Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Malassezia-linked dermatitis of the scalp, face and folds; the medical associations (Parkinson disease, HIV), the differentials that matter (lupus, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatomyositis), and antifungal-first treatment.
Tier 1Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- A common, chronic, relapsing dermatitis of sebum-rich skin: scalp, face, ears, chest and folds. Dandruff is its mildest form.
- Linked to the Malassezia yeast and the host's response to it, not to poor hygiene.
- Peaks in infancy (cradle cap) and in adults aged 30 to 60, more in men.
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Sources
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Dermatology (seborrhoeic dermatitis)AU/NZTherapeutic Guidelines Limited, Version 5, 2022 (no newer edition found, November 2026)
- DermNet: Seborrhoeic dermatitisDermNet (New Zealand), accessed November 2026
- A to Z of skin, seborrhoeic dermatitisAU/NZAustralasian College of Dermatologists, current web page (checked November 2026)
- Blauvelt A et al. Roflumilast foam 0.3% for adolescent and adult patients with seborrheic dermatitis (STRATUM): a phase 3 trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2024Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
- Okokon EO et al. Topical antifungals for seborrhoeic dermatitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(5):CD008138Cochrane, 2015
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy