Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that usually affects the scalp and face. Common symptoms include dry, flaky patches, discolored skin, and itching. Seborrheic dermatitis can be mild, showing up as dandruff on the scalp, or moderate to severe, with dryness and flaking affecting more parts of the body, like the chest and back.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects about 5 percent of people worldwide. Flare-ups may be triggered by environmental factors such as stress and cold weather. In babies, symptoms usually go away within the first year of life, but adults may need treatment to manage seborrheic dermatitis.

Here’s more information about what seborrheic dermatitis may look and feel like.

Skin Areas Affected by Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms develop in areas with sebaceous glands, or oil glands. Sebaceous glands are found throughout the body, except the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These glands produce sebum, a natural oil that helps keep skin moisturized and protected.

The face and scalp are often more oily because they have more sebaceous glands. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to develop on these areas:

• Behind and inside ears
• Scalp
• Eyebrows
• Eyelids
• Nose and nasolabial folds (known as smile lines or laugh lines)
• Chest
• Skin folds
• Under the breasts

About 88 percent of seborrheic dermatitis cases affect the face, 70 percent affect the scalp, and 27 percent affect the chest. Symptoms tend to be symmetrical, meaning they involve both sides of the face.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Adolescents and Adults

Seborrheic dermatitis affects about 10 percent of teenagers and 5 percent of adults. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Dandruff
• Flaking or itchy skin
• Yellow, greasy scales or crusts on the skin
• Discolored plaques (areas of thick skin)
• Rashes in creases and skin folds

Blepharitis is another condition that commonly occurs with seborrheic dermatitis. Studies show that 33 percent to 46 percent of people with blepharitis also have seborrheic dermatitis. Although the exact cause is unknown, researchers believe blepharitis results from bacterial growth or a buildup of oils on the eyelid. Along with inflammation and scaly patches, dandruff can appear along the eyelashes.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Darker Skin Tones

In people with darker skin, areas affected by seborrheic dermatitis may look lighter than the surrounding skin. The underlying inflammation may be less noticeable. Petaloid seborrheic dermatitis (which appears as pink or light-colored rings) is also more common in people with dark skin. This condition develops on the face, especially along the hairline.

Discoloration — either lighter or darker than the surrounding skin — may also occur in people with darker skin.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms in Infants

Seborrheic dermatitis in infants may develop from a buildup of sebum or yeast growth. Known as cradle cap, this condition affects around 70 percent of babies. It’s most common during the first three months of life. Unlike seborrheic dermatitis in teenagers and adults, cradle cap usually goes away on its own.

Symptoms of cradle cap in infants with lighter skin tones include:

• Dry or oily skin with yellow scales or dandruff
• Thick crusts or scaling on the scalp
• Redness or discoloration of the skin

In infants with darker skin tones, cradle cap symptoms include:

• Reddish, pinkish, or lighter patches of skin
• Flaky skin
• Scaly patches on the eyebrows and around the nose

Cradle cap may also lead to rashes in skin folds, especially at the back of the neck and in the groin area. The symptoms might first be mistaken for a diaper rash. Rashes that form on the scalp, ears, and face may be irritating.

If your baby’s skin doesn’t clear up with lotions, creams, or medicated shampoos, they may have another skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis. Consult your pediatrician or a dermatology provider to discuss a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Getting a Professional Opinion

Only a knowledgeable healthcare provider can diagnose seborrheic dermatitis or other skin conditions. If you feel like your symptoms are more than just a little dandruff, it’s time to seek the help of a healthcare professional. A dermatologist can examine the affected areas more closely and run tests to figure out what’s causing the issue. Then, they can prescribe safe and effective treatment to improve how you look and feel.

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On MySebDermTeam, people share their experiences with seborrheic dermatitis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

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