Seborrheic Dermatitis: problems and solutions

One of the most common conditions affecting the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. It is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder closely related to dandruff and shares many of the same underlying mechanisms.

According to MedlinePlus, published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that causes white to yellowish scales to develop on oily areas of the body, particularly the scalp, face, eyebrows, and inside the ears.

Although its exact cause has not yet been fully established, current evidence suggests that several factors contribute to its development.

One of the main contributors appears to be an overgrowth of Malassezia, a naturally occurring yeast that lives on the skin, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous (oil) glands. Changes in the skin barrier and alterations in the immune response may also play an important role.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis may present with one or more of the following symptoms:

• White or yellowish scales on the scalp or face
• Flaking or dandruff
• Oily or greasy patches of skin
• Redness and mild inflammation
• Itching (pruritus)
• Large patches of scaling skin

Diagnosis is usually straightforward and is based on the appearance and distribution of the skin lesions. In most cases, additional investigations such as a scalp biopsy are not necessary.

Treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis can usually be controlled effectively with medicated shampoos.

Many anti-dandruff shampoos are available over the counter, while others require a prescription depending on the severity of the condition. Pharmacists and physicians can recommend the most appropriate product for each individual.

At Instituto Médico del Prado, Dr. Espinosa Custodio frequently recommends ketoconazole shampoo, which has antifungal properties and is widely used in the management of seborrheic dermatitis.

Although treatment effectively controls symptoms, seborrheic dermatitis is generally considered a chronic condition, meaning that symptoms may recur if treatment is discontinued.

Seborrheic dermatitis and hair transplantation

Having seborrheic dermatitis does not usually prevent patients from undergoing a hair transplant.

If the condition is active before surgery, Dr. Espinosa Custodio will prescribe an appropriate preoperative treatment—typically including a medicated shampoo—to reduce inflammation and ensure the scalp is in optimal condition before the procedure.

Proper management of seborrheic dermatitis helps create the best possible environment for hair transplantation and postoperative healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will seborrheic dermatitis return if I stop using medicated shampoo?

In many cases, yes. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that tends to recur once treatment is discontinued. Regular use of the prescribed shampoo usually keeps symptoms under good control.

Where can seborrheic dermatitis occur?

Although it most commonly affects the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis may also develop on the beard, eyebrows, around the nose, inside the ears, and other oily areas of the face and upper body.

Are there factors that increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, several factors may contribute to flare-ups, including stress, fatigue, extreme weather conditions, oily skin, acne, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, certain neurological disorders, and conditions that affect the immune system.

Dr. Espinosa Custodio works at Instituto Médico del Prado, his hair clinic in Madrid, and performs hair transplants in Mexico, twice a year. If you would like to make an appointment, you can contact us on +34 912 468 664, on WhatsApp +34 627 396 322 or on the contact page of our website. From Mexico you can contact us at +52 55 4590 9909.