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Real members of MySebDermTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Diagnosis when only having small flesh toned flakes on facial skin?

A MySebDermTeam Member asked a question 💭

This winter I had dry flakes all over my forehead and even smaller ones on the sides of my face. Some flakes were in my eyebrows but I didn’t have red spots or itchiness. I typically have a dry scalp with a little bit of flakes in my hair during the winter but this winter the flakes were in my bangs with all the static. The dermatologist gave me my diagnosis with this information along with my statement that using ketoconazole on my face once with a little bit of improvement in the flakes. Our… read more

March 5
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MySebDermTeam

Can seborrheic dermatitis be diagnosed with only flesh-toned flakes on facial skin without redness or itching?

Yes, it's possible to have seborrheic dermatitis without all the typical symptoms. Not everyone experiences the condition the same way.

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms vary significantly from person to person Show Full Answer

Can seborrheic dermatitis be diagnosed with only flesh-toned flakes on facial skin without redness or itching?

Yes, it's possible to have seborrheic dermatitis without all the typical symptoms. Not everyone experiences the condition the same way.

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms vary significantly from person to person. Some MySebDermTeam members report "furious itching" without any dandruff or flaking, while others have different combinations of symptoms. The flaking you described on your forehead, sides of your face, and eyebrows are common locations for seborrheic dermatitis.

Your positive response to ketoconazole is actually a helpful clue. This antifungal medication targets the Malassezia yeast that plays a role in seborrheic dermatitis, so improvement with this treatment supports your diagnosis.

The fact that your symptoms appeared on oily areas of the face (forehead, eyebrows, sides of face) and scalp is also consistent with seborrheic dermatitis, which develops where sebaceous glands are most active.

However, distinguishing between seborrheic dermatitis and simple dry scalp can be challenging, especially when symptoms are mild. Cold, dry weather can trigger or worsen both conditions.

If you're uncertain about your diagnosis, consider tracking your symptoms over time and noting what helps or worsens them. Taking photos can help you and your dermatologist see patterns. You might also benefit from a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns about the diagnosis.

March 5

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