Seborrheic dermatitis is a frequent skin condition which causes inflammation, flakes, and scaling on oily areas of the skin. Common areas affected by the condition are the scalp, behind or inside the ears, face, eyebrows, eyelids, nose creases, lips and trunk. Forms of seborrheic dermatitis include dandruff (flakes on the scalp) and cradle cap (affecting the scalp of an infant).


Causes and risk factors:

Seborrheic dermatitis has certain factors and causes behind its cases, which may include:

Chemical exposure
Fatigue
Genetics (runs in families)
Head injury
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Malessizia yeast presence
Malnutrition - lack of biotin (B7), pyridoxine (B6), or riboflavin (B2)
Neurological conditions
Parkinson's disease (PD)
Oily skin
Stress
Stroke
Vitamin A overdose
Weather (extreme ends)


Symptoms:

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms may vary on a case-by-case basis, and some symptoms may include:

Dandruff
Hair loss
Itching
Oily skin
Red skin
Skin lesions
Skin plaques
Skin scales

Treatment:

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic medical condition, but treatment methods may be beneficial in relieving symptoms and avoiding flares (worsening of symptoms). Frequent shampooing of hair with medicated or dandruff shampoos may help for conditions affecting the scalp. Topical lotions may be used in some cases for treating seborrheic dermatitis either on the scalp or elsewhere. Certain soaps and detergents which dry the skin (such as those containing sodium laureth sulfate) should be avoided as they may lead to flare-ups.

Being outdoors, especially in the summer weather, is thought to positively affect seborrheic dermatitis cases. Milk of magnesia applied on the skin is thought to be helpful in clearing seborrheic dermatitis as well. Vitamin supplements that provide the vitamins lacking in an individual (listed in the causes section above) may promote a positive response against the dermatitis.