What Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Of The Scalp Look Like?
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is a common condition that causes scaly, itchy, and flaky skin on the scalp. It is often mistaken for dandruff, but it is a different condition. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur at any age, but it is most common in adults. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp usually appears as patches of flaky skin with scaly flakes. The flakes are often white or yellowish and may be oily. The skin may be red and irritated. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on other parts of the body, such as the face, chest, or back.
There is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Treatment options include medicated shampoos, creams, and ointments. For severe cases, oral medications may be necessary.
If you think you may have seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, and yeast that lives on the skin.
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- itchy, red skin
- flaky, white, or yellowish patches of skin
- oily skin
- crusty scales on the scalp
Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis often includes medicated shampoos or creams. In more severe cases, oral medications may be necessary. If you think you have seborrheic dermatitis, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is more common in people with oily skin or hair, and it often occurs in people who have a family history of the condition. Seborrheic dermatitis is also more common in men than women and typically begins in adulthood.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it is not contagious and is not harmful to your health. The good news is that it can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and/or home remedies. If these treatments do not improve your symptoms, you may need to see a doctor for prescription-strength medication.
Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis often looks and feels like dandruff. It can cause your scalp to:
- itch
- burn
- flake
- crust over
You may also have seborrheic dermatitis on other oily areas of your body, such as your:
face
However, seborrheic dermatitis on your face can look different than on your scalp.
chest
back
under your breasts
In infants, seborrheic dermatitis can also cause a rash on the:
face
neck
Grades Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Studies suggest that there are 3 grades of seborrheic dermatitis. The grading system is based on the severity of symptoms.[2]Red
Inflammation Yellowish or white flakes white flakesManifestations of seborrhoeic dermatitis by region of involvement.[3] Mild Seborrhea 2 class=> Moderate Seborrhea 2 colspan=> Severe or Chronic Seborrhea Redness or itching Itching or Burning sensations Scaling Scaling Crusting Crusting hair loss hair loss, the authors proposed a scale to assess the severity of SD based on the following parameters:1.
tbody>Severity
Mild SD Moderate SD graded 2 out 3 out 4 out 5 out 6 out 7 out 8 out 9 out 10 out 11 out 12 out 13 out 14 out 15 out 16 out 17 out 18 out 19 out 20+ out >A few patches <Mild involvement <Diffuse involvement <Involvement on face as well as other parts of the body with mild symptoms <Moderate involvement <Diffuse involvement <Involvement on face as well as other parts of the body with moderate symptoms <Severe involvement <Diffuse involvement <Involvement on face as well as other parts of the body with severe symptoms> Brown patches with adherent scale >White adherent scale >Patches with yellowish scale> diffusesmall bald patches> Reddish lesions with silver white adherent scales> Lesions with pus formation> Large crusted lesions> Lesions with hair loss<Treatment resistant Scales easy to remove Scales not easy to remove "