Seborrheic Dermatitis on Scalp: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by redness and scaly patches on the scalp. It could also affect other skin regions which are oily, such as the chest, back, and face. This condition leads to dry, flaky skin of the scalp and may cause itching. It is not contagious, and is fairly common. Medications can be used to manage the symptoms. Here we will look at the causes and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and its treatment.

• Malassezia, a type of yeast present in everyone’s skin, grows excessively in some individuals, causing seborrheic dermatitis.
• A rise in the levels of androgens can lead to seborrheic dermatitis.
• An increase in lipid levels in the skin is another cause of this condition.
• It could result from inflammation.
• Having other skin conditions increases the risk of getting seborrheic dermatitis, and those with a family history of seborrheic dermatitis have a higher possibility of getting the same.
• Cold, dry weather can trigger seborrheic dermatitis.
• Using alcohol-based skin products can lead to seborrheic dermatitis.
• Oily skin is another factor causing this condition.
• Seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by stress.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include the following:

• Rashes (the rash is annular in a condition called pelatoid seborrheic dermatitis)
• Dryness of the scalp
• Flaky skin of the scalp and peeling
• Dandruff
• Redness of the scalp skin
• Itching
• Patches of greasy skin are covered with white or yellow scales

Dandruff leads to white, oily flakes on the scalp that cause itching. The condition worsens during winter or when the air is dry. Seborrheic dermatitis leads to dry, flaky skin that itches and is also characterized by white or yellow scales, inflammation, and redness on the affected skin. While dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis have very similar symptoms, there are some differences between the two conditions. Dandruff is found mainly on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can spread to other regions like the face, ears, and chest. While dandruff mostly spans the years between puberty and the 20s and does not occur after the age of 50, seborrheic dermatitis mostly occurs during infanthood (cradle cap, a common condition among infants, is caused by seborrheic dermatitis) and adolescence.

• Antifungal creams or gels help manage the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Creams or shampoos that control inflammation can be used in treating seborrheic dermatitis. A corticosteroid may be prescribed to help ease the symptoms.
• Antifungal medications that can be taken orally, is another way to treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Oiling the scalp can help remove scales from the hair.
• It is advisable to avoid using styling products that contain chemicals or hair products that contain alcohol.
• Keeping the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, and facial hair clean, is important to manage the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Metronidazole is effective against bacteria and thus proves to be effective in reducing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
• A combination of psoralen and light therapy may be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis.