Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common, scaling rash that tends to occur in areas where the skin is oily. Commonly affected areas include the scalp (dandruff), eyebrows, eyelids (blepharitis), ears, nasal folds, armpits, and groin. When it affects infants, it is often referred to as “cradle cap”.
It is a chronic skin condition that can appear any time after puberty, fluctuates in severity, and may persist indefinitely.
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually caused by an overabundance of a normally harmless skin yeast, also called malassezia. The yeast produces toxic substances that irritate the skin and make it itch. Stress and physical illness can lower an individual’s resistance to the yeast.
On the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis appears as dry pink or flesh-colored patches with a yellow scaly surface. The patches may spread to the entire scalp. It typically occurs around the scalp, but it can also affect areas next to the nose, forehead, back and chest.
Preventing Seborrheic Dermatitis
You may be able to prevent or minimize some instances of it with products such as dandruff shampoos.
Also, it’s a good idea to wash your face regularly and avoid harsh soaps. It’s always important to get an expert to check it out first, so you can ensure you take the proper steps to prevent or treat this or any skin condition.
Treatment Options
Treatments include topical steroids, tar cream, and antifungal agents, often in the form of medicated shampoos. Cradle cap can be treated by using daily shampoos with a gentle cleanser and massaging the affected area with mineral oil. Some cases require a prescription topical medication.
Our Vitalogy Board-Certified Dermatologists may prescribe these treatments individually, or in combination for better results.
You can schedule an appointment to get your seborrheic dermatitis examined by a Vitalogy Board-Certified Dermatologists in one of our eight Austin area locations: Bastrop, Burnet, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Harker Heights, Marble Falls, San Marcos, and Southwest Austin.
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