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 What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a noncontagious inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Most common in infants younger than three months and among adults ages 30 and older, seborrheic dermatitis is slightly more common in men than in women. Symptoms include red, itchy, inflamed skin covered by scales that may appear white, yellowish or gray. When skin starts reproducing itself faster than normal, the extra skin cells build up and flakes (dandruff) appear. This condition often appears on the scalp, near the nose and eyebrows, and around the ears, breastbone, groin and armpits.
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How to Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis
Although there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis (and you can’t prevent it), the symptoms can be kept under control. Treatment depends on the severity and location of the condition. Using medicated, antidandruff shampoos can help control the skin build-up and flaking in mild cases. Mild-to-severe cases can be treated with medicated shampoos containing steroids. Lotions containing steroids are also used for the face and other body parts.
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Seborrheic Dermatitis Triggers
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unclear. A common species of yeast normally found in healthy hair follicles has been proposed as one possible cause. A high-fat diet and alcohol ingestion are also thought to play some role. Other possible triggers include stress, fatigue, extreme weather, oily skin, obesity, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and other disorders.
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What to Expect
The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as itching and scaliness, reduce gradually under treatment. Your dermatologist may tell you to use a medicated lotion or shampoo every other day until you get relief, and then twice weekly to control the symptoms. See your dermatologist if you think you may have seborrheic dermatitis — only a doctor can make a complete diagnosis.
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The Galderma website is not intended to promote the use of Galderma products or to provide information on which to base medical treatment. Please consult a dermatologist or other healthcare professional for more information about your condition and the product that is right for you.
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