Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis: What We Know So Far

Abstract

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis (SSD) is a prevalent chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease. The etiology is related to sebum production, bacterial proliferation – <i>Staphylococcus</i> sp., <i>Streptococcus</i>, and <i>M. restricta</i> – and host immunity factors – NK1+, CD16+ cells, IL-1, and IL-8. Trichoscopy features include mostly arborizing vessels and yellowish scales. New trichoscopic findings were described to guide the diagnosis as dandelion vascular conglomerate, “cherry blossom” vascular pattern, and intrafollicular oily material. Antifungals and corticosteroids constitute the essential therapy, but new treatments have been described. This article aims to review and discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, trichoscopy, histopathologic findings, main differential diagnoses, and therapeutic options of SSD.

The burden of dermatitis from 1990–2019 in the Middle East and North Africa region

“…The typical pathogenesis of the disease is explained by an initial higher production of lipids by the sebaceous glands, followed by colonization by Malassezia, leading to inflammation and a host reaction [ 50 ]. In terms of environmental and lifestyle risk factors, zinc deficiency, and high humidity have been identified as important factors in the susceptibility to seborrheic dermatitis [ 51 ]. Similar to other diseases with a microbial source, antibiotic resistance is a serious public health concern [ 52 , 53 ].…”

Case Report: Scalp pityriasis versicolor may be a neglected problem

“…The location of pityriasis versicolor lesions varies based on the individual's age, with the face and neck being more prevalent sites in children ( 11 ). While scalp involvement is rare in both children and adults, seborrheic dermatitis, another Malassezia -associated skin condition, commonly affects the scalp ( 16 ). A likely explanation for this underreporting lies in the distinctive characteristics of the two conditions.…”

La Guerra en El Cuero Cabelludo: Dermatitis Seborreica, Diagnóstico Y Tratamiento.

“…Los hallazgos más destacados de la DCC son escamas amarillas difusas, únicas o agrupadas sobre un fondo eritematoso distribuidas entre las unidades foliculares, cilindros peripilares, y un patrón vascular multicomponente (Leroy et al, 2023).…”

“…Los antifúngicos como el champú de fluconazol al 2%, la pomada de bifonazol al 1%, el miconazol al 2% y el ketoconazol al 2% reducen la proliferación de MS y la respuesta inflamatoria (Tao et al, 2021). Ciclopirox olamina al 1% tiene efectos antibacterianos (Lin et al, 2021) También se pueden usar queratolíticos (alquitrán de carbón, ácido salicílico (2 a 6%), urea, propilenglicol, ácido láctico y piritiona de zinc) para eliminar las escamas adherentes (Leroy et al, 2023). El piritionato de zinc al 1-2% tiene actividad queratolítica e inhibe el crecimiento de hongos (Wang et al, 2022).…”