Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition mainly affecting the area, where sebaceous glands are most numerous, such as scalp, around the nose, eyelash and eyebrow regions, the middle of the chest and the outer ear. The symptom is a red, itchy rash with greasy yellowish scales. It should be noted that Seborrheic Dermatitis is unrelated to seborrhea.

This condition is most common in three age groups of infancy when it is called cradle cap, middle age, and the elderly. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by age 8 to 12 months. In some infants, seborrheic dermatitis may develop only in the diaper area where it could be confused with other forms of diaper rash. When seborrheic dermatitis develops at other ages, red scaly rash and yellowish “dandruff” may appear. It can come and go. It is common in people with oily skin or hair, and may be seen with acne or psoriasis.

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known. The cause may be different in infants and adults. Seborrheic dermatitis may be related to hormones, because the disorder often appears in infancy and disappears before puberty. Over-growth of pityrosporum yeast organisms may be important in the development of the adult’s seborrheic dermatitis.

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