Seborrheic Dermatitis
dermatitis /der·ma·ti·tis/ (der″mah-ti´tis) pl. dermati´tides inflammation of the skin.
seborrheic dermatitis,
seborrheic dermatitis (se·b
·rēˑ·ik der·m·tīˑ·tis),
dermatitis (durm
tī´tis),
seborrheic dermatitis
Definition
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by scaly lesions usually on the scalp, hairline, and face.
Description
Seborrheic dermatitis appears as red, inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales that may be white, yellowish, or gray. It can effect the scalp, eyebrows, forehead, face, folds around the nose and ears, the chest, armpits (axilla), and groin. Dandruff and cradle cap are mild forms of seborrheic dermatitis, and appear as fine white scales without inflammation.
Causes and symptoms
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unclear, though it is has been linked to genetic or environmental factors. Pityrosporum ovale, a species of yeast normally found in hair follicles, has been proposed as one possible causative factor. A high fat diet and alcohol ingestion are thought to play some role. Other possible risk factors include:
Mild forms of the disorder may be asymptomatic. Symptoms also disappear and reappear, and vary in intensity over time. When scaling is present, it may be accompanied by itching that can lead to secondary infection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis is based on assessment of symptoms, accompanied by consideration of medical history.
Treatment
Treatment consists of vigorous shampoos with preparations that assist with softening and removing the scaly accumulations. For mild cases, a nonprescription shampoo with selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione may be used. For more severe problems, the doctor may prescribe shampoos containing coal tar or scalp creams containing cortisone. The antiseborrheic shampoo should be left on the scalp for approximately five minutes before rinsing out. Hydrocortisone cream may also be ordered for application to the affected areas on the face and body. Application of the hydrocortisone should be discontinued when the condition clears and restarted with recurrence.
Prognosis
This chronic condition may be characterized by long periods of inactivity. Symptoms in the acute phase can be controlled with appropriate treatment.
Key terms
Acne — A chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands that manifests as blackheads, whiteheads, and/or pustules on the face or trunk.
Psoriasis — A skin disorder of chronic, itchy scaling most commonly at sites of repeated minor trauma (e.g. elbows, knees, and skin folds). It affects up to 2% of the population in Western countries—males and females equally.
Rosacea — A chronic inflammation of the face, with associated scattered round nodules and increased reactivity of the facial capillaries to heat. It is most common in females, aged 30-50 years.
Prevention
The condition cannot be prevented. The severity and frequency of flare-ups may be minimized with frequent shampoos, thorough drying of skin folds after bathing, and wearing of loose, ventilating clothing. Foods that appear to worsen the condition should be avoided.
Resources
Books
Monahan, Frances, and Marianne Neighbors. Medical Surgical Nursing: Foundations for Clinical Practice. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1998.
dermatitis /der·ma·ti·tis/ (der″mah-ti´tis) pl. dermati´tides inflammation of the skin.
actinic dermatitis dermatitis due to exposure to actinic radiation, such as that from the sun, ultraviolet waves, or x- or gamma radiation.
allergic dermatitis
1. atopic d.
allergic contact dermatitis contact dermatitis due to allergic sensitization.
ammonia dermatitis diaper dermatitis attributed to skin irritation, due to the ammonia decomposition products of urine.
atopic dermatitis a chronic inflammatory, pruritic, eczematous skin disorder in individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cutaneous pruritus; often accompanied by allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and asthma.
berlock dermatitis , berloque dermatitis dermatitis of the neck, face, or chest, with patches or streaks, caused by exposure to perfume or other toilet articles containing bergamot oil and then to sunlight.
cercarial dermatitis swimmers' itch.
contact dermatitis acute or chronic dermatitis caused by substances contacting the skin; it may involve allergic or nonallergic mechanisms.
diaper dermatitis diaper rash.
dermatitis exfoliati´va neonato´rum staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
exfoliative dermatitis virtually universal erythema, desquamation, scaling, and itching of the skin, with loss of hair.
dermatitis herpetifor´mis pruritic chronic dermatitis with successive groups of symmetrical, erythematous, papular, vesicular, eczematous, or bullous lesions, usually associated with asymptomatic gluten-sensitive enteropathy.
infectious eczematous dermatitis a pustular eczematoid eruption arising from a primary lesion that is the source of an infectious exudate.
insect dermatitis a transient skin eruption caused by the toxin-containing irritant hairs of insects such as certain moths and their caterpillars.
irritant dermatitis a nonallergic type of contact dermatitis due to exposure to a substance that damages the skin.
livedoid dermatitis local pain, swelling, livedoid changes, and increased temperature; due to temporary or prolonged local ischemia from vasculitis or from accidental arterial obliteration during intragluteal administration of medications.
meadow dermatitis , meadow-grass dermatitis phytophotodermatitis with eruption of vesicles and bullae in streaks or other configurations, caused by exposure to sunlight after contact with meadow grass.
photoallergic contact dermatitis , photocontact dermatitis allergic contact dermatitis caused by the action of sunlight on skin sensitized by contact with substances such as halogenated salicylanilides, sandalwood oil, or hexachlorophene.
phototoxic dermatitis erythema followed by hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas of the skin, due to exposure to agents containing photosensitizing substances, such as coal tar and psoralen-containing perfumes, drugs, or plants, and then to sunlight.
poison ivy dermatitis , poison oak dermatitis, poison sumac dermatitis allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to plants of the genus Rhus, which contain urushiol, a skin-sensitizing agent.
radiation dermatitis radiodermatitis.
rat mite dermatitis that due to a bite of the rat-mite, Ornithonyssus bacoti.
dermatitis re´pens acrodermatitis continua.
schistosome dermatitis swimmer's itch.
seborrheic dermatitis , dermatitis seborrhe´ica chronic pruritic dermatitis with erythema, scaling, and yellow crust on areas such as the scalp, with exfoliation of excessive dandruff.
stasis dermatitis chronic eczematous dermatitis due to venous insufficiency, initially on the inner aspect of the lower leg above the internal malleolus, sometimes spreading over the lower leg, marked by edema, pigmentation, and often ulceration.
swimmers' dermatitis see under itch.
uncinarial dermatitis ground itch.
x-ray dermatitis radiodermatitis.
| seborrheic dermatitis n. A chronic form of dermatitis characterized by oily scales, crusty yellow patches, and itching, and occurring primarily on the scalp and face. Also called dyssebacia, pityriasis alba, seborrheic dermatosis. |
seborrheic dermatitis,
a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by greasy scales and yellowish crusts. Common sites are the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, face, external surfaces of the ears, axillae, central chest, breasts, groin, and gluteal folds. In some people seborrheic dermatitis is associated with paralysis agitans, diabetes mellitus, malabsorption disorders, epilepsy, or an allergic reaction to gold or arsenic. Treatment includes selenium sulfide shampoos, topical and oral corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, proper therapy for any underlying systemic disorder, and avoidance of sweating and external irritants. Kinds of seborrheic dermatitis include cradle cap, dandruff, and seborrheic blepharitis.
seborrheic dermatitis (se·b
·rēˑ·ik der·m·tīˑ·tis),n a disorder of the skin; characterized by loose white or yellowish scales that may feel oily or dry and are located on the scalp, eyelids, eyebrows, or lips. It may also develop inside or outside the ears and the skin of the trunk, specifically in the areas that cover the sternum and near the folds of skin. The origin is unknown, but hereditary factors and fatigue, stress, weather, other disorders of the skin, and poor hygiene seem to increase the risk.
)
Seborrheic dermatitis.
dermatitis (durm
tī´tis),n an inflammation of the skin.
dermatitis, allergic contact,
n the reaction of the skin to direct contact with a specific antigen. Poison ivy rash is a common example of an allergic contact dermatitis.
dermatitis, atopic
(ātō´pik),
n an atopic eczema characterized by the distinctive phenomenon of atopy, a familial related allergic response associated with IgE antibody.
n an atopic eczema characterized by the distinctive phenomenon of atopy, a familial related allergic response associated with IgE antibody.
dermatitis, contact,
n a delayed type of induced sensitivity (allergy) of the skin with varying degrees of erythema, edema, and vesiculation, resulting from cutaneous contact with a specific allergen. It is an occupational hazard in dentistry.
dermatitis herpetiformis
n dermatitis characterized by grouped, erythematous, papular, vesicular, pustular, or bullous lesions occurring in various combinations, often accompanied by vesicobullous and ulcerative lesions of the oral mucosa.
dermatitis infectiosa eczematoides (Engman's disease),
n a pustular eczematous eruption that frequently follows or occurs coincidentally with some pyogenic process.
dermatitis, occupational,
n a contact dermatitis associated with allergens found in the workplace.
dermatitis, radiation,
n an inflammation of the skin resulting from a high dose of radiation. The reaction varies with the quality and quantity of radiation used and is usually transitory.
dermatitis, seborrheic
n a chronic inflammatory skin disease that can affect the scalp, face, ears, armpits, breasts, and groin. Its symptoms include moist, greasy, or dry scaling and patches of yellowish crust. Although the cause is unknown, it can be treated with selenium sulfide shampoos, topical antibiotics, and topical and oral corticosteroids.
)
Dermatitis.
seborrheic
affected with or of the nature of seborrhoea.
seborrheic dermatitis
see seborrheic dermatitis.
seborrheic disease
see seborrhea.
seborrheic keratosis
see seborrheic keratosis.
seborrheic plaque
chronic, erythematous, scaly skin plaque which is associated with staphylococcal hypersensitivity.
seborrheic dermatitis
Cradle cap; dandruff Dermatology An idiopathic dermatopathy characterized by greasy or dry white scales, variably accompanied by erythmea Sites Scalp, face, nose, eyebrows, behind ears, external ear, skin over sternum
and over skin folds Risk factors Familial, stress, fatigue, temperature extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, acne, obesity, excess use of lotions with alcohol, AIDS, neurologic conditions–eg, Parkinson's disease, head
injury, stroke
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