Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, long-standing inflammatory skin condition. It produces red patches topped with greasy scale, concentrated where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the scalp, face, behind the ears and on the trunk. It arises from a complex interplay between oil-gland activity, the yeast Malassezia (a normal resident of the skin) and each person's own immune response. Although it poses no threat to general health, the condition tends to be persistent and often flares with the seasons or during periods of stress.
At Haute-Derma, we look beyond clearing the visible flakes. Our aim is to restore a balanced microbial environment on the skin so the condition stays under control in the long run.
How We Diagnose Seborrheic Dermatitis
The diagnosis is mostly clinical, but telling seborrheic dermatitis apart from other scaly, papulosquamous conditions is essential:
- Clinical examination: We look at the typical distribution (the facial T-zone, the hairline, the area between the shoulder blades) and at the scale itself, which is greasy and pale yellow.
- Dermoscopy: This shows dotted and arborizing vessel patterns and greasy scale clustered around hair follicles.
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy: Used to gauge the density of Malassezia or to rule out tinea capitis or tinea corporis.
- Differential diagnosis: Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus are excluded by looking for their characteristic nail and joint findings.
- Skin biopsy: Reserved for treatment-resistant or atypical cases, to confirm spongiosis and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates.
Modern Treatment Options at Haute-Derma
Our in-clinic protocols target the yeast and the inflammation at the same time:
- Topical antifungals: Shampoos and creams containing ketoconazole, ciclopirox or selenium sulfide reduce the population of Malassezia.
- Low-potency anti-inflammatories: Corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are used during flares to settle redness and itch quickly while remaining safe for facial skin.
- Sebum-regulating therapy: Active ingredients that help control oil-gland output, leaving the yeast with less to feed on.
- Keratolytics: Products containing salicylic acid or urea at suitable strengths soften and lift thick scale without irritating the skin.
- Lifestyle and skincare advice: We set up an oil-free skincare routine and stress-management strategies to keep flare triggers to a minimum.
