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Seborrheic dermatitis affects about 11 percent of people — maybe even more because this common skin condition often goes undiagnosed. Although the characteristic flaky, greasy patches can be distressing and uncomfortable no matter where they occur, seborrheic dermatitis on the face may pose unique challenges.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ways seborrheic dermatitis may affect the face and how to manage this condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis may resemble other conditions, like dandruff, so it’s important to get a diagnosis from a dermatologist to help guide your treatment plan. Although specific symptoms vary among people, the condition does have some distinct qualities in terms of where it appears and how it looks and feels.
Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on any oily location of the body — usually, the face, back, chest, groin, or scalp. On or near the face, it commonly appears on the forehead or sides of the nose, under a beard or the eyebrows, around the ears, or on the eyelids (blepharitis).
Seborrheic dermatitis on the face typically causes greasy, scaly patches and inflamed skin. On skin of color, affected areas may also gain or lose pigmentation, appearing darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. On lighter skin, rashes may look red and swollen. Seborrheic dermatitis on the face may resemble other conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (the most common subtype of eczema), or rosacea.
Seborrheic dermatitis patches may range in size from a single small area to larger, more widespread regions. In people of color, it often shows up as multiple ring-shaped lesions called petaloid seborrheic dermatitis.
People with seborrheic dermatitis may have greasy or oily skin, sometimes with a fine, flaky rash that resembles dandruff. This flaking can be particularly noticeable in areas with hair, such as the eyebrows or beard.
How seborrheic dermatitis feels on the face can vary from person to person. For many people, a seborrheic dermatitis rash may itch or burn. Others may also feel a sensation of tightness or discomfort in affected areas.
If you’re so uncomfortable that you’re losing sleep or getting distracted from your daily routines, it’s important to talk with your doctor about adapting your treatment plan.
Managing seborrheic dermatitis on the face requires an individualized approach that may take a while to find. “You have to be constantly careful of what you put on your face,” one MySebDermTeam member shared. “You’re never sure what will react badly with it and make your face red or dry it out and give you skin flakes. It’s extremely frustrating.”
For starters, pay attention to factors that worsen or cause your seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, such as stress, harsh weather, new detergents, some illnesses, or certain skin care products. If you can, try to reduce your exposure to these triggers.
Many skin care products and habits can trigger seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. If this condition affects your face, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
When living with seborrheic dermatitis on the face, it’s important to use a mild, fragrance-free facial cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps that can further irritate the skin, and opt for gentle, hypoallergenic products instead. When applying cleansers, use warm water and rinse thoroughly before patting dry.
One MySebDermTeam member said, “Every night, I wash my face with salicylic acid cleanser.” However, what works for one person might not work for you. When in doubt, ask your dermatology provider for their recommendations based on your skin type and specific symptoms.
Keeping your skin hydrated can reduce flakiness from facial seborrheic dermatitis. Look for a noncomedogenic moisturizer (doesn’t clog pores), and apply it right after cleansing your face. “After applying medicated creams, I always finish my routine with a daily moisturizing face cream,” said one MySebDermTeam member.
Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antifungal creams containing active ingredients like ketoconazole or pyrithione zinc can help control seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. “For the last three months, I have washed my face twice a day with dandruff shampoo, then used prescription-strength ketoconazole cream,” one MySebDermTeam member reported. “It works! My face has cleared up substantially — in fact, on most days, my seb derm is completely gone.”
Be sure to follow the instructions on the back of the package. Speak with your pharmacist or dermatologist if you have any questions.
For more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis, a dermatologist may prescribe topical corticosteroids, PDE-4 inhibitors, or calcineurin inhibitors. These medications can be effective but should be used under medical supervision. Using a steroid cream too often or for too long may cause long-term side effects, and not using it as often as prescribed may be ineffective.
If you have any side effects or feel like a prescribed medication isn’t working, speak with your dermatologist about altering your treatment plan.
Stress can make seborrheic dermatitis symptoms worse, so finding ways to manage stress, like practicing meditation or yoga, can be beneficial. Therapy and other forms of psychological support may also be useful, as the skin disease can affect your mental health and vice versa.
Living with seborrheic dermatitis on the face can be challenging, affecting your physical appearance and your social and emotional health. Feeling self-conscious about your skin’s appearance could lead to reduced self-esteem and confidence. If you encounter misconceptions related to your skin condition, that can add to the emotional burden.
In addition, grooming practices can make seborrheic dermatitis on the face particularly tricky to manage. For example, trying to apply makeup evenly over flaking skin and discolored areas can become a daily frustration.
It might be tempting to cover your skin with a heavy coat of foundation or concealer, but these products may make your skin symptoms worse. Makeup can clog pores and trap in dirt and oil, which may trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. If you do use makeup, follow these tips:
Although seborrheic dermatitis is harmless, living with symptoms on your face can have a significant impact on your daily life. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis on the face and find appropriate treatment strategies.
By adopting a tailored approach that includes gentle skin care, OTC and prescription treatments, and lifestyle changes, you can take control of your skin. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Many people with similar challenges have found effective ways to manage their symptoms and regain their confidence while living with seborrheic dermatitis on the face.
On MySebDermTeam, the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones, more than 7,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.
Do you have seborrheic dermatitis symptoms on your face? What strategies have helped you manage them? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
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Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI
is an assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois.
Learn more about him here.
Scarlett Bergam, M.P.H.
is a medical student at George Washington University and a former Fulbright research scholar in Durban, South Africa.
Learn more about her here.
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