Seborrhea or seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overproduction of sebum (skin oil) and often associated with the overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. It leads to:
-
Redness
-
Itchy, flaky skin
-
Greasy or dry white/yellow scales
It commonly affects oily areas of the body, such as:
-
Scalp (can appear as dandruff)
-
Face (especially sides of the nose, eyebrows)
-
Behind the ears
-
Chest, upper back
📚 Word Origin
-
From Greek:
-
“sebo” = fat or oil
-
“rrhea” = flow or discharge
-
-
Meaning: “Flow of oil” — excessive sebum production.
🧬 Causes and Risk Factors
-
Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands
-
Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast
-
Hormonal changes, especially increased androgens
-
Stress and fatigue
-
Genetics
-
Weakened immune system
-
Cold, dry weather
-
Poor hygiene or harsh hair/skin products
-
Neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s)
🧫 Types of Seborrhea
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Oily Seborrhea | Greasy, shiny skin with thick yellowish scales |
| Dry Seborrhea | Flaky, dry scales (often confused with dandruff) |
| Seborrheic Dermatitis | Inflammation with red, itchy patches and scaling |
| Infantile Seborrhea (Cradle Cap) | Seen in infants as crusty patches on the scalp |
💊 Treatment Options
🟢 For Mild Cases:
-
Medicated shampoos (for scalp):
-
Containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, or coal tar
-
-
Topical antifungal creams (for face/body):
-
Ketoconazole, ciclopirox
-
-
Anti-inflammatory creams:
-
Hydrocortisone (short-term use)
-
🔴 For Moderate to Severe Cases:
-
Oral antifungals (under doctor supervision)
-
Calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
-
Phototherapy (UV light therapy)
⚠️ Important: Long-term use of steroids should be avoided without medical advice due to side effects.
🧼 Prevention Tips
-
Wash affected areas regularly with gentle cleansers
-
Avoid oily, greasy skin products
-
Reduce stress (yoga, sleep, regular exercise)
-
Maintain a balanced diet (low in sugar and processed foods)
-
Keep skin moisturized, especially in dry weather
-
Change pillowcases and hats frequently
👶 In Infants (Cradle Cap)
Seborrhea in infants usually appears as yellow, crusty patches on the scalp. It is not dangerous and typically clears up on its own. Gentle shampooing and applying baby oil can help loosen the scales.