Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, chronic and embarrassing, skin condition which causes yellowish scales on the scalp or face, although it may also affect other areas. Correct and frequent use of specially formulated hair and skin products can control this lifelong condition.

Up to 50% of the adult population suffer from dandruff with flaky, yellowish scales on the scalp and a significant number also from an inflammatory scalp condition.

Seborrheic Dermatitis can also occur on many different areas of the skin, such as oily skin patches inside the ear. Other commonly affected areas include the eyebrows and eyelids, the nose and nasolabial folds, and middle of the chest. Seborrheic Dermatitis is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene.

COMMONLY OCCURRING SYMPTOMS OF SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS CONSIST OF:

• Skin scales – white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and adherent – “dandruff”
• Lesions in the skin
• Plaques that cover a large area of the skin
• Skin that is oily or greasy
• Itchy skin – this may become severe if the skin becomes infected, leading to further itching and potentially bleeding if scratched
• Mild redness
• Hair may fall out

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic condition that can be managed well with the right treatment. It often has flare-ups between extended periods of inactivity

In severe cases, our dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal, such as ketoconazole, metronidazole, or azelaic acid, which affects the malassezia yeast, or lotions containing anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.