Treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis

First Line

Second Line

Specialist

Hospital Only

Yeasts play an important role in the development of seborrhoeic dermatitis but the exact mechanism is not known. Control of the yeasts improves symptoms.

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Mild disease

Use an antidandruff shampoo containing zinc pyrithione (e.g. Head and Shoulders and similar products).

Moderate and severe disease

Ketoconazole shampoo

Use twice a week

For more severe erythema and flaking on the scalp add

Betamethasone scalp application

Apply to dry hair morning and evening and allow to dry

Ketoconazole cream

Apply once or twice a day until resolution then reduce frequency to daily or alternate daily use.

For inflamed skin

Daktacort (hydrocortisone 1%, miconazole nitrate 2%)

Apply once or twice a day until resolution then reduce frequency to intermittent use as required

Canesten HC (hydrocortisone 1%, clotrimazole 1%)

Apply thinly once or twice daily

Formulary

Treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis

Scalp disease

Mild disease

Moderate and severe disease

For more severe erythema and flaking on the scalp add

Disease affecting face and body

For inflamed skin