Is Seborrheic Dermatitis A Form Of Eczema?

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis A Form Of Eczema?

Is Seborrheic Dermatitis A Form Of Eczema?


Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause scaly, itchy patches on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. It's often seen in people with oily skin or who have dandruff. While it's similar to eczema, seborrheic dermatitis isn't as well understood. There's no cure, but treatments can help control the symptoms.


Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on the skin. This yeast feeds on oils produced by the skin. When there's too much yeast, it can irritate the skin and cause flaking. A number of things are thought to contribute to an overgrowth of yeast, including:

  • Increased oil production
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Weak immunity


Seborrheic dermatitis often starts in infancy and improves with age. It's also more common in men than women and people with certain medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, HIV/AIDS, and psoriasis. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you may notice:

  • Dandruff or flaking of the skin
  • Itching
  • Redness or scaling of the skin
  • Greasy patches on the scalp, face, chest, or back


While seborrheic dermatitis isn't contagious, it can be uncomfortable and tricky to treat. If you think you have seborrheic dermatitis, see a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause a rash and scalp. It's sometimes called dandruff, cradle cap, or seborrheic eczema. And it can happen at any age. There isn't one cause. But it might be linked to:
  • A yeast that lives on your skin
  • Changes in hormones
  • Certain medicines
  • Fatty acids in your skin
  • Cold weather
  • Dry skin


The good news is that seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. You can't catch it from someone else. And it's usually not a serious health problem.


But it can be uncomfortable and hard to control. The rash can show up on your face, chest, back, or other parts of your body. It can last for days, weeks, or even months. When the rash is on your scalp, you might have:

  • Red, scaly patches. These might be itchy or crusted over.
  • Oily skin.
  • White flakes of skin.


When to see a doctor


See your doctor if:

  • The rash doesn't go away after you've tried self-care measures.
  • The rash gets worse.
  • You think the rash might be infecte


    There is no definitive answer as to whether or not seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema. However, eczema is a general term used to describe various inflammatory skin conditions, and seborrheic dermatitis is definitely an inflammatory skin condition. Additionally, both conditions can cause the skin to become red, itchy, and flaky. So while we cannot say for sure that seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema, there are certainly similarities between the two conditions.


    If you are suffering from seborrheic dermatitis, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve your symptoms. These include medicated shampoos, topical steroids, and antifungal creams. Be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist about which treatment option is right for you.


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