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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image showing seborrheic dermatitis on the face Seborrheic dermatitis on the face

Seborrheic (seb-o-REE-ik ) dermatitis is a common skin disorder that mainly affects the scalp, causing scaly, itchy, red skin and stubborn dandruff. For infants, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is known as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect the face, upper chest, back and other oily areas of the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis isn't harmful, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly. You may be able to treat seborrheic dermatitis yourself by recognizing its signs and symptoms and by using a combination of self-care steps and over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications.

Symptoms
References
  1. Weston WL, et al. Overview of dermatitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 17, 2009.
  2. Seborrheic dermatitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch114/ch114h.html. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  3. Plewig G, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2951940. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  4. Naldi L, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2009;360:387.
  5. Berger TG. Dermatologic disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2009. 48th ed. Los Altos, Calif.: Lange Medical Publications; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=747. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  6. McCall CO, et al. Eczema, psoriasis, cutaneous infections, acne, and other common skin disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2864389. Accessed April 20, 2009.
  7. Pimecrolimus cream. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/patient/ElidelPIS.pdf. Accessed April 23, 2009.

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June 16, 2009

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