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Seborrhoeic dermatitis: flaky skin on the scalp, face or ears

Greasy or dry flakes on the scalp, eyebrows, creases beside the nose and around the ears often suggest seborrhoeic dermatitis. It is not contagious and can return. Gentle care and a suitable shampoo or medicated treatment help; pain, pus, fever or patchy hair loss need assessment.

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  • Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes scales and inflammation in oily areas of the scalp, face, ears, chest or skin folds.
  • Dandruff is usually a mild form affecting the scalp without marked inflammation.
  • In babies it is often called cradle cap; this is usually harmless and temporary.
  • The condition is not contagious and is not caused by too little washing.
  • Malassezia yeast, skin oils, the skin barrier, climate and individual immune responses probably interact.
  • Treatment varies with the body area and age, combining gentle care with targeted treatment against yeast or inflammation.
  • Thick plaques, broken hairs, pus, pain or fever do not fit simple dandruff and need assessment.

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D
DandruffDandruff causes white or yellowish flakes and sometimes an itchy scalp. It is often a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis, is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. Bald patches, broken hairs, pus or pain are not typical of ordinary dandruff.
C
Cradle capCradle cap is a harmless, common skin condition in babies that causes greasy white or yellow flakes, mainly on the scalp. It is not contagious and usually clears on its own within a few months.
E
EczemaEczema is a collective term for skin inflammation with itching, redness, scales, bumps, cracks or weeping patches. The right approach depends on the type and cause. Daily moisturising often helps; pain, pus, fever or rapid spread need medical assessment.