Seborrheic Dermatitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a rash and flaking, scaling skin. The condition usually affects hairy areas of the body, such as the scalp. Your face, eyebrows, ears, chest, groin, or back may be affected. Seborrheic dermatitis can happen at any age. The condition often goes away on its own in infants, but it may return during adolescence. Seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by a fungal infection, immune system problems, or hormone changes.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your doctor or dermatologist if:

• You have new or worsening symptoms.
• Your symptoms make it difficult for you to do your daily activities.
• Your symptoms do not improve even after treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• ketoconazole
• Nizoral
• Loprox
• Dexamethasone Intensol
• Nizoral A-D

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to treat a fungal or bacterial infection. You may also need a steroid medicine. You may be given these medicines in pill form or in a cream to apply to your skin.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage seborrheic dermatitis:

• Wash your skin and hair often. Your healthcare provider can tell you how often to wash. You may need to wash your hair every day or two, or once per week, depending on the kind of hair you have. Apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin after you wash. Use mild soaps and moisturizers. Do not use any product that contains alcohol. Alcohol can dry your skin and make your symptoms worse.
• Protect your scalp if you use coal tar shampoo. Coal tar shampoo can make your skin more sensitive to light. Wear a hat when you are outside. Do not use tanning beds or sun lamps.
• Remove scales after you soften them. Do not pull on the scales. This can spread infection and may cause hair loss. Apply mineral oil or olive oil to the skin and let it sit for 1 hour. Then use a soft-bristled brush to remove the scales or shampoo your hair.
• Clean your eyelids, if needed. Use baby shampoo to wash your eyelids every night. Use a cotton swab to remove scales. A warm compress may also help control symptoms. To make a warm compress, soak a soft washcloth in warm water. Wring out the extra water and apply the cloth to your eyelid for a few minutes.
• Consider shaving off your beard or mustache. Your symptoms may be worse under your beard or mustache. Shaving may help reduce your symptoms and prevent them from returning in this area.

Follow up with your doctor or dermatologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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