Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik) dermatitis is a common skin condition that mainly affects your scalp. It causes scaly patches, inflamed skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.
A skin condition that causes scaly patches and red skin, mainly on the scalp.
It can also occur on oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back.
In addition to scaly patches and red skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause stubborn dandruff.
Treatment involves self-care and medicated shampoos, creams and lotions. Repeated treatments may be necessary.
Are seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff -Difference
Dandruff may be considered the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis. The two conditions are similar in that they both cause white-to-yellowish scale, which may be:
- Dry or greasy
- Itchy
Sometimes, both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are treated the same way. However, a dermatologist may add additional treatment for a patient who has seborrheic dermatitis.
Unlike dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis may develop on more than the scalp. It can appear on the ears, eyebrows, beard, or skin around the nostrils. Sometimes, it appears on the chest, especially in men.
Another difference between the two conditions is that seborrheic dermatitis causes inflammation (swelling and discolored skin), but dandruff does not.
This common skin condition develops in people of all ages and races. While it can appear at any time, it’s most likely to begin during one of these stages of life:
- Infancy: 2 to 12 months of age
- Adolescence
- Adulthood, usually beginning in a person’s 30 or later
When a baby has seborrheic dermatitis, it usually appears on the scalp and is called cradle cap. Babies can also develop seborrheic dermatitis in other areas like the folds of their skin, chest, back, or diaper area. No matter where seborrheic dermatitis appears on a baby’s body, it’s usually called cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis is especially common in adults 50 years of age and older. Several studies have found that many adults 65 years of age and older live with this condition.
In the United States, Black people are most likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. Men are also more likely than women to develop seborrheic dermatitis. The latter is true worldwide.
People who are living with an HIV infection or some neurologic disorders including Parkinson’s disease (affects the brain’s ability to control movement) also have a higher risk of getting seborrheic dermatitis than people who do not have one of these conditions. In children and adults who have AIDS, seborrheic dermatitis can cover much of the body and be difficult to treat.
If you have psoriasis or rosacea, you’re also more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. If you have both psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, the condition is called sebopsoriasis.
