🧴 Seborrheic Dermatitis (oily scalp condition)

Medically Reviewed by MBBS ✓ Medically Reviewed

📅 Updated: Jul 14, 2026 • ⏱ 4 min read • Editorial policy

"Doctor, my scalp is itching uncontrollably. When I comb my hair, white, oily flakes fall all over my clothes. My face, nose, and eyebrows are red and peeling. Is this dandruff, doctor?" 28-year-old Nuwan turned his head to Dr. Priya at the clinic, explaining his discomfort.

Dr. Priya gently examined his scalp and face and explained, "Nuwan, this is a skin condition called Seborrheic Dermatitis that has progressed beyond a normal dandruff condition. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus/yeast called Malassezia, which naturally lives on our skin, due to excessive oil secretion from the sebaceous glands. This can be easily controlled with the right antifungal shampoo and cream."

What is seborrheic dermatitis, which occurs in oily areas of the skin? In this article, we will briefly discuss its symptoms, causes, and home and medical treatments for this non-contagious condition.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious, long-term inflammatory skin condition that occurs in areas of the body with abundant oil-producing sebaceous glands. It is simply called dandruff when it occurs on the scalp in adults, and cradle cap when it occurs on the scalp in infants.

In addition to the scalp, this can occur in areas of oily skin such as the face (forehead, eyebrows, and wrinkles on both sides of the nose), behind the ears, in the middle of the chest, armpits, and groin.

🤒 What are the symptoms?

Oily white or yellow flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, or beard.
Red patches or spots on the skin and severe itching.
Cradle Cap is a thick, yellow, oily crust that forms on the scalp of babies.
Redness and peeling of the eyelid margins (Blepharitis).
Red spots on the skin in the shape of a flower or ring with several petals.

🤔 Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Although the exact cause of this has not yet been discovered, several main factors are involved:

Malassezia fungus: This fungus, which naturally exists on the surface of the skin, grows abnormally when the skin is excessively oily.
Androgen hormones: Increased oil production due to hormonal activity.
Immune problems: People with diseases that weaken the immune system or nervous system, such as HIV, Parkinson's disease, depression, or Down syndrome, are at higher risk.
Lifestyle and climate: Stress and the cold and dry climate of winter.

🚨 Red Flags that require immediate medical attention

Seborrheic dermatitis is not life-threatening, but you should seek medical attention if the following signs appear:

Secondary bacterial infection: Pus oozing from the infected wound, severe redness, swelling, and severe pain.
Disruption to sleep and daily life: Loss of sleep or feeling of intense discomfort due to itching.
Spreading throughout the body: Red spots on the skin spread rapidly over a large area of the body.

🛠️ Action Steps to Control Seborrheic Dermatitis

Step 1 (for dandruff): Use a shampoo containing selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or zinc pyrithione.
Step 2 (Shampoo Method): Apply shampoo and massage the scalp thoroughly, leave on for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Step Three (for face and body): Apply Ketoconazole 2% cream twice daily for 2-4 weeks as directed by your doctor.
Step Four (for babies): For cradle cap, apply a little baby oil, remove flakes with a soft comb, and wash with a mild baby shampoo (never scrub hard).
Step Five (Maintenance Treatment): Use an antifungal shampoo once a week to prevent recurrence even after the infection has cleared.

📊 Treatment Shampoo Comparison (Shampoo Active Ingredients)

Chemical ingredient	Mechanism	Usage
Ketoconazole	A powerful antifungal. Inhibits the growth of Malassezia.	2-3 times a week, for 4 weeks.
Selenium Sulfide	It is antifungal and controls the shedding of dead skin cells.	2 times a week.
Coal Tar	It slows down the production of skin cells and reduces inflammation.	1-2 times a week (best for black hair).