Seborrheic Dermatitis

What it is

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin in areas rich in sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, and center of the chest. It shows up as redness, oily yellowish flaking, and itching, with periods of improvement and flare-ups linked to stress, cold weather, fatigue, and hormonal changes. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene, but is related to a skin reaction to the Malassezia fungus, which naturally lives on the skin's surface. At Femi Saúde, Dr. Ana Kappes and the dermatology team diagnose the condition, differentiate it from psoriasis and other skin disorders, and put together a control plan with suitable products and a maintenance routine to reduce flare-ups.

Most common symptoms

• Oily, yellowish flaking
• Persistent dandruff on the scalp
• Redness on the sides of the nose
• Itching on the eyebrows and ears
• Patches on the center of the chest
• Worsening with stress, cold weather and fatigue

Causes and risk factors

• Reaction to the Malassezia fungus
• Excess skin oiliness
• Stress and sleep deprivation
• Hormonal changes
• Cold, dry weather
• Low immunity and neurological conditions

How it is diagnosed

Diagnosis is clinical, made by the dermatologist based on the appearance and distribution of the lesions, which follow the oiliest areas of the skin. Scalp dermoscopy helps distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and fungal infections, conditions that can look similar. In atypical, very extensive, or sudden-onset cases, blood tests or a small biopsy may be indicated. The consultation also looks into aggravating factors, such as stress, hair products, and medication use.

How we treat it at Femi Saúde

Treatment aims to control the inflammation and the fungus overgrowth. On the scalp, antifungal or keratolytic shampoos are used, alternated with maintenance products; on the face and body, topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams are used for short periods, preferring options that don't thin the skin. In addition, the dermatology team at Femi Saúde guides the washing routine, the choice of non-comedogenic cosmetics, and the management of triggers, adjusting the regimen with each flare-up. Since the condition is chronic, regular maintenance is what keeps the skin under control.

What we offer