is generally quite easily controlled with proper skin and hair hygiene. In babies, cradle cap usually clears after a few months. It may recur later in life as typical dandruff. For some, dandruff may worsen with time. Although it may occur for a short period, dandruff tends to recur throughout a person' s life. Severe dandruff may be a very difficult and frustrating condition. An ongoing combination treatment of shampoos, washes, and creams and lotions may be required to treat resistant cases. Overall, dandruff treatments are very safe and effective.

The best shampoo choices include those containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and tar-based shampoos. Prescription dandruff shampoos such as ketoconazole offer no benefit over over-the-counter brands. What Causes Dandruff? The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. Possible causes and associations include increased oil production and secretion, and increased numbers of normal skin yeasts. Bacteria have not been found to cause dandruff. Dandruff is not a fungal infection and is not the same as scalp " ringworm ," which is actually a fungal infection called tinea capitis . Dandruff is not contagious . Dandruff may also be triggered or made worse by poor hygiene and infrequent shampooing and washing. The immune system may also play a role in dandruff. Although mild dandruff is a very common condition in many people with a normal immune system, severe dandruff is more common in people with some chronic illnesses such as Parkinson' s disease or a compromised immune system as in advanced HIV/AIDS .

Common triggers (factors that may worsen) of dandruff include the following: Oily skin Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Cradle Cap (Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis) Rough, scaly patches of skin on their newborn's scalp can be alarming to new parents, but usually are nothing to worry about. Most likely, they're due to a harmless condition many babies develop called cradle cap. About Cradle Cap Cradle cap is the common term for seborrheic dermatitis , or seborrhea, which is called dandruff in older kids and adults. It's a relatively common condition in newborns and children as old as 3 and causes thick white or yellow scales on the scalp. Some kids just get scales in a small patch; others have scales all over their heads. Sometimes, cradle cap can even occur on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, crease of the nose, back of the neck, diaper area, or armpits. In a few cases, such as in babies who have eczema or dry skin, cradle cap can cause cracked skin that itches and oozes a small amount of clear yellow drainage.

Cradle cap is not contagious and it isn't an indication of poor hygiene. Most of the time, it just goes away on its own. In severe or persistent cases, though, a doctor may recommend a medicated shampoo or lotion. Washing your baby's scalp daily with mild shampoo also can help to loosen and remove the scales caused by cradle cap. Though it might look to be uncomfortable or irritating to the skin, cradle cap generally doesn't bother kids. Causes The exact cause of cradle cap isn't known, although some researchers believe it's due to an overproduction of skin oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles. A type of yeast (fungus) called malassezia can grow in the sebum along with bacteria, and this may be another factor in the development of cradle cap. Seborrhea happens most often in babies and teenagers. In both of these times in a person’s life, hormone levels are high, which also might play a role in the condition. Certain factors — like weather extremes, oily skin, problems with the immune system, stress, and other skin disorders — can make it more likely that a child will get cradle cap.

Symptoms Cradle cap looks different on every baby. It can be grouped together in bunches, or crops, or it can be spread far apart on the body. Affected areas will usually have one or more of these symptoms: thick plaques or crusts (especially on the scalp, but sometimes on the ears, eyelids, eyebrows, nose, neck, groin, or armpits) greasy or oily patches of skin, often covered with white or yellow scales skin flakes (dandruff) In a very few cases, babies with cradle cap will have skin that is a little red or itchy, and some might even have hair loss, though the hair usually grows back after the cradle cap is gone. continue When to See a Doctor In most cases, cradle cap will be easy to identify at home just by looking at it.

However, call your child's doctor if: you are treating cradle cap for the first time your child has seborrhea in places where he or she doesn't have hair you've tried home treatments without success the rash gets worse or covers large parts of the body the rash is causing hair loss or becomes itchy the affected skin becomes firm and red, starts to drain fluid, or feels warm, which could be signs of an infection your child has a weakened immune system and develops seborrhea your child has seborrhea and is having trouble gaining weight Curing Cradle Cap While most cases of cradle cap don't require any treatment, you may want to loosen and remove the scales on your baby's scalp. This usually can be done by gently massaging your baby's scalp with your fingers or a washcloth and washing your baby's hair once a day with mild baby shampoo while scales are present. After the scales have disappeared, you can control the seborrhea by shampooing just twice a week. Brush your child's hair with a clean, soft brush before rinsing off the shampoo to loosen the scales.

If the scales don't loosen easily, consider rubbing a small amount of mineral oil (avoid using olive oil) onto your baby's scalp. Allow the oil to soak into the scales for a few minutes, and then brush and shampoo your baby's hair as usual. Be sure to wash the oil away each time — too much oil may cause scales to build up and could make cradle cap worse. If regular shampooing doesn't help, ask your doctor about nonprescription medicated or dandruff shampoos. These shampoos contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, selenium, and ketoconazole that can help treat dryness and flaking. Some stronger forms of these medicines do require a prescription. If you use one of these medicated shampoos, rub a little shampoo into your child's scalp and let it soak in for at least 2 minutes. Then wash the shampoo out and repeat the process one more time. You might need to do this daily or twice weekly at first, but after the cradle cap is under control, you may only have to use medicated shampoos once a month.

For seborrhea on other parts of the body, or if your child has irritated skin, steroid creams like hydrocortisone can help. Make sure to ask your baby's doctor before using hydrocortisone. Cradle cap may disappear for months at a time and then suddenly reappear, but by following the steps above, you should be able to control it. Seborrheic Dermatitis - National Library of Medicine - PubMed Health Antifungal treatments applied to the skin to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition found throughout the world, with rashes with varying degrees of redness, scaling and itching. It affects people of both sexes but is more common among men. The disease usually starts after puberty and can lead to personal discomfort and cosmetic concerns when rashes occur at prominent skin sites. Drugs that act against moulds, also called antifungal agents, have been commonly used on their own or in combination.

Topical anti‐inflammatory agents for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face or scalp Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that most often affects areas of the body that have a lot of sebaceous glands. These include the skin of the scalp; face; chest; and flexure areas such as the armpits, groin, and abdominal folds. The most typical symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis are scaling of the skin and reddish patches. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is fairly common: one to three in 100 people have seborrhoeic dermatitis. The disease is more common in men than in women. Anti‐inflammatory, antifungal, and antikeratolytic treatments can be used to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis. The treatment does not cure the disease but relieves the symptoms. Pimecrolimus 1% cream for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder that manifests as erythema, scaling and pruritus in sebum gland-rich areas of the skin.

The objective of this article is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of pimecrolimus 1% cream in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis compared with corticosteroids, antimycotics, placebo or no intervention. Pimecrolimus 1% cream appears to be a well-tolerated and effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. It has comparable efficacy, in terms of decreasing severity of erythema, scaling and pruritus, to the standard treatments: topical corticosteroids and antimycotics. However, future studies with more standardized measures of treatment outcome are recommended. More studies may also be conducted to further evaluate pimecrolimus 1% cream as a long-term maintenance therapy for seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrhea Personal Skincare Experiences by Matthew Malin, co-founder of MALIN+GOETZ: As some of you know, I suffer from a variety of skin concerns including rosacea, eczema, seborrhea and fragrance allergies. I’ve been making frequent trips to the dermatologist’s office since my teens and have tried almost every cream, treatment, and Rx out there.

What I’ve learned after a lot of trial and error: there is no permanent cure for my skin conditions. But I can find relief by using the right products and ingredients. This discovery actually inspired me and my partner, Andrew Goetz, to create MALIN+GOETZ. Our mission is simple: to make skincare easy and less complicated, and most importantly, to address irritated and sensitive skin needs. It’s our goal at MALIN+GOETZ to offer you highly-effective daily use treatments that won’t irritate or exacerbate your skin, and complement your prescription skincare routine and procedures, if you’re seeking the care of a dermatologist. While I’m not a medical professional, I’m often asked for advice by fans of our products about how I cope and care for my skin. So I’ve decided to share some of my personal experiences and research here with you in the hopes that they might bring you some relief and address your top questions.

(Please note: We are not making medical suggestions or claims and suggest that you consult a dermatologist about any health issues you might have before making changes to your skincare routine, should you be concerned.) What We know this as a common and often genetic inflammatory skin disorder that affects the scalp, face, and body and is characterized by scaly, flaky, itchy and red patches. It often strikes where the skin produces oil: on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, behind and in the external skin of the ears, and the folds on the center of the body, like the chest or back. Cause The causes aren’t completely known but professionals believe that seborrhea can be brought on by an over-production of skin oil and irritation to a form of yeast, called malessizia, naturally found in the skin. It’s a chronic condition that can be managed but often flares up in response to stress, fatigue, and extremes in the weather. Tip I do find that some limited sun exposure (no, we’re not advocating baking in the sun without SPF!) can help clear up my chest and back while swimming in the ocean is great for my skin in general.

However, working out can be a challenge—sweat makes seborrhea worse, especially in the summer (in New York!) where it never ends. I wash with our Grapefruit Face Cleanser and Eucalyptus Body Wash since both are hydrating and naturally anti-bacterial. Also, our oil-free, fatty acid Vitamin E Face Moisturizer , or SPF 30 Face Moisturizer, lightly replenishes my skin as a follow-up, so, I can sport a light cotton shirt and stay as cool as possible. Phew. The most important part of my routine is simply to keep my skin clean. I wash every morning and evening with our Grapefruit Face Cleanser —I find that this brings clarity and evenness to my tone. The seborrhea is not gone, but tolerable. Regimen Dandruff or medicated shampoos: Over-the-counter options may contain salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium, while stronger prescription ones usually have elenium, ketoconazole, or corticosteroids to loosen scales on the scalp.

It’s best to scrub the shampoo in for at least 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly (but always check the package directions). I have tried most, and, find that my scalp responds well to zinc and salicylic acid. However,, our Peppermint Shampoo, messaged in well and rinsed, daily, is also effective. I towel dry my hair and apply a little oil-free Cilantro Conditioner as a leave-in on my scalp and any affected areas. It soothes and hydrates without any irritation. Overall, I’ve found that the key to success is to keep my hair short and clean, and free of styling products as they often inflame my scalp. ----- For more information on skin conditions, please visit American Academy of Dermatology at Sort by

Question: Seborrhea is a medical problem that affects which part of the body?
Answer: Skin