PATIENT INFORMATION SHEETS 2012 Seborrheic dermatitis

Face and scalp lesions get worse in the Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin autumn and winter. condition that affects oily areas of the body. It is not contagious and concerns Fold lesions get worse in the summer. people with some predisposition. SD Alcoholic, very greasy cosmetics. usually lasts for years and follows a waxing and waning course (seasonal Alcoholic beverages. outbreaks). Spicy foods. How is it treated? What areas are affected? While there is no cure for seborrheic SD presents with scaly, flaky, itchy, red dermatitis, its lesions can be controlled. Your patches in certain areas of the body. doctor will indicate the best treatment for you according to the location of your lesions Most affected areas are: and your age. In children: Children: • Scalp skin (cradle cap in breastfed babies). • Scalp skin: use liquid paraffin or olive oil, • Ears. then thoroughly comb over the scab. • Skin folds: neck, armpits, belly button and, • Other locations: use very mild topical particularly, the diaper area. corticosteroid creams or topical antifungals. In adults: Adults: • Scalp skin. • Scalp skin: use antifungal shampoos 2-3 times a week or shampoos • Face: both sides of the nose, nasolabial which contain coal tar (it is dirty folds, eyebrows and eyelids (red rim with and smelly), zinc pyrithione, flakes in between the lashes). ictyol or selenium sulfide. • Central area of the chest and the back. • Face and other body parts: antifungal and/or keratolytic • Body folds: armpits, under the breasts or agents. In case of severe on the groin. outbreak, use a mild corticosteroid ointment What’s good for seborrheic dermatitis? for just a few days. • The sun. In order to prevent new • Water and soap —in mild cases. outbreaks, avoid triggers • Detergent-free skin cleansers with a and take good care of your neutral or acid pH. healthy skin every day by using ointments containing What’s bad for seborrheic dermatitis? cyclopyroxolamine, Emotional stress and tension, worry. pyroctolamine, ictyol, juniper or keluamide.

Authors: Mª. Teresa Peñarrubia, Alicia Valer, E. Puig de la Bellacasa and A. Valero; Dermathology Group Scientific revision: Sandra Pons; Dermathology Group, and Roger Badia; Communications Committee Translation and Proofreading: Anna Salvador Editorial Committee: Lurdes Alonso; Communications Committee Illustrations: Elvira Zarza For more information sheets, see our website: www.camfic.cat 24