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Do You Have It?
Learn about some common symptoms and characteristics of this chronic skin condition. Also, discover effective methods for treating seborrheic dermatitis.
What is it?
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a noncontagious skin disorder that affects millions of Americans. It may appear as red, inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales that are often white, yellowish or gray. Periodically, and usually unpredictably, the skin starts reproducing itself faster than normal. When this happens, the extra skin can't be shed fast enough, so flakes appear. There is often an increase in inflammation, leading to itching.
The most common areas affected include:
- the scalp
- in and between the eyebrows
- along the sides of the nose
- behind the ears
- the external ear canal
- over the breastbone
- in the groin area
- in the armpits
SD can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, and is usually unattractive. It can disappear spontaneously for no known reason. Or it can stubbornly linger, resisting treatment.
What Causes It?
The cause of SD is unclear, though it has been linked to genetic and environmental factors. Pityrosporum ovale, a species of yeast normally found in hair follicles, has been proposed as one possible causative factor. This member of the fungus group is quite common and is found on healthy skin. A high-fat diet and alcohol ingestion are thought to play some role. Other possible risk factors may include:
- stress fatigue
- weather extremes
- oily skin
- infrequent shampooing
- obesity
- Parkinson's disease
- HIV
- use of drying lotions that contain alcohol
- other skin disorders, including rosacea, acne or psoriasis
Who Gets It?
Anyone at any age can develop SD. It is most common in infants younger than three months of age and among adults age 30 and older. The condition is slightly more common in men than women and usually first appears in patients who are in their teens and 20s. In adolescents and adults, it is commonly called "dandruff." In babies, it is known as "cradle cap." For a complete diagnosis, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist. If you don't have a dermatologist, use the DermFinder® to locate one near you.
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