What is Seborrhoeic (Seborrheic) Dermatitis?

‘Dermatitis’ is a red, itchy, flaky (inflamed) skin complaint; ‘seborrhoeic’ means that the rash affects greasy (sebaceous) skin zones such as the face, scalp and centre of the chest.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (seborrheic dermatitis, SD) is very common and many people don’t even know they have it. Overall it has been reported to affect about 4% of the population and dandruff (which is mild seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp) can affect almost half of all adults. 

What causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

What triggers seborrheic dermatitis? It is thought that seborrhoeic dermatitis is triggered by an overgrowth of a harmless yeast called Malassezia that lives on the skin, or an overreaction by the skin’s immune system to this yeast. Tiredness and stress can sometimes trigger a flare of seborrhoeic dermatitis. It's more common in cold than in warm weather and it's not related to diet.

What does Seborrheic Dermatitis look like?

 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs on the more oily areas or where there is a certain amount of hair, such as the scalp, forehead, eyebrows, eyelash line, nasolabial folds, beard and postauricular skin. It may also be present on the skin under the chin.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is characterised by intermittent periods of remission followed by periods of exacerbation, when patients experience the burning, scaling and itching symptoms associated with the condition. Flare-ups tend to be more common in winter and early spring, with periods of remission usually occurring in summer.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis may affect people of all races and ethnic groups and is slightly more prevalent in men than in women.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis usually occurs with puberty. It peaks at around age 40 and is less severe but present among older people. In infants, it occurs as cradle cap or less frequently as a flexural eruption or erythroderma.

 

View further information about Seborrheic Dermatitis on the AAD website.

How to treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Is seborrheic dermatitis curable? What is the best way to cure seborrheic dermatitis? There is no permanent cure but it can be managed with seborrheic dermatitis treatments that reduce the level of skin yeast, flaking, redness and irritation – these include creams, cleansers and shampoo which can be used safely on a long-term basis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Scalp Treatments

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Shampoo - For mild flaking use anti-dandruff shampoos or SESDERMA SESKAVEL Dandruff Control Shampoo regularly.

For thicker scales they can be removed with descaling shampoos containing Glycolic acid, we highly recommend SESDERMA - SESKAVEL Glycolic Shampoo.

Use shampoos to regulate sebum secretion and micro-organism growth. Regular use of shampoos such as SESDERMA - SEBOVALIS Treatment Shampoo or Sebclair Shampoo will improve erythema, scaling and pruritus.

SESDERMA - SEBOVALIS Hair Solution is a treatment lotion, ideal for dry and flaking scalps, and the best shampoo for eczema.

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Face

Salicylic acid (BHA) is a chemical exfoliator that dissolves the bonds between skin cells to help remove old tissue. For seborrheic dermatitis sufferers, exfoliation is critical to help remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid also has a calming, anti-inflammatory effect on the skin to help reduce redness.

View our salicylic acid cleansers & moisturisers.

BHAs are not for everyone especially very sensitive and they can also be drying. Polyhydroxi Acid also offers the same benefits as BHAs but also strengthens the skin barrier and has added moisturising effects.

 

Neostrata Restore PHA Range - Provides moisture, antioxidant benefits and exfoliation 

NeoStrata Facial cleanser

Moisturisers for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

NeoStrata Facial Ultra Moisturising Cream

NeoStrata Bio Hydrating Cream 

NeoStrata Bionic Face Cream (for severely dry skin) 

NeoStrata Bionic Face Lotion (prefer lotion rather than a cream) 

NeoStrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF23 (with SPF)

 

Facial Treatments for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (Best face wash for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Best cream for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis)

Along with gentle skin care and a well-formulated BHA or PHA exfoliant, you can consider a topical treatment called Sebclair. Sebclair® is a non-steroidal range of clinically proven products specifically designed to manage the signs and symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD), which has demonstrated both anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Sebclair® helps manage and relieve the itching, burning, scaling and pain experienced with seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Apply Sebclair after cleansing then follow with a daytime moisturiser with SPF in the morning. At night cleanse, apply Sebclair and follow with a moisturiser.

Another Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment product is SESDERMA - SEBOVALIS Facial Cream  or SEBOVALIS Facial Gel

Keeps Seborrheic Dermatitis under control, regulates sebum secretion and microorganism growth and improves erythema, scaling and pruritus. 

 

Make-up for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis sufferers

Oxygenetix foundation is the most breathable makeup, making it ideal for Rosacea, Psoriasis and Eczema skin types at covering redness and calming the skin.

 

Read our other popular skincare guides written by Dermacare's aesthetics experts.