History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
common
scalp itching
Skin is highly sensitive; itching can be severe. Bleeding may occur if lesions are scratched vigorously.
scalp scaling
Erythematous, circumscribed, scaly patches on scalp.
glabella scaling
Erythema accompanied by greasy scales in the glabella are often present.[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].
nasolabial fold scaling
Erythema accompanied by greasy scales in the nasolabial folds are often present.[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].
post-auricular scaling
Erythema accompanied by greasy scales in the postauricular area are often present.
white flakes
Greasy white flakes deposited on clothing and in hair.
erythema
Inflammation of the cutaneous layer causes reddened patches.
Risk factors
strong
HIV/AIDS
An explosive, often generalised, onset of SD may be a marker for HIV infection, regardless of age. It may appear as a central facial rash, similar to that associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Around 35% of people with early HIV infection have SD, and the prevalence reaches 85% in patients with AIDS.[13]
age <3 months
Cradle cap is common in infancy. Aetiology may be hormonal.
weak
stress
Stress aggravates the occurrence of SD and may induce flares.
parkinsonism
A well-recognised association exists between SD and Parkinson's disease (including neuroleptic drug-induced Parkinson's disease).[12]
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