How Can I Treat Seborrhea and Dandruff?

Seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are similar skin disorders that easily can be treated. Dandruff appears as scaling on the scalp without redness. Seborrhea is oiliness of the skin, especially of the scalp and face, with minimal redness or scaling. Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly, itchy rash on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and the skin behind the ears and middle of the chest. Other areas, such as the navel (belly button) and skin folds under the arms, breasts, groin and buttocks, may also be involved. Seborrhiec dermatitis occurs in areas that have the highest concentration of sebaceous glands. A yeast-like organism may be important in aggravating seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis can occur in infancy and is usually seen on the scalp and is called "cradle cap" or in the groin and is a form of diaper rash. Cradle cap usually clears without treatment by age 8 to 12 months. This may be due to the gradual disappearance of hormones passed from the mother to the child before birth.

Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur at other ages and is more common in people oily skin or hair, acne or psoriasis. Seborrheic dermatitis may also occur with other illnesses including Parkinson's disease, AIDS, people in hospitals or nursing homes and those with immune system disorders appear to be more prone to this disorder. People with seborrheic dermatitis have no increased risk of other skin diseases. This condition does not progress to or cause skin cancer, no matter how long it remains untreated.

Treatment-Shampoos: Infants with "cradle cap" can have their scalps shampooed with a mild shampoo. Or one can take a product like Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo and make a 1/3 dilution and lightly shampoo the scalp. This will help work out the scaling.

Young adults and adults with seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff can be treated with nonprescription shampoos containing tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and/or salicylic acid.

Topical Steroids: Hydrocortisone 1% and Pramoxine 1% (Prax Lotion) are topical steroids available over the counter and can be used on the patches and scales of seborrhea. The best ways to use a topical steroid is twice a day for 2-3 days and then stop for several days. Note, everyday usage of a topical steroid may thin the skin and may cause small blood vessels to form on the skin.

Topical antifungals have also been shown to be helpful in seborrhea and Lotrimin and Lamisil can be used on scaling areas on the scalp, chest, and face or around the ears once or twice a day.

See your dermatologist if these symptoms do not improve and your Dermatologist maybe able to prescribe a stronger medicated shampoo, topical steroid or antifungal.

All products should be used as directed on the product container. Any product that causes irritation should be discontinued. The information provided at DermatologistRx is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist or your physician.

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