Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Adults

Question 1

What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 1

Chronic dermatitis caused by an inflammatory reaction to a proliferation of a normal skin inhabitant, a fungus called Malassezia fur fur.

Question 2

What are the features of seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 2

Eczematous lesions on the sebum-rich areas: scalp (may cause dandruff), periorbital, auricular and nasolabial folds.
Otitis externa and blepharitis may develop.

Question 3

What conditions are associated with seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 3

HIV

Parkinson’s disease

Question 4

What is the treatment for scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 4

OTC containing zinc pyrithione ‘Head and Shoulders’ and tar ‘Neutrogena T/Gel’ 1st line.
Second line Ketoconazole

Question 5

What is the treatment of face and body seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 5

Topical antifungals e.g. ketoconazole

Topical steroids: short periods