Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment Options

When your scalp flakes like snow in winter, or your eyebrows turn red and scaly, you might think it’s just dry skin. But if it keeps coming back, especially around the nose, ears, or chest, it’s likely seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast and inflammation in oily areas of the skin. Also known as dandruff when it affects the scalp, this condition isn’t contagious or caused by poor hygiene—it’s a reaction your body has to natural oils and yeast that live on everyone’s skin.

What makes seborrheic dermatitis tricky is that it looks like other skin problems. It’s not psoriasis, not eczema, and not just dryness. It’s a specific type of skin inflammation, a chronic, recurring condition that flares up under stress, cold weather, or hormonal shifts. People with oily skin, Parkinson’s disease, or a weakened immune system are more prone to it. And while it’s often mild, it can be embarrassing—and sometimes painful—when it cracks and bleeds around the nose or ears.

The real culprit? A yeast called Malassezia. It’s always there, but in some people, it triggers an immune response that leads to redness, scaling, and itching. That’s why antifungal shampoos and creams often work better than moisturizers. Treatments like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione don’t cure it—they keep it under control. And unlike regular dandruff, which clears with occasional shampooing, seborrheic dermatitis needs consistent care. You can’t just ignore it and hope it goes away.

What you’ll find in these posts isn’t just a list of remedies. You’ll see real comparisons between treatments—like how tretinoin helps some people with facial flaking, or why certain medications like corticosteroids can backfire if used too long. You’ll also learn what to avoid: harsh soaps, alcohol-based products, and even some supplements that might worsen inflammation. These articles come from people who’ve lived with it, doctors who treat it, and researchers who’ve studied how yeast and skin interact. There’s no fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and why.