Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis has been referred to as the most severe form of dandruff and is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. For differences between dandruff, seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis, see the American Academy of Dermatoogy's website

When occurring on the eyes, it may be a case of seborrheic blepharitis.

See Skin & Aging for the role of Malassezia fungus in seborrheic dermatitis and why it may be treated with Protopic and Elidel. See, also, this article on "How a Fungus Can Beat Eczema" and this one from EczemaLetters.com.

The Role of Sebaceous Gland Activity and Scalp Microfloral Metabolism in the Etiology of Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff