Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (The Basics)

What is seborrheic dermatitis? — Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes inflammation, scaly or flaky patches, and sometimes itching. It usually affects areas with many oil glands. These include the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. Dandruff is a mild type of seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis is common in babies. It is called "cradle cap" (picture 1). Cradle cap can cause inflammation and greasy, yellow scales on the head. It can also cause inflamed patches and greasy scales on the face, diaper area, or other areas (picture 2 and picture 3).

What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis? — In adults, common symptoms include:

●Inflammation, which can appear red in people with light skin and dark brown or purple in people with darker skin (picture 4)

●Scaly patches on the skin that can look oily or greasy

●Whitish scales or flakes on the head or hair – This is the most common symptom of dandruff (picture 5).

●Mild itching

●Crusty, yellow material on the eyelashes, and eyelid inflammation

Stress can make seborrheic dermatitis worse. It often gets worse in winter, when the weather is cold and dry. It can get better in summer.

Is there a test for seborrheic dermatitis? — No. A doctor or nurse can usually tell if someone has it by doing an exam and asking questions.

If your doctor is not sure if you have seborrheic dermatitis, they might do a skin biopsy. In this test, the doctor takes a small sample of skin from an affected area. Another doctor looks at the sample under a microscope to see if it is seborrheic dermatitis.

How is seborrheic dermatitis treated? — Treatments include:

●Skin creams and ointments – These can help stop itching and inflammation. They might contain medicines that kill fungus (called "antifungal medicines"), steroids, or other medicines.

●Shampoos with antifungal or steroid medicine

Cradle cap usually goes away on its own. This can take a few weeks or months. If you have questions, ask your baby's doctor or nurse.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. Depending on the type of seborrheic dermatitis, there are different treatments you can try. They include:

●Using an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo (sample brand names: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff, Selsun, Head and Shoulders). Use it every day until you see less dandruff. After that, use it every other day or twice a week. Leave it on your hair for 5 or 10 minutes. Then, rinse your hair, making sure to get all of the shampoo out. If your dandruff does not get better after 4 to 6 weeks, try a different anti-dandruff shampoo. If your symptoms get worse, see your doctor or nurse.

●Using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (sample brand names: Ala-Cort, Cortaid, Cortizone) to help stop inflammation and itching on your face or body. Use it 1 or 2 times a day until your symptoms get better. If they do not get better after 2 weeks, see a doctor or nurse.

If your baby has cradle cap, you can try:

●Washing the area with baby shampoo, and using a soft toothbrush or fine-tooth comb to remove scaly skin.

●Putting a small amount of oil (such as petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, mineral oil, or baby oil) on your baby's head to loosen scaly skin. You can leave this on overnight, if needed. Next, brush the baby's scalp gently with a soft brush to remove scales. Then, wash the area with regular (not medicated) baby shampoo.

If your baby still has cradle cap after you try these things, talk to their doctor or nurse.

More on this topic

Patient education: Diaper rash (The Basics)
Patient education: Contact dermatitis (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)

Patient education: Seborrheic dermatitis (including dandruff and cradle cap) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)