Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Understanding seborrhoeic dermatitis and why it happens

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects areas rich in oil (sebaceous) glands. It often appears on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, beard area, and sometimes the chest or upper back. It tends to flare and settle over time. Although it can feel frustrating, itchy, and at times embarrassing, it is manageable and not caused by poor hygiene.

What seborrhoeic dermatitis usually looks and feels like

Seborrhoeic dermatitis often presents with redness, flaking, scaling, or greasy appearing patches. On the scalp it may appear as stubborn or recurrent “dandruff.” Skin may itch or feel irritated, and flakes can be noticeable on hair, clothing, or facial hair. Symptoms may worsen with stress, illness, fatigue, weather changes, or reduced sleep, then settle again.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants (cradle cap)

In babies, seborrhoeic dermatitis commonly appears as cradle cap — thick, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. It usually looks worse than it feels, is not a sign of neglect, and often improves over time with supportive care. If it spreads widely, becomes inflamed, smells strongly, or causes concern, review with a GP is sensible.

What causes it

The condition relates to a combination of skin sensitivity, oil production, and the normal yeast that lives on the skin surface. In seborrhoeic dermatitis, the skin reacts more strongly to these factors, leading to inflammation and flaking. It is not contagious. People with oily skin, certain medical conditions, or weakened immunity may be more prone.

Recognising when infection or worsening needs review

Seek medical advice if skin becomes painful, significantly swollen, hot, weepy, crusted, rapidly worsening, or if fever develops, as infection can occasionally occur when inflamed skin becomes damaged.

When to see your GP

See your GP if seborrhoeic dermatitis is persistent, keeps returning, interferes with sleep or daily life, becomes uncomfortable, involves the face or ears significantly, spreads widely, or does not improve with sensible care. Earlier review is important for babies, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised.

How your GP supports safer assessment and care

Your GP considers when symptoms began, what worsens or improves them, your health background, and how the condition affects everyday life. Treatment is individualised, not one-size-fits-all, and may include supportive scalp and skin treatments, anti-inflammatory therapy, managing the yeast component where relevant, and soothing irritated skin. Dermatology referral may be recommended if symptoms are severe, unclear, recurrent, or difficult to control.

A culturally safe note about skin appearance

Seborrhoeic dermatitis does not always look “red.” On darker skin tones it may appear darker, browner, purplish, or greyer. If something does not look right to you, medical review remains appropriate.

Avoid relying on internet pictures for diagnosis

Online images rarely capture how differently skin conditions appear across skin tones, ages, and individuals. Professional assessment is safer than self-diagnosis.

A reassuring message

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is common and treatable. With the right plan, many people achieve meaningful relief, better control, and improved confidence. You do not need to manage it alone — support is available.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.