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SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

This patient information and photographs on Seborrheic Dermatitis is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

What is it?    Seborrheic dermatitis is a peculiar disorder of the skin and scalp. In common terms the mildest form of this disorder is known as "dandruff".  Seborrhea of the scalp may stimulate psoriasis, in those predisposed,  which has a much thicker scale. 

Seborrhea can occur at any age, but it is more frequently seen in adults. In extensive cases it can cause redness and scaling of the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, and sometimes the chest. Seasonal changes, stress, fatigue  and illness can all serve to aggravate seborrheic dermatitis.

What causes it?     Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease of the skin. In some cases heredity may play a role, but the exact cause is unknown. Overgrowth of yeast organisms that are natural inhabitants of the skin may be a factor in the cause of seborrhea.

Is it dangerous?    For the typical healthy person seborrheic dermatitis is a harmless disorder. It is not an allergy and it is not related to skin cancer.

Can it be cured?    The treatment program I put you on will help control or clear the disorder, but it is not a cure. Even if the seborrheic dermatitis is totally cleared, you will still be predisposed to have repeat episodes. Repeat treatments may be needed and some individuals may require continuous therapy.

What home care should I use?

1. Mild seborrhea of the face may be able to be controlled by over the counter products such as 1% hydrocortisone like Aloe Cort Cream or Aquanil HC.

2. I recommend moisturizing the areas on a regular basis. Click here for Moisturizers Info/Ordering

3. For seborrhea of the scalp I like DHS Tar Shampoo.  If you don't like the tar smell try Salicylic Acid Shampoo.

4. Daily shampooing is very important in keeping scalp seborrhea in control.

It sometimes gets better on its own, why?    It is important to know that seborrheic dermatitis has both active and inactive phases. Treatment may be needed only during active phases, and the type of treatment will depend on the degree of activity.

Will it spread?    New areas of involvement may continue to develop. Treatment may help prevent or control further spread.

Is it contagious?    Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and you can not "catch it" from anyone.

© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.  2004                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com

Last modified: 10/19/08