Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Question 1

What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 1

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands

Question 2

Where does seborrhoeic dermatitis commonly present?

Answer 2

The sebaceous glands are the oil producing glands in the skin. It affects areas that have a lot of these glands, such as the scalp, nasolabial folds and eyebrows.

Question 3

How does seborrhoeic dermatitis present?

Answer 3

It causes erythema, dermatitis and crusted dry skin.

Question 4

What yeast is thought to be linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 4

It is thought that Malassezia yeast colonisation has a role to play in the development of seborrhoeic dermatitis, and the condition improves with anti-fungal treatment.

Question 5

Briefly describe infant seborrhoeic dermatitis

Answer 5

Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (cradle cap) causes a crusted flaky scalp. It is a self limiting condition and usually resolves by 4 months of age, but can last until 12 months.

Question 6

Briefly describe the treatment of infant seborrhoeic dermatitis

Answer 6

First line treatment is by applying baby oil, vegetable oil or olive oil, gently brushing the scalp then washing off. When this is not effective, white petroleum jelly can be used overnight to soften the crusted areas before washing off in the morning.

The next step is a topical anti-fungal cream such as clotrimazole or miconazole, used for up to 4 weeks. Severe or unresponsive cases may need referral to a dermatologist.

Question 7

Briefly describe seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp

Answer 7

Mild seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp presents with flaky itchy skin on the scalp (dandruff). More severe cases cause more dense oily scaly brown crusting. This commonly occurs in adolescents and adults rather than children.

Question 8

Briefly describe the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp

Answer 8

First line treatment is with ketoconazole shampoo, left on for 5 minutes before washing off. Topical steroids may be used if there is severe itching. It often reoccurs after successful treatment.

Question 9

Briefly describe seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face and body

Answer 9

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face and body presents with red, flaky, crusted, itchy skin. It commonly affects the eyelids, nasolabial folds, ears, upper chest and back.

Question 10

Briefly describe the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face and body

Answer 10

First line treatment is with an anti fungal cream, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, used for up to 4 weeks. Localised inflamed areas may benefit from a topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone 1%.

Severe or unresponsive cases should be referred to a dermatologist or paediatrician.