Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Question 1

What is Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 1

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes a red, flaky, itchy rash in areas with lots of oil glands, like the scalp, face, and chest - usually related to a yeast

Question 2

What causes Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 2

Aetiology: Potential causes include
* excess oil production,
* abnormal response to the yeast strain Malassezia,
* depression of normal T cell function and
* overall immune issues

Risk factors include
* stress and fatigue,
* nervous system disorders,
* immune system disorders and
* mental health conditions

Question 3

What is the pathophysiology of Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 3

Pathophysiology – - Malassezia may cause release of inflammatory free fatty acids and can activate the alternate complement pathway (promoting phagocytic attack of pathogens)

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 4

Signs and symptoms:
* Pruritis** (itching)**
* A lot of** flaking skin **on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, moustache or beard
* Patches of greasy skin covered with flaky
white/yellow scales/crust on the scalp,
face, chest, armpits, groin area or under
the breasts
* Darker or lighter rash that in people with
brown or black skin and redder in those
with white skin

Question 5

What is diagnosis and conventional treatment for Seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer 5

Diagnosis and
conventional treatment:
* Case history
* Potential skin biopsy to exclude other conditions
* Topical antifungals and antiinflammatories