Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a disease that usually affects the scalp and causes flaking of the skin. In adolescents and adults its most common name is “Dandruff”, but in babies it is called “cradle cap”. Seborrheic Dermatitis is not exclusive to the scalp; it will affect areas like the face or the chest, creases in the arms, legs, and groin. Seborrheic Dermatitis will cause the skin to look a little greasy and scaly or flakey.
Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs most often in infants less than 3 months old and in adults from the ages 30 to 60 years old, it is more common among adult men than women.
Causes
The exact cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis remains unknown. The cause in infancy may be different may be different than adults. Seborrheic Dermatitis may be related to hormones; it appears during infancy and seems to clear during or before puberty. The cause may also be related to a fungus called Malassezia. Malassezia is common, but found in small numbers if those numbers increase they could result in a skin problem.
Seborrheic Dermatitis has also been linked to several neurologic disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Epilepsy. The reason for this relationship is remains unknown.
Types of Treatment
Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis can vary, depending on a patient’s age and the location on the body.
• Scalp of adults and adolescents (Dandruff) This condition is usually treated with a shampoo. There are several types of medicated shampoos.
-Salicylic Acid (Brand Names: X-Seb, Scalpicin)
-Selenium Sulfide (Brand Names: Selsun, Exsel)
-Pyrithione Zinc (Brand Names: DHS Zinc, Head and Shoulders)
(Suggested for use: 2 times a week)
Shampoos that contain (Coal Tar)
-Coal Tar (Brand Names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar)
(Suggested for use: 3 times a week)
IF you have Dandruff, start using of these shampoos daily until it’s under control, and then use them two to three times a week. When using a Dandruff shampoo, rub the shampoo into your hair thoroughly. Let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing, this will give it time to work. You may want to use a residue free shampoo (Puraderm). Prior to application of the Dandruff Shampoo. This will cleanse the scalp of old soap and used medication residue.
• Skin Creases (Adolescents and Adults)
A doctor can prescribe steroid lotions for these conditions
• Scalp of Babies (Cradle Cap)
Seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp in babies is treated by using mild products. A residue/irritant free shampoo should be used. A very soft brush may be used to gently massage the scalp and loosen the scales or flakes. Be very careful, any break in the skin can make it vulnerable to infection. If a non-medicated residue free shampoo doesn’t work you should talk to your doctor about trying a mild tar base or prescription shampoo.
• Skin Creases ( Babies)
Doctors can prescribe gentle steroid lotions or creams which can be used to treat Seborrheic dermatitis in the skin creases of babies.

Source- familydoctor.org American Academy of Physicians
http://familydoctor.org/157.xml