dermatologic disorders
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Symptoms and Signs of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis develop gradually, and the dermatitis is usually apparent only as dry flakes or greasy diffuse scaling of the scalp (dandruff) with variable pruritus. In severe disease, yellow-red scaling papules appear along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, in the nasolabial folds, and over the sternum. Marginal blepharitis with dry yellow crusts and conjunctival irritation may develop. Seborrheic dermatitis does not cause hair loss. Newborns may develop seborrheic dermatitis with a thick, yellow, crusted scalp lesion (cradle cap); fissuring and yellow scaling behind the ears; red facial papules; and stubborn diaper rash. Older children and adults may develop thick, tenacious, scaly plaques on the scalp that may measure 1 to 2 cm in diameter. This photo shows seborrheic dermatitis involving the eyebrows, bridge of the nose, and nasolabial folds. Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. This image shows an erythematous scaly lesion of seborrheic dermatitis in the retroauricular area. © Springer Science+Business Media This photo shows cradle cap with thick, yellow, crusted scalp lesions and diffuse erythema. Biophoto Associates/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY 