ABSTRACT
Etiology and Pathogenesis 130
Treatment 132
References 133
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are often mentioned together. Dandruff is the
mildest manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis and it cannot be separated from
seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, what is mentioned in the literature for sebor-
rheic dermatitis is also true for dandruff and vice versa. It is characterized by
inflammation and desquamation in areas with a rich supply of sebaceous
glands, namely the scalp, face, and upper trunk (1). It is a common disease,
and the prevalence ranges from 8 to 10% in different studies. It is more
common in males than in females. The disease usually starts during puberty
and is more common around 40 years of age. Seborrheic dermatitis is character-
ized by red scaly lesions predominantly located on the scalp, face, and upper
trunk. The skin lesions are distributed on the scalp, eyebrows, nasolabial folds,
cheeks, ears, presternal and interscapular regions, axillae, and groin. Around
90 to 95% of all patients have scalp lesions and lesions on glabrous skin are
found in 60% of the patients. The lesions are red and covered with greasy scales. Itching is common in the scalp. Complications include lichenification,
secondary bacterial infection, and otitis externa. The course of seborrheic
dermatitis tends to be chronic with recurrent flare-up. A seasonal variation is
observed, with the majority of patients doing better during the summertime.
Mental stress and dry air are factors that may aggravate the disease. A genetic
predisposition is also of importance. Seborrheic dermatitis is seen more fre-
quently than expected in patients with pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia (Pityros-
porum) folliculitis, Parkinson’s disease, major truncal paralysis, mood
depression, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (1).
