Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Question 1

Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults is a chronic dermatitis thought to be caused by

Answer 1

inflammatory reaction related to a proliferation of a normal skin inhabitant, a fungus called Malassezia furfur

Question 2

Seborrhoeic dermatitis features ?

Answer 2

eczematous lesions on the sebum-rich areas: scalp (may cause dandruff),
periorbital,
auricular and nasolabial folds

otitis externa and blepharitis may develop

Question 3

Associated conditions include

Answer 3

HIV
Parkinson’s disease

Question 4

Scalp disease management

Answer 4

ketoconazole 2% shampoo

over the counter preparations containing zinc pyrithione (‘Head & Shoulders’) and tar (‘Neutrogena T/Gel’) may be used if ketoconazole is not appropriate or acceptable to the person

selenium sulphide and topical corticosteroid may also be useful

Question 5

Face and body management

Answer 5

topical antifungals: e.g. ketoconazole
topical steroids: best used for short periods
difficult to treat - recurrences are common