Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic skin disease that mainly affects the scalp and the face. While yellow-white dandruff is often seen on the scalp, the condition especially affects the eyebrows, nose and the periphery of the nose in the form of yellow, oily, dandruff-like crusting on a base of erythema. It can also be observed at the inner and posterior parts of the ear and also between the breasts and in the axilla in severe cases.
Seborrheic dermatitis does not cause any problems other than cosmetic changes. However, it disrupts the quality of life as it is a chronic and recurrent disease and affects the outer appearance of the person. It often becomes active when the person is stressed and tired and tends to be more severe in winter months.
The condition is thought to develop due to the structural factors and an excessive increase of a fungus called Malassezia that normally lives harmlessly on our skin. The diagnosis is easy but the condition can sometimes be confused with fungal diseases. In this case, the diagnosis is finalized with a fungus search. Various topical and systemic treatments and appropriate dermocosmetic products developed for seborrheic dermatitis patients are preferred in the treatment.