16th July 2026

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Clinical features

Seborrheic dermatitis is a self-limiting, chronic and relapsing skin condition. It has a biphasic model, which affects infants and peaks in adults. It mainly affects areas with rich sebaceous glands, such as the face (eyebrow, eyelid, cheeks), scalp and trunk. It can affect the eyelid, causing blepharitis or scaly patches or scales on the scalp. The lesion has a defined margin, dull red or yellowish, covered with greasy scale. In adults, Malassezia furfur growth plays a role in the pathogenesis of seborrhoeic dermatitis.  There are a few conditions known to be associated with severe seborrhoeic, such as HIV and Parkinson’s disease.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually associated with flares during the winter months and improves during the summer. Itchiness is not a common feature. Salmon pink scaly rash can be seen on the facial folds. On the scalp, the presentation ranges from mild dandruff to scaling of the scalp. 

Investigations

• Usually, a clinical diagnosis
• Consider investigations for associated conditions, such as HIV in refractory cases 

Management 

• Scalp: first line: Shampoo with zinc pyrithionine, tar shampoos, ketoconazole shampoos
• Other parts of the body: Topical antifungal such as ketoconazole 2% cream for facial involvement, Ketoconazole 2% bodywash can be used on trunk involvement 
• Mild topical corticosteroid can be considered if there is active inflammation