Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis has one obvious symptom: dandruff. Other symptoms include itching, soreness, red and oily skin, and white or yellow flakes on the scalp. There might also be patches of scales around the hair follicles [source: AAFP]. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis may manifest itself as scaly patches that are thick, yellow, crusty or greasy. Infants may not notice the itchiness, but as they become toddlers, they may complain about the itchiness and soreness [source: Mayo Clinic].

But symptoms aren't just constrained to the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can also appear between folds of skin, between the eyebrows, on eyelids, in the creases of the nose, behind the ears, under the arms or in the groin area. People with seborrheic dermatitis also complain of a burning sensation in facial areas [source: Johnson]. Certain factors can worsen symptoms. Many people complain of seborrheic dermatitis more in the winter when there's cold, dry air, and others report worse symptoms when they're stressed. Seborrheic dermatitis is not related to diet, and it isn't contagious [source: Mayo Clinic].

Seborrheic dermatitis may be difficult to distinguish from psoriasis, another skin disease, because they both cause itchy scales. But psoriasis scales are often silver, while scales caused by seborrheic dermatitis are usually yellow or white. And scales from seborrheic dermatitis are attached to the hair shaft, which doesn't occur with psoriasis [source: Mayo Clinic].

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms can usually be controlled with proper treatment. Read on to learn what treatments are available.

Although the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis may be embarrassing, you can easily treat them yourself by practicing good hygiene and using over-the-counter medications [source: Mayo Clinic]. Simply washing frequently with soap will remove oils from affected areas, which will decrease symptoms. Some people with dandruff attribute their itchy scalps to dry skin and don't shampoo often, but not cleaning the scalp regularly can actually worsen the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. This can cause excess oil to build up in the scalp, which creates more scales and causes inflammation.

Using over-the-counter products that contain coal tar or ketoconazole can also help combat seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Coal tar contains a natural antifungal agent and it reduces itching and inflammation [source: New Zealand Dermatological Society]. Ketoconazole is a synthetic antifungal drug, and both ketoconazole and coal tar combat malassezia, a dandruff-causing fungus. If symptoms are severe, see a doctor because you may need a prescription for a topical steroid [source: Medical News Today]. To treat an infant's cradle cap, wash the infant's hair often using a mild baby shampoo, and consult a doctor because the infant may need an antifungal or corticosteroid medication [source: AAD].

Using a daily antidandruff shampoo that contains selenium sulfide or pyrithione zinc can also be effective in treating scalp scales. You should apply the shampoo to the scalp and leave it on for five_­­­­ to 10 minutes before rinsing. When your symptoms lessen, you can decrease the number of times you use a medicated shampoo to two times a week [source: Johnson]. If you've tried over-the-counter treatments and are still uncomfortable or your skin becomes infected, see a dermatologist [source: Mayo Clinic].

Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis can cause hair loss. Keep reading to learn how common this is and how to treat it.

One of the more uncommon symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis is hair loss. The oil the scalp produces combined with the malassezia fungus can cause irritation and inflammation to the hair follicles, making it difficult for hair to grow [source: AHLA]. The best way to prevent hair loss is to use an over-the-counter antidandruff shampoo that contains selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar or ketoconazole. A dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal cream or antibiotic to combat the malassezia, and sometimes a topical medication that contains corticosteroid can help reduce inflammation.

The hair loss should subside with proper treatment, but it's important to continue treatment even after your symptoms decrease because seborrheic dermatitis is chronic and can recur [source: AHLA]. If the hair loss doesn't subside, it may be caused by something more severe than seborrheic dermatitis, and you should see a doctor [source: Evans].

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