How is seborrheic dermatitis treated?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a vicious form of dandruff. A fungus (yeast) called Malassezia furfur is the most likely cause. You can often treat it with over-the-counter shampoos or topical creams -- no prescription necessary. Start with shampoo, especially a coal-tar shampoo. A topical 1% hydrocortisone cream can also help, as can an antifungal such as over-the-counter ketoconazole.

Your doctor may suggest you treat seborrheic dermatitis (also known as "dandruff") by washing your hair and scalp with a dandruff shampoo. In babies, seborrheic dermatitis (also called "cradle cap") usually clears up on its own by the time the child reaches age one. You may be able to speed up the process a bit by gently massaging the baby's scalp with a soft brush after each shampoo. For seborrheic dermatitis that appears on other areas of the skin, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medication that you apply to your skin.