Description
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a very common skin
disorder that causes greasy, white flaking, or crusty,
yellowish scales and mild redness of the skin. It most
often affects the scalp. In adolescents and adults,
it is commonly known as "dandruff." When infants
are affected by seborrheic dermatitis; it is called
"cradle cap". Seborrheic dermatitis can also
affect the skin of the face, nose, eyebrows, ears, arms,
trunk, legs and groin. Itching can occur, but is usually
painless unless it becomes infected. It is usually worse
in the winter months.
Cause
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown.
Seborrheic dermatitis might be provoked by a fungus,
called Pityrosporum ovale. This naturally occurring
organism is normally present in the skin, but sometimes
multiplies, resulting in the skin disorder. There are
aggravating factors that can worsen the condition, such
as hormones, psychological stress, fatigue, obesity,
and weather extremes.
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