What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (long-term) type of eczema that causes itchy, flaky patches and greasy scales on the skin. It typically affects areas with lots of oil glands, especially the scalp and face.
The condition affects about 3-10% of people worldwide and is more common in men Show Full Answer
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic (long-term) type of eczema that causes itchy, flaky patches and greasy scales on the skin. It typically affects areas with lots of oil glands, especially the scalp and face.
The condition affects about 3-10% of people worldwide and is more common in men than women. It usually appears in infants, adolescents, and adults between ages 30-60.
Common symptoms include:
- Dandruff on the scalp, facial hair, or eyebrows
- Yellow, greasy scales or crusts
- Itchy, flaky skin
- Discolored patches (may look red/pink on lighter skin or darker/purplish on darker skin)
- Scaly patches in skin folds
Where it appears:
Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly affects the scalp, face (especially around the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and ears), chest, and skin folds.
Important to know:
It's not caused by poor hygiene and it's not contagious. While there's no cure yet, symptoms can be managed well with proper treatment. The condition tends to come and go in flare-ups over time, but it doesn't cause permanent hair loss.
November 23, 2025
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