Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by dry, scaly, red patches of skin. These patches may appear flaky and itch due to increased dryness. Commonly, seborrheic dermatitis is seen in areas of the body where the skin is excessively oily. This includes: scalp, ears, face, upper chest, and upper back. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis forming on the scalp is known as cradle cap. Unfortunately, seborrheic dermatitis has no known definitive cause. Factors that may cause an outbreak are thought to be cold weather, dry climate, stress, or specific yeast that lives on our skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis, depending on the affected area, can be treated with several types of prescriptions. Some patients may be advised to use shampoos if their scalp is affected. Other patients require topical creams and ointments to be used, or even require a combination of topical creams, barrier repair creams, and/or shampoos.