Seborrheic Dermatitis is a very common skin disease that causes a red scaly rash. The rash can be greasy and swollen, can have white or yellow crusty areas, and may be itchy.
Seborrheic dermatitis in babies
Many infants get a form of seborrheic dermatitis called cradle cap (see a sample photo of cradle cap HERE). It develops in babies, with scaly, greasy patches forming on the baby’s scalp. The patches can become thick and crusty, but they are harmless. Cradle cap usually dissipates on its own within a few months. It is also possible for babies to have seborrheic dermatitis in their diaper area and elsewhere. In the diaper area, the red rash often is mistaken for diaper rash. Some babies get seborrheic dermatitis that covers much of the body with red, scaly patches.
No matter where the seborrheic dermatitis forms, it tends to permanently disappear between 6 months and 1 year of age.
Seborrheic dermatitis in adults
Seborrheic dermatitis (see a sample photo of seborrheic dermatitis HERE) in adults is different, in that the condition can come and go for the rest of a person’s life. When the weather changes and conditions are cold or dry, flareups are common. Stress also can trigger a flareup. This condition may appear on the scalp, face, head or other parts of the body.
Treatment can greatly reduce flareups and can often remove the appearance of the telltale rash. Depending on the case, our office uses various types of topical medications as well as various ways to treat the inflamed rash. There are other types of skin conditions that look similar to seborrheic dermatitis, and we encourage you to visit our office and have a practitioner diagnose and treat you effectively.