Other terms
- Sequencing
- Short Bowel Syndrome
- Skin Cancer
- Skin Grafting
- Skin Lesion
- Skin Tag
- Source Data Verification (SDV)
- Source Document
- Spider Veins
- Spinal Cord Hemorrhage
- Spinal Cord Ischemia
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
Seborrheic Dermatitis
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects areas of the body with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, and upper trunk. It can cause redness, scaling, and itching. The global prevalence of seborrheic dermatitis is around 5%. While it can be seen at any age, onset is usually at infancy, adolescence, or middle age, with it being morecommonly prevalent in those over 50. Men are also more likely to develop the condition.
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
The pathophysiology of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood but is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
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- Excessive sebum production or altered sebum composition
- Immune dysregulation with altered T-cell response.
- Overgrowth of Malassezia spp., likely due to abnormal immune response, which then leads to further irritation of the skin.
- Genetics play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to seborrheic dermatitis. Specific gene variants involved in immune responses and skin barrier function have been implicated.
- Environmental factors including stress, climate, and certain medications, can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
- Other health conditions that affect the immune system (lymphoma, HIV, organ transplant) and nervous system (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and strokes).
Signs and Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Dry, flaky skin with possible white or yellow scaling.
- Pruritus or burning
- Erythematous rash with possible greasy patches
Source: Dall’Oglio, F., Nasca, M. R., Gerbino, C., & Micali, G. (2022). An Overview of the Diagnosis and Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 15, 1537–1548. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s284671
