Version July 2025
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What is seborrheic dermatitis? —
This 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 teens and adults, common symptoms include:
●Inflammation on the skin and eyelids – This 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
●Scales or flakes that look white on the head or hair – This is the most common symptom of dandruff (picture 5).
●Mild itching
●Crusty, yellow material on the eyelashes
Seborrheic dermatitis often gets worse:
●If you are stressed
●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 you have it by doing an exam and asking you questions.
If your doctor is not sure if you have seborrheic dermatitis, they might do a skin biopsy. For this test, they will take a small sample of skin from an affected area, then look at it under a microscope.
How is seborrheic dermatitis treated? —
For teens and adults, 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
Once the symptoms go away, most teens and adults need to continue using special creams, ointments, or shampoos. For most teens and adults, using these once or twice a week can prevent the symptoms from coming back.
Most babies do not need treatment. This is because cradle cap usually goes away on its own. It can take a few weeks or months. If you have questions, ask your baby's doctor or nurse.
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
Depending on the type of seborrheic dermatitis, there are different treatments you can try. They include:
●Over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo – You can get this at a pharmacy (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. 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. To use it:
•Leave it on your hair for 5 or 10 minutes.
•Then, rinse your hair, making sure to get all the shampoo out.
●Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream – You can get this at a pharmacy (sample brand names: Ala-Cort, Cortaid, Cortizone). Use it 1 or 2 times a day for up to 2 weeks. This can help stop inflammation and itching on your face or body. If your symptoms do not get better after 2 weeks, stop using it and 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.
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: Diaper rash in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Eczema (atopic dermatitis) (Beyond the Basics)
