While the condition continues to affect a great number of people, experts in dermatology have yet to discover the definitive seborrheic dermatitis causes. This condition is usually manifested as chronic skin problems, with most patients exhibiting flaking and scaling in areas that are rich in the sebum glands that produce oil. The scalp, face, chest, and head are the most common areas that are affected by causes of seborrheic dermatitis. Most patients experience the previously mentioned scaling and flaking of the skin as well as having red skin that can appear greasy or feel sensitive. The most common manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis is flaking of the skin found on the scalp, commonly known as dandruff. Recent estimates state that perhaps three to five percent of the world’s population has this condition and research is currently being done to isolate the various organisms, genetic factors, and environmental stimuli that may be the causes of seborrheic dermatitis.

One of the leading theories is that the cause of seborrheic dermatitis has to do with levels of a yeast, Malassezia furfur. Humans naturally have low levels of this common yeast, but those with seborrheic dermatitis often have higher than normal amounts of the yeast present on the skin and in the glands. The thought is that what causes seborrheic dermatitis is the body’s own response to the yeast, resulting in inflammation and irritation. Another school of thought states that some people are more predisposed to the condition than others. In these cases, the condition is passed through the genetic material to offspring. Other experts argue that it is caused by environmental factors and is unrelated to the yeast levels or DNA.

Regardless of the specific cause, a person who has seborrheic dermatitis will need to understand that it is most commonly a condition for the duration of a person’s life. There are certain steps, such as using specialized shampoo that can reduce the occurrence of outbreaks, but the condition is not currently curable. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle cap and should be treated by careful daily washing and avoid excessive brushing of the hair. For adults, simply using the special shampoos is often enough to gain control of an outbreak, but severe or persistent cases should be referred to a local physician for advice. The doctor will usually prescribe a topical ointment to be applied that contains either corticosteroids or higher dose levels of the same medication found in the shampoo. In addition, the class of drugs known as immunomodulators have been proven to help with severe cases. They are effective by reducing the body’s response that causes the inflammation. In this manner, they do not treat the condition, but only the symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis causes may not yet have been discovered, but there are a number of products to help deal with the symptoms of the condition.