Dandruff
(Seborrhea)
Medical Author: Alan Rockoff, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is dandruff (seborrhea)?
It is a common form of skin eczema that occurs in parts of the body with high
oil (sebum) production. Body areas that are commonly affected include the scalp,
ears, face, chest, and folds of skin, such as the underarms or the skin below
breasts or overhanging abdominal folds. The cause of seborrhea is unknown,
although a yeast that often lives on the skin, Malassezia furfur, may play a
role.
One common manifestation of seborrhea that affects the scalp is dandruff. Scalp
seborrhea can also present as thick, flaky, localized patches of scale. On the
face, seborrhea produces reddish-brown, dry-looking, or thick, greasy scales on
the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears. Reddish, scaly patches may
also appear in the folds of skin mentioned above. Although skin affected by
seborrhea may feel "dry," moisturizing only makes them redder.
Scalp seborrhea and dandruff do not cause permanent hair loss. Often, scalp
seborrhea doesn't even itch significantly. Seborrhea can appear during infancy,
starting shortly after birth and lasting several months. It may affect the scalp
("cradle cap") or produce scaly patches on the body. Adults of all ages may
develop seborrhea, too, especially on the scalp and face.
Some people who have weakened immune systems, such as those on chemotherapy or
those with HIV disease or certain neurological disorders, may have very severe
seborrhea. It is important to emphasize, however, that seborrhea is a very
common condition, affecting perhaps 5% of the population (with men
predominating). The vast majority of those who have it are completely healthy
and have no internal or immune problems.
Next: What treatments are available for dandruff? »
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