Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be caused by an overabundance of skin yeast (Malassezia). This yeast is found normally on most people's skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is NOT contagious, but it appears to run in families. The yeast produces substances that can irritate the skin and make it red and itchy. Sometimes there can be discoloration in the form of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation resulting from this condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis is typically NOT associated with any worrisome condition. Stress, physical illness, and hospitalization can lower an individual's resistance to the yeast, making the seborrheic dermatitis worsen or flare. There are some immune conditions (like HIV) and neurological conditions (like Parkinson's disease) that are associated with seborrheic dermatitis in some instances. For most patients, there is no need to perform laboratory or allergy tests, unless the seborrheic dermatitis is not controlled with treatment.
CRADLE CAP
Cradle cap, seen in babies up to 6 months of age, is thought to be an infantile form of seborrheic dermatitis. The scalp, armpits, and groin are typically affected. It is usually not bothersome or itchy for the infant even when it looks severe. Cradle cap can be treated by letting mineral oil sit on the thick scale for 20-30 minutes followed by baby shampoo and gentle massage to the scalp. Cases that do not resolve easily sometimes require a prescription medication prescribed by your dermatologist.TREATMENT
Seborrheic dermatitis is a CHRONIC condition that can appear any time, usually after puberty. The condition fluctuates in severity, and may persist indefinitely. This condition is often easily controlled with medications. However, each patient often needs a plan that is unique to their hair type, ethnic background, and severity. Seborrheic dermatitis often requires a maintenance treatment to lessen flares and a rescue medication when a flare occurs. The regularity of maintenance needed can range from daily to once per week depending on the patient and their lifestyle.Lupo Center for Aesthetic and General Dermatology
Mary P. Lupo, M.D. - Connect on Linkedin
Our mission at the Lupo Center is to provide patients with innovative, effective, and ethical care to make each person look and feel their personal best. To fulfill our goal, we provide state-of-the-art medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments to all patients.
Board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology Mary P. Lupo, MD, has been a leader in the field of non-surgical rejuvenation since 1983. She travels internationally to teach her innovative techniques, and her reputation brings in patients from around the country. She started the first formal residency training program for injectables and peels in 1983 at Tulane Medical School and served as past president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, adjunct professor of dermatology at Tulane, and a founder of Cosmetic Boot Camp. Dr. Lupo holds membership in many prestigious dermatology associations, participates in clinical trials for the approval of new drugs and devices, and acts as an advisor for numerous aesthetic-minded companies.
Dr. Lupo was recently recognized as a trailblazer for women in dermatology and for her dedication to educating dermatology residents and fellows.
She has also received the following awards:
- 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 - Recognizes full-time academicians who have dedicated their careers to educating dermatology residents and fellows;
- 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐝, 𝐌𝐃 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 and 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 from the 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 - Recognizes dermatologists of national prominence who have been trailblazers for women in some aspect of dermatology.
Dr. Lupo has authored over 90 published articles and book chapters and has spoken on various dermatological topics at nearly 480 national and international meetings and seminars.