What is Seborrheic Dermatitis? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

If you or any of your loved ones are experiencing irritation, flaking, and crusty scaling on the scalp or skin, then you all may be experiencing seborrheic dermatitis. The reason you have landed on this blog is most likely because you are searching for ways to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis.

According to dermatologists, the best way to reduce the flaking, scaling, and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis is with the regular use of an OTC Medicated Shampoo. But what is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis?

This blog will help you understand everything you should know, from what is seborrheic dermatitis,to its symptoms, causes, and the best shampoo for it. 

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

Yes, we know how difficult it is to pronounce this word, and you might be thinking, What is seborrheic dermatitis pronunciation? Here is how you say it: seb-o-REE-ik der-muh-tie-tis. It is a common inflammatory skin condition that may cause scaly patches on the skin along with redness and irritation.

It is a severe form of a common scalp issue, dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the oily areas of the body, or, you can say, body parts that have overactive sebaceous glands. It usually causes yellow or white greasy scales and flakes on the scalp and eyebrows, and redness and irritation on other parts of the body, such as the nose, ears, and chest.

Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis

When seborrheic dermatitis presents in babies, the condition is known as “cradle cap” or “pityriasis capitis” due to the appearance of scaling that extends from the baby’s scalp down to the eyebrows, much like a cap. 

This irritating condition affects roughly 42% of newborns. It most commonly arises during the first three months of life and disappears before the baby’s first birthday. However, it can persist into the toddler years and reoccur during adolescence and into adulthood, especially during periods of sleeplessness or stress.

Pictures of Seborrheic Dermatitis

In babies, seborrheic dermatitis usually appears as thick, greasy, white, or yellow scales that look quite similar to honeycomb. While in adults, the flakes are greasy but a little thinner than those in babies.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms

We know that seborrheic dermatitis can cause flaking and scaling, but here are a few other common symptoms associated with it that will help you differentiate it from similar-looking skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.

• Flaky skin
• Dry skin
• Greasy patches of skin
• Crusty white or yellowish scales
• Rashes 
• Redness and irritation 
• Itchy skin 
• Hairlessness where scaling occurs

Even though the symptoms are usually the same for babies and adults, the body parts affected by seborrheic dermatitis are a little different according to the age.

Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults

The areas most affected are:

• Scalp 
• Behind the ears
• Eyebrows
• Around nose
• Neck
• Back
• Chest
• Armpits

Seborrheic Dermatitis in Children

The areas most affected are:

• Scalp
• Forehead
• Eyebrows
• Sides of the nose
• Behind the ear
• Neck folds
• Diaper area

This condition may flare up from time to time. The symptoms usually become more prominent during a flare-up and settle down during the remission period.

Seborrheic Dermatitis on Black Skin

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are mostly the same in people with darker skin tones; however, they may appear a little differently. For instance, the redness may appear as red or pink in lighter skin tones, but it may appear as purple, brown, or grayish in darker skin tones. 

Also, according to Healthline, it can cause petal-shaped lesions along the hairline and hypopigmentation; this causes the affected area to become lighter than the original skin tone. No matter whether you have dark skin or light, the causes and treatment for seborrheic dermatitis are the same. 

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis 

The precise cause is yet unknown, though various studies have linked the condition to hormone levels, nutritional deficits, and neurogenic factors, as well as fungal infections and overactive sebum production. 

However, most researchers believe that there are two main seborrheic dermatitis causes that trigger or play a part in developing flaking, scaling, and redness. 

Overproduction of Sebum

First is the production of oil or sebum on the skin. Sebaceous glands are present on our skin and produce sebum to keep the skin moist. However, when there is excess oil production on the skin due to any factor, such as hormonal changes or genetics, it can result in flaking and scaling of the skin.

You might wonder how oily skin can cause seborrheic dermatitis. The second contributing factor is your answer: 

Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast  

Malassezia, also known as Pityrosporum, is naturally present on our skin. Excess oil production on the skin provides a breeding ground for Malassezia yeast. This yeast feeds and grows on sebum.

So the more sebum your skin produces, the more yeast you will have. When the malassezia consumes the sebum, it leaves behind a byproduct, oleic acid. This acid can lead to inflammation, itching, and flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

May be great to insert this image somewhere? 

Who’s at Risk?

Seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone at any age. However, it is most common in babies under the age of 12 months and adults above the age of 50 years. According to the researchers, around 11% of the population experiences seborrheic dermatitis at some point in their life. 

Even though this condition develops because of everything happening naturally on your skin, there are a few people who are more prone to developing it than others. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some of these are:

• People who have an oily skin type
• Men are more likely to experience it than women
• People with a darker skin tone
• Those who have an HIV infection
• People who have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea
• Those with Parkinson’s disease, Down syndrome, and neurological disorders. 

If you have any of the above, this does not mean you have seborrheic dermatitis for sure; it is always a 50/50 possibility. 

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis be Cured?

The fact is, there is no permanent cure for seborrheic dermatitis; it is a chronic condition, which means it may either resolve entirely or may appear again and again in the form of flare-ups throughout your life. 

However, the good news is that even though there is no permanent cure for it, you can easily manage and reduce the flaking, scaling, redness, and inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis with the right treatment plan. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Although this condition cannot be completely cured, proper treatment can help quickly tame its symptoms. Here are a few things that can help you.

Use a Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

Use a pyrithione zinc shampoo to keep your scalp and skin clean. With its well-documented antifungal and antibacterial properties, the zinc pyrithione compound is among the most common active ingredients used in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis treatments. 

This ingredient has been used for decades to reduce the irritation and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis. It helps control the production of Malassezia yeast on the skin and scalp, aids in managing the existing symptoms, and soothing scale build-ups. 

• Use medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis twice or thrice a week to wash your scalp.
• Wet your skin with lukewarm or cool water. 
• Apply the shampoo to the affected areas and massage it with your fingertips. 
• Let it rest for a few minutes.
• Rinse your scalp thoroughly to remove the shampoo without leaving any residue behind.
• Pat your hair dry with a towel. 

When the scaling and flaking are severe, the doctor may prescribe the use of shampoo once daily to make your condition better. If you are searching for a skin-friendly medicated shampoo, try Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo. The best thing about it is it can be used as a body wash and face wash as well to reduce the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms on other parts of the body as well. 

Use a Cradle Cap Brush

If you want to get rid of the loose flakes and scales that often hang on your hair, then you can use a cradle cap brush while shampooing. It is a specially formulated brush or comb that has close bristles that help remove the scales.

Use it to brush your hair in a downward motion and gently remove the loose scales. Make sure not to be harsh on your scalp, as it can damage the skin and hair follicles and cause hair loss. 

Natural Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis

You may have also come across different home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis, such as using coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice to treat the condition. 

This is a misconception. Dr. Eddie, an award-winning pediatrician, highlights the drawbacks of using these remedies.

• First, they only help soften the scales but do not treat the root cause of the condition. 
• Second, applying or leaving oils on your scalp will trigger the growth of malassezia yeast and further make your condition worse.
• Third, some people may have an allergic reaction to these remedies, and using them on your skin can lead to other complications, such as skin infections. 

Before using any natural remedies for any skin condition, it is essential to consult a doctor to avoid any complications. 

Medications

Most seborrheic dermatitis symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, but in moderate to severe cases, prescription treatments may be necessary to reduce inflammation, flaking, and itching more effectively.

Commonly prescribed options include topical corticosteroids (creams, ointments, or gels), which help reduce inflammation quickly. However, these should be used only under medical supervision, as long-term use may lead to skin thinning or discoloration.

Other prescription treatments for seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Antifungal medications, which reduce the yeast (Malassezia) that contributes to flare-ups
• Oral antifungal or anti-inflammatory pills, sometimes used in persistent or resistant cases
• Calcineurin inhibitors (such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus), often used on sensitive areas like the face or eyelids
• PDE4 inhibitors, a newer class of medications that target inflammatory pathways in the skin

Among PDE4 inhibitors, the newest FDA-approved option is Roflumilast foam 0.3% (Zoryve®). Approved in 2023, Zoryve is the first non-steroidal topical treatment specifically indicated for seborrheic dermatitis in over two decades. It’s a once-daily steroid-free foam that has shown up to 80% skin clearance in clinical trials within 8 weeks, and is safe for use in individuals aged 9 years and older. Its foam formulation is ideal for treating scalp and hair-bearing areas, making it an important new option for those who haven’t responded to traditional treatments.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Self-Care

There are a few things that you should take care of or can do on your own to prevent your condition from getting worse, such as

• Never use hot water to wash your skin and scalp.
• Make sure not to leave any type of oil on your scalp.
• Make sure the products you are using are free from any harsh chemicals. 
• Avoid picking at your scales
• Try not to scratch your skin, as it can sometimes lead to skin infections. 
• Try managing stress with the help of deep breathing techniques, walking, and yoga. 
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Protect your scalp and skin from the sun either by covering it or using a sunscreen.

These things may not sound so important, but they can have a great impact on your scalp and overall health. 

Best Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

Pediatricians regularly recommend adult anti-dandruff shampoos for this condition because they contain an FDA-approved active ingredient to control seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Until now, there has been no anti-seborrheic dermatitis shampoo or body wash for children.

Adults with sensitive skin also found their options limited regarding effective treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis. The sulfates (lathering ingredients), SLS and SLES, commonly found in popular dandruff shampoos, can be too harsh to use on many adults’s faces.

Practising Houston Pediatrician Dr. Eddie Valenzuela was tired of prescribing these harsh anti-dandruff shampoos. He understood that patients and parents were not just looking for how to treat seborrheic dermatitis but how to do it safely.

So he developed a special Medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis that can be used on the face, body, and scalp and by people of all ages, even babies. This OTC shampoo and body wash is made with the FDA-approved active ingredient pyrithione zinc that helps reduce the flaking and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis by controlling the growth of malassezia yeast. 

It is also infused with natural ingredients like licorice root and apple fruit extract that help soothe redness, and glycerin that moisturizes and soothes the skin.

Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash is free from any skin-irritating chemicals such as fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. It provides relief of skin and scalp itching, irritation, redness, flaking, and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.

Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Cause Hair Loss?

No, seborrheic dermatitis does not directly cause hair loss, and it has no connection with alopecia. However, the inflammation and itching caused by this condition may give you an urge to scratch your scalp.

This scratching can damage the hair follicles and make it easier for the hair to fall out. So if you have seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff, avoid scratching or picking on scales if you don’t want to lose hair. 

The good news is that hair loss is usually temporary, and your hair will grow normally once you soothe the symptoms. 

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis a Fungus?

When people discover that seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus known as Malassezia yeast, they often think that seborrheic dermatitis is a fungus. Well, the truth is it is not a fungus. 

It is an inflammatory skin condition that is only triggered by the overgrowth of Malassezia fungus. In general, this yeast is not harmful and is actually essential for healthy skin and scalp. However, its overabundance can lead to issues like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and malassezia folliculitis. 

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Contagious?

No, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious; even though it is triggered by a type of fungus, it cannot spread to others through coming in contact with them or sharing their belongings. So if you are having a flare-up, don’t worry about passing it to others. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Other Skin Conditions

There are various other skin conditions that cause symptoms similar to those of seborrheic dermatitis and are often confused with each other. We have listed the key differences to help you distinguish them. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Atopic Dermatitis

Both conditions may sound the same and belong to the family of eczema, yet they are very different from each other. Atopic dermatitis usually causes dry, itchy, irritated, thickened patches of skin, while seborrheic dermatitis appears as greasy or oily scaly patches on the skin. 

The treatment for both conditions is also quite different. While seborrheic dermatitis can be managed with the use of a medicated shampoo. However, for eczema, it is essential to follow a proper skincare routine that includes an eczema shampoo and body wash to keep the skin clean, as well as an eczema cream to moisturize the affected areas. 

Here the differences between seborrheic dermatitis vs eczema.  

	Seborrheic Dermatitis	Atopic Dermatitis
Cause	Overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast	Genetics, impaired skin barrier, environmental triggers
Appearance	Thick, yellow, or white greasy scales and flakes	Red, dry, itchy, irritated, thickened patches on skin
Itching	Mild	Intense
Location	Scalp, eyebrows, behind the ears, around nose, and in the skin folds	Face, hands, elbows, knees, and ankles
Treatment	Regular use of a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo	Avoiding the triggers, use of eczema shampoo and moisturizing cream

Tinea Capitis Vs Seborrheic Dermatitis

Tinea capitis, commonly known as scalp ringworm, is an infection that causes redness on the scalp and hair loss and hair breakage close to the scalp. It is caused by a fungus naturally present on the skin. It is more common in children. 

However, one can experience it at any stage of life. Ringworm can be confused with seborrheic dermatitis due to its scaly appearance. Here are some of the most prominent differences between them. 

	Seborrheic Dermatitis	Ringworm
Cause	Overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast	Fungal infection caused by dermatophytes
Contagious	No	Yes
Appearance	Thick, yellow, or white greasy scales and flakes	Scaly, round-shaped skin patches with hair loss.
Hair Loss	No	Yes
Permanent cure	No	Yes
Treatment	Regular use of a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo	Use of antifungal shampoo and oral medications

Rosacea vs Seborrheic Dermatitis

Rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis both can cause redness around the nose, cheeks, and forehead, which is why they are often confused for each other. However, both of them are different. 

Here are the key differences to help you identify them. 

	Seborrheic Dermatitis	Rosacea
Cause	Overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast	Chronic inflammation caused by the immune system
Appearance	Thick, yellow, or white greasy scales and flakes	Redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, or pimples
Itching	Mild	Does not cause itching but can lead to burning sensation
Treatment	Regular use of a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo	Oral antibiotics, laser therapy, and topical medications

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Psoriasis

The scaly appearance of scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis is the common reason why most people often confuse them. But the scales associated with seborrheic dermatitis are usually greasy, thick, and white or yellow in color, but the scales of psoriasis are silver-white in color. 

If you are also unable to tell them apart, here are a few differences to help you distinguish them. 

	Seborrheic Dermatitis	Psoriasis
Cause	Overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast	Autoimmune disorder speeds up the skin cell turnover
Appearance	Thick, yellow, or white greasy scales and flakes	Dry, thick, silvery-white scales
Redness	Mild	Deep red patches with prominent edges
Itching	Mild	intense
Onset	Babies and adults betwen 30-60	Between the age of 15 to 35
Nails affected	No	Can cause pitting, discoloration and thickening of nails
Treatment	Regular use of a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo	Topical steroids, biologics, and phototherapy

Seborrheic Dermatitis vs Seborrheic Keratosis

Even though seborrheic dermatitis and seborrheic keratosis may sound similar, they are totally different skin conditions. The confusion usually arises due to their similar names. But their symptoms, causes, and treatment are very different. 

	Seborrheic Dermatitis	Seborrheic Keratosis
Cause	Overproduction of sebum and overgrowth of malassezia yeast	Noncancerous skin growth
Appearance	Thick, yellow, or white greasy scales and flakes	Black, brown, or tan raised lesions with wart-like surface
Treatment	Use of a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo	Usually does not require treatment but can be removed with cosmetic surgery

Conclusion

If you or anyone around you is experiencing seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap in babies, then don’t worry; it is a common skin condition that causes irritation, redness, scaling, and flaking on the scalp, behind the ears, on the back, chest, and in skin folds.

It is not contagious and does not harm health. It can be managed by keeping the skin clean with a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo and cleanser that contains pyrithione zinc. Use it on a daily basis when the symptoms are severe, and use it two or three times a week when the flaking subsides. 

If the scales are bothering you, then use a cradle cap brush while shampooing your scalp to remove the excess scales. If your condition is not getting better with the use of a medicated shampoo, consult a dermatologist, who may prescribe the use of other prescription medications along with the shampoo.

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