What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on February 28, 2025
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Seborrheic dermatitis refers to a type of inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum secretion is abundant, including the face, chest, and back. These areas tend to be oilier and are prone to developing erythema and greasy scales. If the seborrheic dermatitis is of the dry type, it may also be accompanied by symptoms of peeling skin. The condition commonly affects individuals with hyperactive sebaceous glands, typically those with oily skin. Some people have combination skin that is also prone to oiliness, making them susceptible to seborheic dermatitis, often due to improper skin care. Dietary habits, frequent late nights, and consuming overly spicy or greasy foods can also lead to the development of seborrheic dermatitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the head and trunk. The exact causes of the disease are still not completely clear, but it is mainly believed to be related to increased sebum secretion or changes in its chemical composition, and associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia species. Additionally, factors such as mental stress, diet, alcohol consumption, and vitamin B group deficiency can also affect the occurrence and development of this disease to varying extents. Thus, the condition is chronic and can recur repeatedly. Although seborrheic dermatitis can be clinically cured, it is prone to recurrence. Hence, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure adequate sleep, limit the intake of polysaccharides and fats, consume more vegetables and fruits, abstain from alcohol and spicy irritant foods, and avoid various mechanical irritations. Using less hot water and strong alkaline soaps for bathing can help reduce the recurrence of seborheic dermatitis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excess sebum secretion. It can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching and typically occurs in areas with abundant sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, chest, and back. The treatment generally includes three aspects: The first aspect involves advising patients to maintain a regular lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid various mechanical stimuli, use less hot water and soap with high alkalinity for bathing, and pay attention to their diet by limiting and reducing the intake of polysaccharides and fats, alcohol, and spicy and irritating foods, while consuming more fruits and vegetables. The second aspect is the treatment with topical medications. Commonly used medications include mixed preparations containing corticosteroids and antifungal drugs, such as compound miconazole and compound econazole. If the effect is unsatisfactory, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus can be used. If there is exudation or erosion, zinc oxide ointment or erythromycin ointment can be chosen. For scalp lesions, shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can be used. The third aspect is the treatment with oral medications, which generally includes supplementation with B vitamins such as vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and compound vitamin B, or zinc-containing preparations. For severe itching, antihistamines can be taken orally. In cases of fungal infection or widespread lesions, oral itraconazole can be administered, and for bacterial infections, tetracycline or erythromycin can be prescribed.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

For seborrheic dermatitis, topical application of some corticosteroid medications like desonide ointment or hydrocortisone butyrate cream can be utilized. However, it is important to avoid prolonged, excessive use on the more delicate facial skin. In cases of oozing or erosion, treatments such as boric acid solution or saline can be used for wet compresses. Additionally, for seborrheic dermatitis, one may also choose calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream. If severe itching occurs with seborrheic dermatitis, symptomatic itch relief should be provided, primarily through oral antihistamines such as desloratadine dispersible tablets or cetirizine hydrochloride tablets. Treatment can also include traditional Chinese medicine based on differential diagnosis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng
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Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy?

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as seborrheic eczema, is a chronic papular scaly superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas with excessive sebum secretion. It is common in adults and newborns, often occurring in sebaceous gland-rich areas such as the head, face, and trunk. The causes of the disease may be related to increased sebaceous gland secretion or changes in the chemical composition of the sebum. It is also associated with colonization and infection by Malassezia yeast. Factors such as stress, diet, deficiency in B vitamins, and alcohol consumption can also affect the occurrence and development of this disease to varying degrees. The characteristic rash starts as follicular papules, which gradually enlarge and merge into dark red or yellow-red patches, covered with greasy scales or crusts. Exudation, crusting, and erosion may occur, presenting eczema-like symptoms, and can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching.

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What should pregnant women do about seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papular and squamous superficial inflammatory skin disease that occurs in areas where sebum is secreted, and it can be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. Pregnant women diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis are generally treated primarily with topical medications. It is advisable to choose mild, safe ointments with low irritability for external application. Safe antibiotic ointments, traditional Chinese medicine ointments, or ointments primarily for moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier can be used. Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor. Additionally, pregnant women should be informed to maintain a regular lifestyle, get enough sleep, limit diets high in polysaccharides and fats, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, avoid various forms of mechanical irritation, and use less hot water and strongly alkaline soaps for bathing.