Signs & Symptoms of Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Do you have scaly patches along with persistent dandruff? Well, it might be due to seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is a common condition that mainly affects your scalp. It can also affect oily areas like the face, sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids and chest.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis may include:

• Severe itching and redness of the scalp, causing a burning sensation
• Extreme white or yellow chalky flakes on the scalp which fall on your shoulders
• Associated hair loss
• Skin flakes (dandruff) on your beard, eyebrows, hair, mustache or scalp
• Quickening of the onset of pattern hair loss/baldness
• Sticky and greasy appearance of the hair and scalp

Causes of seborrhoeic dermatitis

Different factors might play a role in increasing the risk of developing seborrhoeic dermatitis such as:

• Overgrowth of Malassezia Yeast

One of the key seborrheic dermatitis causes includes a yeast named Malassezia. This fungal organism generally lives on the skin. But seborrhoeic dermatitis patients show an irregular, inflammatory response to its presence. The abnormal growth of Malassezia may cause the skin cells to secrete more sebum (oil) than normal. The increased production of oil can be a reason for seborrheic dermatitis.

• Gender and Age

Gender and age might make you more susceptible to seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is commonly seen in infants and in adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years. (Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology) When it comes to adolescents and adults, the condition is more commonly seen in men. (Source: Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology)

• Family History

11 gene mutations or protein deficiencies appear to be more common in individuals with seborrhoeic dermatitis. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology) Most of these genes and proteins play a role in determining the functioning of the immune system or how the cells in the outer layer of the skin mature.

Apart from these factors, different lifestyle and environmental factors can also be seborrheic dermatitis reasons. These factors include:

• Living in a cold, dry climate
• Sleep deprivation
• Excessive stress

When to see a doctor?

See your doctor if:

• You're losing sleep or can’t focuson your daily routines
• Your condition is causing embarrassment and anxiety
• Your skin is infected
• You've tried self-care steps without success