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General Medicine

Dermatitis, Seborrheic

Reviewed 06/2020
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Chronic, superficial, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder affecting sebum-rich, hairy regions of the body, especially the scalp, eyebrows, and face. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Incidence

  • Predominant...

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is usually made by history and physical exam. If unclear, a punch biopsy of the skin will confirm the diagnosis. 

HISTORY

  • Intermittent active phases manifest...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Increase frequency of shampooing.

  • Sunlight in moderate doses may be helpful.

  • Cradle cap

    • Frequent shampooing with a mild, nonmedicated shampoo

    • Remove thick scale by applying warm ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Every 2 to 12 weeks depending on the disease severity and the patient’s response to therapy 

PATIENT EDUCATION

http://familydoctor.org/familydocto...

REFERENCES

1
Borda L, Perper M, Keri JE. Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a comprehensive review. J Dermatolog Treat.  2019;30(2):158–169.
2
Okokon EO, Verbeek JH, Ruotsalainen JH, et al. Topical...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Dessinioti C, Katsambas A. Seborrheic dermatitis: etiology, risk factors, and treatments: facts and controversies. Clin Dermatol.  2013;31(4):343–351.

  • Hay RJ. Malassezia, dandru...

CODES

ICD10

  • L21.9 Seborrheic dermatitis, unspecified

  • L21.1 Seborrheic infantile dermatitis

  • L21.0 Seborrhea capitis

  • L21.8 Other seborrheic dermatitis

ICD9

  • 690.10 Seborrheic dermatitis, unspecified

  • 690.12 Sebo...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Search for an underlying systemic disease in a patient who is unresponsive to usual therapy.

  • In adults, seborrheic dermatitis is usually chronic and unpredictable, with exacerbations an...

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Related Images
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Figure 14.33. Seborrheic dermatitis.
Figure 14.33. Seborrheic dermatitis.
Figure 24-11 Seborrheic dermatitis. This severe case is composed of confluent papules and plaques in the oily skin of the chest and axillae. (The face and scalp, not shown, were also involved.)
Figure 24-11 Seborrheic dermatitis. This severe case is composed of confluent papules and plaques in the oily skin of the chest and axillae...
FIGURE 2.61 Intertrigo (intertriginous seborrheic dermatitis). This patient has an itchy erythematous rash in his inguinal creases. This condition is frequently confused with tinea cruris and cutaneous candidiasis.
FIGURE 2.61 Intertrigo (intertriginous seborrheic dermatitis). This patient has an itchy erythematous rash in his inguinal creases. This co...
Seborrheic hyperplasias with umbilication and lobulation
Seborrheic hyperplasias with umbilication and lobulation
Seborrheic hyperplasias with umbilication and lobulation
Seborrheic hyperplasias with umbilication and lobulation
Seborrheic dermatitis: scalp, old man
Seborrheic dermatitis: scalp, old man
Seborrheic dermatitis. Scale and erythema are evident along the frontal hairline. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Seborrheic dermatitis. Scale and erythema are evident along the frontal hairline. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin ...
Seborrheic dermatitis. This patient has involvement of the retroauricular area. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Disorders: Diagnosis and Management, 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Seborrheic dermatitis. This patient has involvement of the retroauricular area. From Goodheart HP. Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Skin Di...
Seborrheic dermatitis of the face. Scaling "greasy" appearance of brow and malar
Seborrheic dermatitis of the face. Scaling "greasy" appearance of brow and malar
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