Seborrheic Dermatitis:
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Most outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis are easy to control with non-prescription measures you can do at home, including:

• Frequent (daily) shampooing or a longer lather time.
• Consider shampoos containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, 2% pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, or tar-based shampoos. Sometimes one shampoo will work well for a while and then become less helpful; then it may help to switch to a different type.
• Eyelid changes (blepharitis) can often be improved by gentle cleaning of the eyelid edges by the lashes with a cotton swab (eg, a Q-Tip®) and baby shampoo.

If the scalp is covered with widespread, dense sheets of skin (scale), it may first be removed by applying warm mineral oil or olive oil to the scalp and washing several hours later with a detergent such as a dishwashing liquid or a tar-based shampoo.

Some over-the-counter creams will help if the medicated shampoo does not work well. These are often added to the shampoo until you notice improvement, and then they can be discontinued, to be used again temporarily when needed. These include:

• Creams that reduce the Pityrosporum ovale yeast (clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine).
• Hydrocortisone cream, which may work rapidly, but this may be less helpful if used over a long period of time.

See your child's doctor or a dermatologist if the condition does not improve with self-care measures.