Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Where Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Appear?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that occurs mainly on the scalp but may also be present in other oil-producing areas of the body, such as the 

• Eyebrows
• Face
• Eyelids
• Chest
• Ears
• Nose
• Mouth
• Forehead 

Similar to but more severe than dandruff, this condition can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Severity can range from a few annoying skin flakes in the patient’s hair to large, greasy patches that can cause itching and irritation.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Some common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis often include:

• Flakes in the hair
• Redness
• Itchy skin, especially itchy scalp
• Patches of greasy skin
• Yellow scales or crust
• Rashes
• Burning sensation

Symptoms may resolve on their own, or they may require the use of a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo or other clinically formulated product. It is best to consult a doctor to get the best treatment regimen. Though this condition can strike at any age, it’s much more common in babies than it is in adults.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Babies

In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is colloquially referred to by many names, including “cradle cap” due to the way symptoms present, like a crusty cap of scales that may extend from the scalp as far down as the eyebrows. Cradle cap causes similar symptoms to those of seborrheic dermatitis. But in babies, the symptoms can also appear in the diaper area and in the skin folds.

For parents, it can be scary to see large areas of dry, flaky patches on your child’s head, but rest assured, cradle cap is a temporary condition that doesn’t cause more than itching and some minor discomfort. Of course, if you notice patches on your child’s skin, it is always best to ask your pediatrician for advice.

Diagnose Seborrheic Dermatitis(Cradle Cap)

When cradle cap appears on a baby’s head, it’s usually diagnosed by simply observing the symptoms. Your pediatrician will recommend a medicated shampoo and a few simple tips to keep the condition under control.

Since seborrheic dermatitis is less common in adults, older patients may undergo testing to make sure it’s not another, more serious condition or an allergic reaction. They’ll review your family history and may even look at skin flakes under a microscope. This will help them to rule out other possible ailments.

Seborrheic Dermatitis And Other Skin Conditions

There are other common skin conditions that may present symptoms similar to those of seborrheic dermatitis. This is why sometimes people may confuse it with seborrheic dermatitis.

Some of these common skin conditions are

• Dandruff

Dandruff causes similar flakes to those of seborrheic dermatitis and itching, but the difference is the flakes are much smaller, white in color, and dry.

• Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes red, inflamed patches of skin that are covered with silvery-white scales and cause itching, making it look similar to seborrheic dermatitis.

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

It causes dry, itchy skin and red rashes similar to seborrheic dermatitis.

• Tinea Versicolor

It causes discolored, patches of skin with thin scale in white, brown, or pink color that look similar to the patches of cradle cap.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) Treatment

Though it’s still unclear what exactly causes seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, there is a range of products that are designed to reduce and eliminate symptoms. The most common recommendation by doctors and pediatricians is to use a medicated shampoo and body wash that contains the FDA-approved active ingredient pyrithione zinc, an effective pyrithione zinc shampoo holds known fungistatic and bacteriostatic properties. Your doctor may also recommend using a gentle moisturizer to help encourage healthy healing.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

As a pediatrician, Dr. Eddie Valenzuela commonly recommended adult dandruff shampoos to treat seborrheic dermatitis in babies and small children. However, he found such products to contain unnecessary ingredients that run the risk of further irritating a child’s delicate skin. To solve this problem, he created Happy Cappy.

Happy Cappy Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Body Wash is the first and very trusted dermatologist-tested seborrheic dermatitis shampoo made just for children. Made with the pyrithione zinc 0.95% (for Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis), licorice root, and provitamin B5, it is free of dyes, alcohol, fragrances, BPA, parabens, sulfates, and other potentially harmful additives. It contains apple fruit extract as well to hydrate the skin. Use at least twice a week for noticeable improvement of symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

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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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