What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that tends to wax and
Many babies get a type of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap. Cradle cap can be identified as scaly, greasy patches that form on the baby’s scalp. The patches can become crusty and thick, but the condition is harmless. Cradle cap usually goes away without treatment within a few months. When adults get seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can flare up and fade for life. Flare-ups are common when the weather is dry and cold or when a person feels stressed.
What causes seborrheic dermatitis?
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still being studied, but researchers have learned that it is not caused by poor personal hygiene, it is not an allergy, and it will not harm the body. Yeast that lives on the skin, living in a dry and cold climate, stress, and a person’s genes and overall personal health can also work together to cause this condition.
Your risk increases if you have any of the following medical conditions:
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms and signs of seborrheic dermatitis vary with age. Adults often experience:
- Scaly patches on the skin that often look moist or greasy
- Reddish skin beneath the patches
- Scales that flake off, which tend to be yellowish to white
For both adults and adolescents, the skin can burn and itch. The scalp and ear canal can be especially itchy.
These patches often form where the skin is oily, such as the:
- Scalp
- Ears (in and around the ear canal)
- Center of the face
- Eyebrows
- Eyelids
- Armpits
- Upper chest
- Upper back
- Genitals
How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?
When you schedule an appointment at Boise Dermatology & Medspa, we will review your medical history and examine your skin to inspect the rash. Although there is no cure for this condition, treatment can provide numerous benefits. Prescription topical medications can help keep the skin clear if used regularly. Non-prescription anti-dandruff shampoos may also help control scaling or itching.
Request an appointment in Meridian, Idaho
Seborrheic dermatitis can look similar to eczema, psoriasis, or an allergic reaction. Each of these skin conditions requires a different treatment, which is why you should schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis. To meet with Dr. Naomi Brooks, a board-certified dermatologist, or her P.A. Sammy Verner, call (208) 888-0660 or request an appointment online.