Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Question 1

what is seborrhoeic dermatitis

Answer 1

a form scaly and flaky eczema
occurs on face, scalp and trunk (affects areas with a high number of sebaceous glands)
thought to be an inflammatory reaction to yeast (malassezia spp)

‘cradle cap’ in young infants

dandruff (pityriasis capitis) is thought to be a non inflammatory form of seborrhoic dermatitis

Question 2

risk factors for seborrhoic dermatitis

Answer 2

psoriasis
immunosupression
meds - chlorpromazine, haloperidol…
neuro conitions- parkinsons, epilepsy
stress

Question 3

presentation of seborrhoic dermatitis

Answer 3

pruritis (itching)
blepharitis
erythematous, greasy scaly plqaues beween eyebrows and around crease of node, behind ears and scalp

can extend to groin and armpit

Question 4

investigations for seborrhoic dermaitis

Answer 4

bedside- clinical diagnosis
bloods- HIV test to be considered if WIDESPREAD rash

Question 5

management of seborrhoic dermatitis

Answer 5

topical treatment

scalp:
1st line - olive oil, salicylic acid, coal tar (help lift the keratotic scales).
ketoconazole shampoo twice weekly for 1 month

face:
kotoconazole cream OD for 4/52
1% hydrocortisone cream if inflammed 2/52
topical calcineurin inhibotirs

*can complicate to a 2’ bacterial infection