Seborrhea is a common skin problem. It causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp. It can be on parts of the face as well, including the folds around the nose and behind the ears, the forehead, and the eyebrows and eyelids. On the body, seborrhea often occurs in the middle part of the chest, around the navel and in the skin folds under the arm, below the breasts and in the groin and buttocks area.

Seborrhea most often occurs in babies younger than 2 months and is known as cradle cap. Babies may also get the rash in the diaper area. People of all ages may get seborrhea on the face (especially the eyebrow area and skin folds between the nose and mouth), ears, breasts, underarms, and genital area.

Causes of Seborrhea

The cause of seborrhea is not fully understood. A number of factors, such as hormones and stress, are associated with seborrhea. Seborrhea tends to run in families. It is not contagious. A yeast-like organism plays an important role in this condition and may make it worse.

Symptoms of Seborrhea

seborrhea appears as a scaly redness that usually is not itchy or uncomfortable. In some babies, it affects only the scalp (cradle cap), but in others, it also involves the neck creases, armpits or groin.

Seborrhea may affect only the scalp, appearing as either patchy or diffuse areas of redness and flaking. Other skin areas commonly affected include the eyebrows, eyelids, forehead, nose creases, outer ear, chest, underarms, groin, skin creases under the breasts, or skin between the buttocks.

Treatment of Seborrhea

Seborrhea is often treated with an anti-seborrhea shampoo containing sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium, zinc, or tar. Stronger treatments are available if needed.

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