Seborrhoeic Dermatitis | Medtick
Medtick

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

What is it?

It occurs when the skin is renewing itself at a faster rate causing visible clumps of skin, sore skin, itchy and skin shedding.

  • It mainly occurs after puberty, babies have it too mainly known as cradle cap.
  • In babies it can be seen upto 12 months of age and should resolve by then.
  • It is not due to poor hygiene and is not contagious, but can occur and reoccur at any time.

One can have it on the following sites:

  • Any area where the body folds including armpits stomach (if obese) and groin areas.
  • Eyelids (Blepharitis)
  • Eyebrows
  • Creases of nose and cheeks
  • Beards
  • Front of chest
  • Mid back
  • In and around ears
  • Scalp

One can have:

  • Mild condition- some flaking and redness in a few small areas and treatments are helping.
  • Moderate condition -several areas affected (see above) with noticeable  redness and itching skin and treatments are moderately helping
  • Severe condition – large areas of redness, severe itching and where treatment is over the counter is not helping, stronger treatment via a medical doctor is required.

Cause

  • Unknown
  • Male sex

However it is believed to be caused by:

  • Fungus called Malassezia
  • Hormones secreted after puberty
  • Too much oil (sebum) produced by the skin (a natural moisturiser which does not let skin shed easily.
  • Not regularly combing one’s hair, hence it is not shed away properly.
  • Seasonal changes (it may get worst at winter due to lack of ultra-violet radiation from the sun, which helps to slow down the fungus).
  • Low humidity and/or low temperatures
  • Family history
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Neurological disorders
  • Circulation disorders
  • Weak immune system
  • Pachydermoperiostosis

Syndromes

Medication

Symptoms

  • Itchy skin?
  • Sore skin?
  • Red rash around the skin (on darker skin, the rashy skin  may appear lighter)?
  • Visible flakes of  skin?
  • Hair loss?
  • Greasy white or yellow scales with red patches?
  • Is one stressed?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

This condition may be associated with:

 

H.I.V test

  • A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.