Seborrheic Dermatitis in Children Information

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly patches. Infants often get this condition on their scalp (cradle cap). The patches may appear on other parts of the body. Skin patches tend to appear where there are many oil glands in the skin. Areas of the body that are commonly affected include:

• Scalp.
• Skin folds of the body.
• Ears.
• Eyebrows.
• Neck.
• Face.
• Armpits.

Cradle cap usually clears up after a baby’s first year of life. In older children, the condition may come and go for no known reason, and it is often long-lasting (chronic).

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in children who are younger than one year old.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Thick scales on the scalp.
• Redness on the face or in the armpits.
• Skin that is flaky. The flakes may be white or yellow.
• Skin that seems oily or dry but is not helped with moisturizers.
• Itching or burning in the affected areas.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. A sample of your child’s skin may be tested (skin biopsy). Your child may need to see a skin specialist (dermatologist).

How is this treated?

Treatment can help to manage the symptoms. This condition often goes away on its own in young children by the time they are one year old. For older children, there is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help to manage the symptoms. Your child may get treatment to remove scales, lower the risk of skin infection, and reduce swelling or itching. Treatment may include:

• Creams that reduce swelling and irritation (steroids).
• Creams that reduce skin yeast.
• Medicated shampoo, soaps, moisturizing creams, or ointments.
• Medicated moisturizing creams or ointments.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Wash your baby’s scalp with a mild baby shampoo as told by your child’s health care provider. After washing, gently brush away the scales with a soft brush.
• Apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Use any medicated shampoo, soaps, skin creams, or ointments only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.
• Have your child shower or bathe as told by your child’s health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s symptoms do not improve with treatment.
• Your child’s symptoms get worse.
• Your child has new symptoms.