Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that most often causes facial dryness and an itchy scalp, and it affects millions of children and adults in Canada.

It can be tricky to recognize or diagnose, because the skin reactions it triggers mimic those of similar conditions such as psoriasis, other forms of eczema or even allergic reactions.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythema (redness) and skin flaking. It is a form of eczema and is also known as seborrheic eczema.

It usually causes itching, dry or oily skin and other common changes in skin texture, such as scalp dandruff. Contrary to what many people assume, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.

When an adolescent or adult has seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms can come and go for the rest of their life, and very few cases clear up without treatment. Flare-ups come without warning and are often triggered by cold, dry weather or periods of stress.

The parts of the body most likely to develop itchiness and other symptoms include:

• Face: dryness and redness usually form on the forehead near the skin folds, the eyebrows and the front hairline
• Scalp: dandruff is considered a mild, non-inflammatory form of seborrheic dermatitis, and more than half of patients with the condition develop symptoms on the scalp
• Ears
• Upper chest
• Back
• Near the neck or collarbone
• Any body fold, such as near the groin

What causes seborrheic dermatitis?

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. Many factors seem to work together to cause this inflammatory skin condition, including genes, yeast that is normally present on our skin, living in a cold, dry climate, stress and a person’s overall health.

Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and it is not an allergic reaction. Although the condition can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing, it is not harmful to your health.

Psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis?

Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can look similar, and some people have both. Both can affect the scalp, which is why they are often confused, but the two disorders have some key differences.

One of the major differences between seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis is their appearance. Scalp psoriasis looks powdery with a silvery sheen, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is more likely to look yellow and greasy.

How it is treated

There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but the right treatment can ease symptoms and make flare-ups more manageable. The best treatment for each patient varies with their age and where symptoms occur most often.

After examining your skin and discussing your symptoms, your health history and any family history of seborrheic dermatitis, Dr. Rao will determine the right course of treatment. Our team is committed to working with you to develop a synergistic approach for enhancing your skin’s health, and Dr. Rao has extensive experience and expertise in skin care treatments in Edmonton.