ADULT SEBORRHEIC ECZEMA
Adult seborrheic eczema characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. It is commonly accompanied by yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body. It is thought that the yeast pityrosporum ovale largely causes this condition. If the condition becomes infected, treatment with an anti-fungal cream may be necessary. We are all familiar with Dandruff also called ‘pityriasis capitis. Dandruff is non-inflamed version of seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff presents as scaly patches scattered within hair-bearing areas of the scalp which may or may not itch.
The symptoms that characterize adult seborrheic eczema include skin lesions, a greasy or oily appearance to the affected areas of skin, scaling as the skin begins to flake, white and flaking or yellowish, oily, and adherent "dandruff", plaques which may include the scalp, eyebrows, nose, forehead, or ears , itching; may become more itchy if infected , mild redness and hair loss may also be present. It is thought that the yeast pityrosporum ovale largely causes this condition. If the condition becomes infected, treatment with an anti-fungal cream may be necessary.
Seborrheic eczema tends to run in families. Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and weather conditions may all increase a person's risk of developing seborrheic eczema. Whether this is actually a genetic disposition or a case of like or similar habits perpetuating the condition is debatable. Seborrheic eczema generally occurs after puberty leading to a possible connection to hormones. Seborrheic eczema fluctuates in severity and may persist for years. There are some theories that having seborrheic eczema may predispose one to scalp psoriasis.
However, it is important to note that the plaques of scalp psoriasis are more persistent, thicker, and a deeper red color, with large flakes of white scale. Psoriasis is very likely to affect elbows and knees as well as the scalp. However, sometimes it is difficult to tell psoriasis from seborrheic dermatitis on the face, scalp and chest and your doctor may diagnose an overlap condition, known as "sebopsoriasis".