Seborrhoeic dermatitis

195 Seborrhoeic dermatitis



Instruction


Comment on this patient’s skin.



Salient features



History




• History of itching


• History of Parkinson’s disease, strokes and HIV.



Examination




• Greasy scales overlying erythematous plaques or patches affecting the face (eyebrows, eyelids, glabella, nasolabial folds or ears; Fig. 195.1), submammary folds, gluteal clefts. Occasionally it is generalized.


• Severe dandruff on the scalp.


image

Fig. 195.1 Seborrhoeic dermatitis.


Proceed as follows:



• Tell the examiner that you would like to look for the underlying disorder (Parkinson’s disease, HIV and strokes).


Remember:



• The name is misleading and the condition is unrelated to seborrhoea (excess sebum production).


• Distinguishing severe seborrheic dermatitis from early facial psoriasis can be particularly difficult.



Diagnosis


This patient has seborrhoeic dermatitis (lesion) with Parkinson’s disease, and finds the lesion cosmetically unacceptable (functional status).



Advanced-level questions




What is the aetiology of this disorder?


It is based on a genetic predisposition mediated by several factors including nutritional status, infection and hormones. Its response to antifungal agents has suggested that it represents an inflammatory reaction to Pityrosporum ovale yeasts present in the scalp of humans.

Related posts:

  1. Dermatomyositis
  2. Arteriovenous fistula
  3. Vitiligo
  4. Anaemia

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Dec 4, 2016 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access