Seborrheic dermatitis is well differentiated from other eczematous conditions and it is easily recognized. This disease is a relatively common skin condition and its characteristics are flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur with or without a presenting pink or red inflammatory eruption. Asymptomatic, the patient may complain of severe pruritus.



Unlike acne, seborrheic dermatitis is not a condition of the hair follicles and attendant sebaceous glands. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown. What is known is that there is a genetic tendency to this condition.

The very common period of seborrheic dermatitis is infancy. It can also occur again after puberty and in adult age. The big trouble is adult seborrheic dermatitis often persists for years to decades and after is associated with Parkinson's disease and other dramatic neurological disorders. This inflamatory disease may be also associated with certain systemic conditions such as malabsorption syndrome, diabetes, sprue, obese children and reaction to arsenic and gold.

Lotions or shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium, or corticosteroids may be prescribed for common or severe cases. To apply shampoos, apply to a small sector at a time parting the hair into small areas, and massage into the skin. If the problem is on face or chest, apply prescribed lotion twice per day.

According to latest results, seborrheic dermatitis responds very well to 1% ciclopirox shampoo. The investigators suggest that this is a viable alternative. The strong antipityrosporal effects of ciclopirox combined doubled by its tolerability and lack of toxic effects make it perfect alternative to existing antifungal agents.

Ciclopirox in combination salicylic acid and ketoconazole is both effective in clinical and self-assessments of severe dandruff condition following four weeks of treatment. These therapies maintain a high efficacy two weeks after treatment.