What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition with a variety of symptoms. It often appears on the scalp but can also appear on or in the ears, eyebrows, sides of the nose, on the chest or upper back, in the groin area and, sometimes, under the arms.¹

It is a chronic (life-long) condition which can be managed, but not cured. Outbreaks, or episodes, can range from mild or moderate to more severe.²

Because of its numerous symptoms, seborrheic dermatitis can be difficult to diagnose: many affected people think they have dandruff, dry skin or eczema when they actually have seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory condition.³

There is no way of predicting who might develop the condition, which affects up to 5 percent of adults ages 40-60.^1,4

While there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, effective treatment options are available.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Seborrheic dermatitis can be difficult to diagnose, since the symptoms are so varied. Many people with seborrheic dermatitis don't know they have it: they think they have dandruff or what seems to be dry, flaky skin.³

While flaking might seem to suggest dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis is actually linked to over-active oil glands. Dandruff, on the other hand, is caused by a dry scalp. So while your skin may seem dry, it's actually excess oil that is the culprit. Another key difference between dandruff and this condition is that seborrheic dermatitis causes inflammation (skin may be red, tender, or swollen).

Do the following symptoms describe your skin?^{2, 3}

1. I sometimes have:

• Scaling or crusts on my scalp
• Red, greasy patches with waxy white or yellow scales
• Bumpy, sore skin which may or may not itch
• Dandruff or skin flakes

2. My outbreaks are in at least one of the following areas:

• On my scalp
• Between my eyebrows
• In or behind my ears
• On the sides of my nose
• On my upper chest or back
• Under my arms
• In my groin area

If you recognize any of these symptoms, you may have seborrheic dermatitis.
Consult your dermatologist; he or she can diagnose your condition based on findings from your exam. Lab tests are not usually necessary.¹

If you have already seen a dermatologist (or several of them) and know you have seborrheic dermatitis, you've probably tried everything. Talk to your dermatologist about the latest advancements in treatment so you can manage your condition more effectively.