Seborrheic Dermatitis

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, chronic disorder, caracterized by greasy scales overlying erythematous patches or plaques. The most common location is in the scalp where this dermatitis can be recognized as severe dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is generally limited to the scalp; however, dry scales and underlying erythema can occur on the face, ears, chest, back, and body folds.On the face, Seborrheic Dermatitis affects the eyebrows, eyelids, glabella, nasolabial fold or ears.

Scaling within the external ear is often mistaken for a chronic fungal infection and pastauricular dermatitis often becomes macerated and tender. Additionally, Seborrheic Dermatitis may be develop in the central chest, groin and gluteal cleft. Rarely it may cause a widespread generalized dermatitis. Tinea capitis may simulate dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, and scrapings should be taken for KOH examination and fungal culture, especially in children, if hair loss is present.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is usually symptomatic, with patients cpmplaning of itching or burning.

Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Treatment with low potency topical glucocorticoids in conjunction with shampoos containing coal tar and salicylic acid is genrally sufficient to control the activity of Seborrheic Dermatitis.