Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and usually mild inflammatory skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and torso. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis presents with scaly, flaky, itchy, and red skin. It particularly affects the sebaceous gland-rich areas of skin. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap and usually resolves in the first year of life. In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling similar to dandruff or as mild to moderate redness of the mid face. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur more commonly in hospitalized patients, those in nursing homes and those with nervous system or immune system diseases.
Mineral oil or gentle shampooing with a mild product can be helpful for children with cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis in adults is treated with a topical antifungal or steroid cream, in addition to a medicated shampoo.