Adult Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Flashcards
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
A common, chronic skin disorder that typically affects face, scalp and trunk.
It is a subtype of eczema
What causes it?
Thought to be a inflammatory reaction related to a proliferation of a normal skin inhabitant - fungus called Malassezia furfur
It can be divided into 2 types…
That affects children
That affects adults
Can people carry the Malassezia fungus normally?
Yes
What are the associated features?
Eczematous lesions on sebum rich areas - scalp, periorbital, auricular, nasolabial folds
Otitis externa and blepharitis may develop
Who does it typically affect?
Teenagers, throughout adulthood
Is it often recurrent?
Yes
What is it worse with?
Stress
Fatigue
What regions does it typically affect?
Hair growing regions e.g scalp, eyebrows, eyelids
Nasolabial folds
May also affect torso, groin folds, perianal areas, armpit, under breasts
Describe the rash
A erythematous, scaly rash with a yellow greasy scale
Poorly defined patches
What complications can occur?
Secondary candidiasis infection common - especially in flexures
What can it be associated with it?
Immunosuppression- HIV, organ transplant recipient, lymphoma
Neurological and psychiatric diseases - Parkinson’s, depression
Oily skin
FH of seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis
Lack of sleep
Stressful events
When it affects the scalp, what is it called?
Dandruff - an uninflamed form of seborrhoeic dermatitis
How is it managed on face and body?
Topical anti fungal - ketoconazole 2% cream for at least 4 weeks OD or BD
Topical steroids (mild) e.g hydrocortisone 0.5%
If eyelids involved - daily hygiene measures using cotton buds moistened with baby shampoo
How is it managed on scalp?
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo or selenium sulphide shampoo (twice a week for 2 weeks)
Scales can be removed before shampooing by applying warm mineral or olive oil or a keratolytic preparation e.g salicylic acid for several hours
If severe scalp itching - topical corticosteroid
