Seborrheic dermatitis

Last reviewed: 1 Sep 2023
Last updated: 19 Apr 2022

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • scalp itching
  • scalp scaling
  • glabella scaling
  • nasolabial fold scaling
  • postauricular scaling
  • white flakes
  • erythema
More key diagnostic factors

Risk factors

  • stress
  • parkinsonism
  • HIV/AIDS
  • age <3 months
More risk factors

Diagnostic investigations

1st investigations to order

  • clinical diagnosis
More 1st investigations to order

Investigations to consider

  • skin biopsy
More investigations to consider

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

cradle cap in infants

limited to scalp in children and adults

limited to nonscalp area in children and adults

widespread or recalcitrant disease in adults

widespread or recalcitrant disease in children

Contributors

Authors

Camila K. Janniger, MD, FAAD, FRSPH
Camila K. Janniger

Clinical Professor

Dermatology

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Newark

NJ

Disclosures

CKJ declares that she has no competing interests.

Robert A. Schwartz, MD, MPH, DSc (Hon), FAAD, FRCP (Edin)
Robert A. Schwartz

Professor of Pathology, Professor of Pediatrics, and Professor of Medicine

Dermatology

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Newark

NJ

Disclosures

RAS is the author of several references cited in this topic.

Peer reviewers

Richard Bull, BMBCh

Consultant Dermatologist

Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

London

UK

Disclosures

RB declares that he has no competing interests.

David S. Cassarino, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor

Departments of Pathology and Dermatology

UCLA

Los Angeles

CA

Disclosures

DSC declares that he has no competing interests.

Abdulhafez Selim, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor

Biomedical Technology Center

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals

Dhahran

Saudi Arabia

Disclosures

AS declares that he has no competing interests.

Jacek Szepietowski, MD, PhD, FRCP Edin

Professor and Vice Chair

Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology

University of Medicine

Wroclaw

Poland

Disclosures

JS declares he has no competing interests.

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