Common Rashes of the Skin: Part 6 - Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs most frequently in areas with the most sebaceous glands, such as the T-zone area of the face, scalp, inside the ears, and chest. This condition is linked to Malassezia, a type of yeast. The rash usually presents as scaly red patches, and rarely, as red plaques. The overlying scale can be white or yellow in color. These red patches can itch or burn.

Researchers are still studying what causes this common skin disease. It appears that the cause is complex. Many factors seem to work together to cause seborrheic dermatitis, including the yeast that normally lives on our skin, our genes, living in a cold and dry climate, stress, and a person’s overall health. 

The medications used to treat seborrheic dermatitis include antifungal shampoos and creams, anti-inflammatory creams, and barrier repair creams.

Many infants get cradle cap, which is a form of seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike adult seborrheic dermatitis, the condition usually resolves on its own in infants, usually within 6 months to 1 year of age.

Common Rashes of the Skin: Part 5 - Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It is usually caused by infection with bacteria or fungi. At first, folliculitis may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles.The infection can spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores or large boils. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.

This condition can be triggered by heat and sweat, friction from shaving or wearing tight clothing, and coverings on your skin, such as plastic dressings or adhesive tape.

Some recommendations to prevent flares of folliculitis: Avoid tight clothes to reduce friction. Avoid shaving, if possible. If you must shave, use an electric razor or a clean sharp blade every time you shave. Before shaving, wash your skin with warm water and a mild facial cleanser. Use lubricating shave cream or gel before shaving. Apply moisturizing lotion after shaving. Shave in the direction of hair growth.

Treatments for folliculitis include topical and oral medications to control infection. Minor surgery is sometimes needed for boils arising from folliculitis. Laser hair removal is sometimes recommended for areas with chronic folliculitis and when standard treatments have failed.

What is this scaly rash? It could be Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that can cause scaling, itching, and even burning in areas where the body has an abundance of oil glands. The most common areas affected are the scalp, face, and trunk. On the scalp it is commonly referred to as dandruff in adults, and cradle cap in infants. The condition is one that can get better and worse, and tends to flare up in the winter and early spring. Although a nuisance, seborrheic dermatitis can usually be controlled with topical medications.