Can You Get Dandruff (Seborrheic Dermatitis) in Your Eyebrows

Noticing dryness and flaking around the eyebrows? It could be early signs of seborrheic dermatitis. More often known as dandruff or “cradle cap” when it shows up on babies. This common skin condition can present itself in many ways, including dry, flaky eyebrows. Eyebrow flakes caused by dandruff may require a medicated wash to clear away symptoms.

Eyebrows Dry and Flaky

Dry, flaky eyebrows are a common skin condition. There are several factors that might be causing your eyebrows to become flaky, such as 

• Acne
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• psoriasis

But the most common cause for those dandruff flakes on the eyebrows is seborrheic dermatitis.

Can You Get Seborrheic Dermatitis In The Eyebrows?

Dandruff is typically known for those annoying and embarrassing white flakes that build up along the root of the hair and flake onto your shoulders. However, seborrheic dermatitis (SD) can show up just about anywhere on the body, oftentimes without warning. Inflammation, flaking, and itching are associated with seborrheic dermatitis. When it shows up on the nose, ears, and eyebrows, it is classified as facial seborrheic dermatitis.

In addition to eyebrow dandruff, you may also experience 

• Redness (or pink-colored patches in darker skin tones)
• Greasy skin 
• Breakout 
• Swelling
• Inflamed skin
• Itchy skin 
• Burning sensation.

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis

The exact cause of SD is unknown, though most dermatologists and researchers agree that it has to do with the skin’s reaction to an excessive build-up of Malassezia yeast, an otherwise harmless and naturally occurring microorganism. This belief is due to the fact that when treated with pyrithione zinc, an antifungal zinc complex, most people tend to experience symptom relief.

Researchers have also correlated stress, hormones, genetics, use of harsh cleaners and soaps, dry and cold weather, and certain medications and health conditions to the onset of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

Cradle Cap On Eyebrows

In babies and young children, seborrheic dermatitis (SD) usually presents itself differently than it does in older children or adults. The baby version of SD, or “cradle cap,” normally shows up as patches of crusty yellow skin that may sometimes look greasy, red, and inflamed.

Most people think of these symptoms as appearing on the scalp and forehead or where a cap would sit, but they can appear almost anywhere on a baby’s body. If your baby’s eyebrows are red and scaling, they may be dealing with seborrheic dermatitis on their eyebrows.

It’s common that your baby’s dry eyebrows are a case of mild seborrheic dermatitis, and it can also exist on the nose, ears, where the diaper sits, in folds of skin, and other moist or greasy areas.

While “cradle cap” can look uncomfortable, it actually doesn’t cause your baby any pain or irritation. However, failing to manage symptoms can cause the area to become inflamed, and scraping of the scaly skin can cause lesions that are vulnerable to infection.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Eyebrows Treatment

Similar to how dandruff is managed in adults, dermatologists often recommend that parents use a medicated shampoo and wash to ease symptoms of “cradle cap.” Unfortunately, most of these washes aren’t designed with children in mind. Adult washes generally contain harsh ingredients that can be harmful to your baby.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

The first step that is advised by the doctors to effectively manage cradle cap in babies and seborrheic dermatitis in adults is by washing or cleansing the affected area with a medicated shampoo. Prior to Happy Cappy, medicated shampoo contained harsh chemicals, but now Dr. Eddie has created a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals like fragrance, sulfate, paraben, and dyes.

Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is safe to be used on babies, toddlers, and adults. It contains pyrithione zinc as an active ingredient, a common and safe antifungal that helps to combat the yeast believed to fuel symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, and dandruff.

Cradle Cap Brush

If you want to get rid of those eyebrow flakes fast, then you can use a cradle cap brush to exfoliate the affected area. You can do this by gently massaging the eyebrows in a circular motion and removing the flakes. 

Try Dr. Eddie’s Cradle Cap Brush. It is a soft-bristled silicone brush and is BPA-free. Which means it will not further irritate your or your baby’s skin.

When To Consult A Doctor

If you or your baby are experiencing any of the following, consult a doctor;

• Oozing skin
• Unbearable itching
• Fever
• Rashes all over the body
• Eyebrow dandruff does not get better with the use of a medicated shampoo.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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