Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by erythematous and greasy scaly patches.

Patches are red, inflamed, and pruritic with micaceous scale. Circumscribed patches are found on the scalp, glabella, nasolabial fold, posterior auricular skin, and anterior chest.

Variable course that seldom completely subsides. An infant form (cradle cap) usually resolves within the first few months of life.

Tends to flare with stress. The adult scalp form is commonly termed dandruff or pityriasis capitis.

Topical agents (corticosteroids, antifungals, calcineurin inhibitors, shampoos, and tar preparations) are used for mild and limited disease.

Oral antifungals are reserved for severe and recalcitrant forms.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder that usually manifests as erythema and scaling of the scalp, nasolabial folds, glabella, and occasionally central face and anterior chest. It tends to worsen with stress.[1]Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA. Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-90. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0201/p185.html http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25822272?tool=bestpractice.com In infants, SD may manifest as scaling of the scalp and is termed cradle cap.[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Seborrhoeic dermatitis, nasolabial fold, with mild scaling and mild erythemaFrom the collection of Robert A. Schwartz, MD, MPH, FACP, FAAD, FRCP (Edin) [Citation ends].[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Seborrhoeic dermatitis, glabella, with scaling and mild erythemaFrom the collection of Robert A. Schwartz, MD, MPH, FACP, FAAD, FRCP (Edin) [Citation ends].