Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a recurring inflammatory condition affecting oily areas such as the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears and central chest. It is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene.
Key takeaways
- Greasy or powdery scale with underlying redness can suggest seborrhoeic dermatitis, but psoriasis, eczema and fungal infection may look similar.
- Malassezia yeast, skin oil and inflammatory response contribute; stress, illness and weather may alter individual flares.
- Antifungal treatment targets yeast, while a topical steroid reduces inflammation; potency, site and duration matter on facial skin.
Catalogue matches do not confirm seborrhoeic dermatitis or show that a steroid or antifungal is suitable for a particular rash.
Where does it usually appear?
Scalp flaking is common, but eyebrows, eyelid margins, beard area, skin beside the nose and behind the ears can also be involved. Thick sharply bordered plaques, hair loss or a ring-shaped rash may point to another diagnosis.
How are flare treatments selected?
Scalp, face and body sites may need different formulations. Short courses of an appropriate anti-inflammatory can reduce redness, but prolonged facial steroid use can thin skin or provoke another eruption. Mometasone is not a default choice for every site; see skin care for related entries.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for rapidly spreading redness, pus, severe pain, fever, marked eyelid swelling or eye pain. Facial swelling with breathing difficulty needs emergency help.
Related articles
Understand how dandruff relates to seborrhoeic dermatitis, how medicated shampoos differ, and when scaling needs a different diagnosis.
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