Referral

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

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

Aetiology

  • Although the causes of seborrhoeic eczema are not fully understood, the yeast Malassezia ovale (M. ovale), formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale, is known to play a role
  • It is unclear as to how M. ovale induces inflammation and scaling, although there is a hypothesis that the yeast hydrolyzes sebum to release a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids are taken up by the yeast but the unsaturated fatty acids remain and breach the skin's barrier function causing the inflammatory reaction
  • Seborrhoeic eczema is more common and can be much more severe in patients with HIV and in Parkinson's disease
Referral Criteria:

Referral should only be considered if patient is responding inadequately to treatment

Formulary, Chapter 13. Skin: Treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis

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History

  • It is most commonly seen in patients aged 18 to 40 but can occur at any age
  • It is more common in males
  • Itch is not a predominant feature
  • Symptoms fluctuate and the condition may last for years

Clinical findings

  • Distribution - it affects areas rich in sebaceous glands:
    • Scalp and behind the ears. More extensive involvement of the ears with otitis externa may occur
    • Face - medial eyebrows (can be associated with chronic blepharitis), glabella and nasolabial folds. Areas under spectacles or hearing aids may also be involved
    • Upper trunk - presternal and interscapular regions
    • Flexures - axillae, groins, umbilicus, anogenital and submammary regions
  • Morphology
    • Red, sharply marginated macules / patches covered with greasy-looking yellowish scales

Differential Diagnoses

  • Psoriasis

Referral should only be considered if patient is responding inadequately to treatment.

Referral instructions

e-Referral Service selection:

  • Specialty: Dermatology
  • Clinic Type: Eczema and Dermatitis
  • Service: DRSS-South Devon & Torbay-Dermatology- Devon ICB - 15N

Referral form

DRSS Referral form

Evidence

South and West Devon formulary - Skin

The Primary Care Dermatology Society

Pathway Group

This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.

Publication date: August 2017