Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes patches of scaly, flaky, greasy and inflamed skin, mainly on the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis also commonly affects areas on the face: along the sides of the nose, eyebrows, and within the beard region. Less commonly, seborrheic dermatitis can be found in other oily areas of the body such as the ears and chest. The condition is irritating, but it is not contagious.
Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be an inflammatory reaction to excess (Malassezia) years, which is an organism that normally lives on the skin’s surface.
Common Symptoms
- Flaking skin or dandruff
- Patches of flaky white or yellow scales on top of greasy skin
- An irritable rash which looks dark in brown and Black skin and lighter in white skin
- Ring-shaped rash for those with petaloid seborrheic dermatitis
- Itchiness
There are various over-the-counter treatments and medicated shampoos, as well as other prescribed medications that dermatologists will use to treat seborrheic dermatitis. New treatments are being studied.
Want to learn more about clinical studies and the newly approved medications? We always offer a complimentary one-on-one consultation with one of our dermatologists.