What it is
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, recurring inflammation of the oil-rich areas: the scalp, the creases beside the nose, the eyebrows, the hairline and the beard area. It shows as greasy scale, itch and redness — and on deeper skin very often as pale rings or patches instead of redness, which is why it is regularly mistaken for vitiligo or a fungal infection. It is treated with medicated shampoos and antifungal and anti-inflammatory topicals, followed by a maintenance plan, because it comes back.
What this page covers
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the face: nasolabial folds, brows, hairline and beard area
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, and dandruff
- A medicated shampoo regimen with contact time explained, built around hair texture, hair-covering habits and realistic washing frequency
- Antifungal and anti-inflammatory topicals for inflamed or itchy areas, for limited periods
- A maintenance plan for the recurrences, including seasonal and stress-related flares
- Safe limits on topical corticosteroid use on the face and scalp, and the perioral dermatitis it causes when used open-endedly
- The hypopigmented presentation in Fitzpatrick IV–VI, and how it is separated from vitiligo and tinea versicolor
- Separating seborrheic dermatitis from rosacea, scalp psoriasis and perioral dermatitis
- Assessment for an underlying internal or immune cause when the disease is sudden, severe or resistant
Honestly
This is a condition that is controlled and maintained, not a course that ends, and any regimen that ignores hair texture and how often the hair can realistically be washed will simply not be followed. The pale patches it leaves in deeper skin follow the inflammation and even out after it settles, which is worth saying early because they frighten people more than the scaling does.