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Seborrhoeic dermatitis - Management
View all quick answers

Scenario: Seborrhoeic dermatitis - scalp and beard

What advice should I give?

  • Reassure the person that seborrhoeic dermatitis is not caused by lack of cleanliness or excessive dryness of the skin, and is not transmissable.
  • Explain that treatment cannot cure seborrhoeic dermatitis but can control it. Symptoms often recur after treatment has stopped.
  • Avoid using cosmetic products that contain alcohol.
  • Avoid using soap and shaving cream on the face if they cause irritation. Advise the use of non-greasy emollients or emollient soap substitutes.
  • A diet rich in yeast-containing products will not affect the disease. If the person has known dietary triggers, these should be avoided, and if the diet is generally poor, advise an improved diet.
  • Advise stress reduction, if possible.

In depth

How should I treat?

  • Remove thick crusts or scales on the scalp before using an antifungal shampoo. Removal of crusts can be achieved by:
    • Applying warm mineral or olive oil to the scalp for several hours, then washing with a detergent or coal tar shampoo, or
    • Application of a keratolytic preparation (e.g. salicylic acid) or coal tar–keratolytic preparation.
  • Prescribe ketoconazole 2% shampoo if it has not been tried already. Selenium sulphide shampoo may be used as an alternative.
  • If ketoconazole or selenium sulphide is not acceptable to the person, treat with anti-dandruff shampoos (e.g. containing coal tar or salicylic acid) which are available over-the-counter, after confirming that they have not been tried already. Shampoo can also be applied to the beard area.
  • For adults with severe itching, add a potent topical corticosteroid scalp application, such as betamethasone valerate 0.1%, hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1%, or mometasone furoate 0.1%. Try 4–6 weeks of treatment (to the scalp, not the beard). If symptoms have not resolved after this time, seek specialist advice, or sooner if response to treatment is poor.
  • Once symptoms are under control, the frequency of shampooing with medicated shampoos may be reduced or stopped.

In depth

What maintenance treatment is recommended?

  • If relapse is a problem, advise use of an antifungal shampoo once a week, or once every other week, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Topical corticosteroids are not appropriate for continuous long-term use, and their use as maintenance treatment is not recommended.

In depth

How should I follow up?

  • Routine follow up is not usually required.
  • Advise the person to seek further medical advice if:
    • Response to treatment is poor.
    • Symptoms worsen despite treatment.
    • Signs of infection (e.g. crusting, oozing, bleeding) develop.

In depth

When should I refer?

  • Consider referral to a dermatologist if there is:
    • Diagnostic uncertainty.
    • Failure to respond to routine treatment.
    • Severe or widespread seborrhoeic dermatitis.

In depth

Prescriptions

Antifungal shampoo (treatment)

Age from 1 year onwards
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area twice a WEEK for 2 to 4 weeks until symptoms have cleared.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long use your normal shampoo before using ketoconazole.
Age from 5 years onwards
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use twice a week
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Apply twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as necessary.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 5 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you need to shampoo your hair more often than twice a week, use your normal shampoo. Avoid using 48 hours before or after applying hair colouring, straightening, or waving preparations.

Topical corticosteroid: add on to antifungal if severe

Age from 1 year onwards
Betamethasone 0.1% scalp application: use twice a day
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% scalp application
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.92
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion: use once a day
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply a few drops to the affected area(s) of the scalp once a day. Massage in gently and thoroughly until the lotion disappears.
Supply 30 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.54
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 5 days for a child.
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion: use twice a day
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £9.76
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.

Topical corticosteroid + topical antifungal

Age from 1 year onwards
Multi-therapy: Ketoconazole shampoo + betamethasone scalp application
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area twice a WEEK for 2 to 4 weeks until symptoms have cleared.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long use your normal shampoo before using ketoconazole.
Betamethasone 0.1% scalp application: use twice a day
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% scalp application
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.92
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.
Multi-therapy: Ketoconazole shampoo + mometasone scalp lotion
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area twice a WEEK for 2 to 4 weeks until symptoms have cleared.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long use your normal shampoo before using ketoconazole.
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion: use once a day
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply a few drops to the affected area(s) of the scalp once a day. Massage in gently and thoroughly until the lotion disappears.
Supply 30 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.54
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 5 days for a child.
Multi-therapy: Ketoconazole shampoo + hydrocortisone butyrate scalp application
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area twice a WEEK for 2 to 4 weeks until symptoms have cleared.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long use your normal shampoo before using ketoconazole.
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion: use twice a day
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £9.76
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.
Age from 5 years onwards
Multi-therapy: Selenium shampoo + betamethasone scalp application
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use twice a week
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Apply twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as necessary.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 5 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you need to shampoo your hair more often than twice a week, use your normal shampoo. Avoid using 48 hours before or after applying hair colouring, straightening, or waving preparations.
Betamethasone 0.1% scalp application: use twice a day
Betamethasone valerate 0.1% scalp application
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.92
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.
Multi-therapy: Selenium shampoo + mometasone scalp application
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use twice a week
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Apply twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as necessary.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 5 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you need to shampoo your hair more often than twice a week, use your normal shampoo. Avoid using 48 hours before or after applying hair colouring, straightening, or waving preparations.
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion: use once a day
Mometasone 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply a few drops to the affected area(s) of the scalp once a day. Massage in gently and thoroughly until the lotion disappears.
Supply 30 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.54
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 5 days for a child.
Multi-therapy: Selenium shampoo + hydrocortisone butyrate scalp application
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use twice a week
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Apply twice weekly for 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2 weeks, and then as necessary.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 5 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. If you need to shampoo your hair more often than twice a week, use your normal shampoo. Avoid using 48 hours before or after applying hair colouring, straightening, or waving preparations.
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion: use twice a day
Hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1% scalp lotion
Apply thinly to dry hair in the morning and at night. As your symptoms improve, this can be reduced.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £9.76
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Cover the area with a thin layer and massage in gently. Allow hair to dry naturally. Wash your hands after using this lotion. Use this scalp lotion until symptoms start to improve, do not use for longer than 7 days for a child.

Keratolytic (to remove scaling)

Age from 6 years onwards
Cocois Ointment
Cocois ointment
Apply to the scalp once a day for 3 to 7 days until symptoms improve. Then apply once a week when required to remove scaling.
Supply 100 grams.
Age: from 6 years onwards
NHS cost: £11.69
OTC cost: £20.60
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Gently rub the ointment into the scalp and leave for about one hour, then rinse off. Wash your hands immediately after use.
Sebco Ointment
Sebco ointment
Apply to the scalp once a day for 3 to 7 days until symptoms improve. Then apply once a week when required to remove scaling.
Supply 100 grams.
Age: from 6 years onwards
NHS cost: £8.52
OTC cost: £15.02
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Gently rub the ointment into the scalp and leave for about one hour, then rinse off. Wash your hands immediately after use.

Antifungal shampoo (prophylaxis)

Age from 1 year onwards
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use once every 1 to 2 weeks
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area once every 1 to 2 WEEKS when needed to control dandruff. Leave for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo. If your hair is very thick or long use your normal shampoo before using ketoconazole.
Age from 5 years onwards
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo: use as needed
Selenium sulphide 2.5% shampoo
Apply to the affected area when needed to control dandruff. Do not use more than twice a WEEK.
Supply 100 ml.
Age: from 5 years onwards
NHS cost: £1.96
OTC cost: £3.45
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet the hair then massage selenium sulphide into the affected area to form a lather. Leave for 3 minutes then rinse thoroughly and repeat. Do not use more often than directed. If you need to shampoo your hair more often, use your normal shampoo.

Scenario: Seborrhoeic dermatitis - face and body

What advice should I give?

  • Reassure the person that seborrhoeic dermatitis is not caused by lack of cleanliness or excessive dryness of the skin, and is not transmissable.
  • Explain that treatment cannot cure seborrhoeic dermatitis but can control it. Symptoms often recur after treatment has stopped.
  • Avoid using cosmetic products that contain alcohol.
  • Avoid using soap and shaving cream on the face if they cause irritation. Advise the use of non-greasy emollients or emollient soap substitutes.
  • A diet rich in yeast-containing products will not affect the disease. If the person has known dietary triggers, these should be avoided, and if the diet is generally poor, advise an improved diet.
  • Advise stress reduction, if possible.

In depth

How should I treat?

  • Consider ketoconazole 2% cream (or other topical imidazole) in all people with seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face and body. Continue treatment until the skin has improved to a level that is acceptable to the person.
  • Consider the addition of a mild topical corticosteroid cream, such as hydrocortisone 1% (or use of a combined imidazole and hydrocortisone preparation) to settle inflammation more quickly. Hydrocortisone 1% is well tolerated in long-term use (up to 6 months), but specialist advice should be sought if symptoms have not resolved at 6 months, or sooner if response to treatment is poor:
    • The use of topical corticosteroids needs to be balanced against their potential for adverse effects, particularly in people requiring treatment for frequent relapses.
  • If the eyelids are involved, consider daily hygiene measures using cotton buds moistened with baby shampoo. If this is not effective, seek specialist advice regarding further treatment.

In depth

What maintenance treatment is recommended?

  • Wash the affected area with ketoconazole 2% shampoo or apply ketoconazole 2% cream (or other topical imidazole), weekly or every other week (depending on the frequency of recurrence).
  • Avoid using topical corticosteroids for maintenance treatment.

In depth

How should I follow up?

  • Routine follow up is not usually required.
  • Advise the person to seek further medical advice if:
    • Response to treatment is poor.
    • Symptoms worsen despite treatment.
    • Signs of infection (e.g. crusting, oozing, bleeding) develop.

In depth

When should I refer?

  • Consider referral to a dermatologist if there is:
    • Diagnostic uncertainty.
    • Failure to respond to routine treatment.
    • Severe or widespread seborrhoeic dermatitis.
    • Eyelid involvement (where simple eyelid hygiene measures have been unsuccessful).

In depth

Prescriptions

Topical antifungal (treatment)

Age from 1 year onwards
Ketoconazole 2% cream: apply once or twice a day
Ketoconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area(s) once or twice a day. Continue for a few days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.54
Licensed use: yes
Clotrimazole 1% cream: apply two to three times a day
Clotrimazole 1% cream
Apply to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after area has healed.
Supply 20 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £2.91
OTC cost: £4.90
Licensed use: yes
Econazole 1% cream: apply twice a day
Econazole 1% cream
Apply to the affected area twice a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.21
Licensed use: yes
Miconazole 2% cream: apply twice a day
Miconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area twice a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 gram.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £1.93
OTC cost: £3.40
Licensed use: yes

Topical corticosteroid: add on to antifungal if severe

Age from 1 year onwards
Hydrocortisone 1% cream: apply thinly once or twice a day
Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Apply thinly to the affected area(s) once or twice a day.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £5.14
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Do not apply this cream around the eyes and eyelids. Use this cream until your symptoms have improved, but do not use it for more than 14 days.

Topical antifungal + corticosteroid

Age from 1 year onwards
Multi-therapy: Ketoconazole 2% + hydrocortisone 1% cream
Ketoconazole 2% cream: apply once or twice a day
Ketoconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area(s) once or twice a day. Continue for a few days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.54
Licensed use: yes
Hydrocortisone 1% cream: apply thinly once or twice a day
Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Apply thinly to the affected area(s) once or twice a day.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £5.14
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Do not apply this cream around the eyes and eyelids. Use this cream until your symptoms have improved, but do not use it for more than 14 days.
Clotrimazole 1% + hydrocortisone 1% cream
Clotrimazole 1% / Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Apply thinly to the affected area(s) once or twice a day.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £2.42
OTC cost: £4.15
Licensed use: yes
Miconazole 2% + hydrocortisone 1% cream
Miconazole 2% / Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Apply thinly to the affected area(s) once or twice a day.
Supply 30 gram.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £1.90
Licensed use: yes

Topical antifungal (prophylaxis)

Age from 1 year onwards
Ketoconazole 2% cream: apply once every 1 to 2 weeks
Ketoconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area once every 1 to 2 WEEKS.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £3.54
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: You may need to apply the cream more or less often depending on how you respond.
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use once every 1 to 2 weeks
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area once every 1 to 2 WEEKS. Leave for 3 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: from 1 year onwards
NHS cost: £4.66
OTC cost: £8.35
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use more often than directed.

Scenario: Seborrhoeic dermatitis - infants

What should I advise?

  • Reassure the parents that infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis is not a serious condition, does not usually trouble the infant, and will spontaneously resolve within weeks to a few months.
  • Try simple measures. Suggested methods include:
    • Regular washing of the scalp with a baby shampoo, followed by gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen scales and improve the condition.
    • Softening the scales with baby oil first, followed by gentle brushing, then washing off with baby shampoo.
    • Soaking the crusts overnight with white petroleum jelly or a slightly warmed vegetable or olive oil, and shampooing in the morning.
  • If these methods do not achieve softening, a greasy emollient or soap substitute, such as emulsifying ointment, can be used, which helps to remove the scales more easily.

In depth

How should I treat?

  • If simple measures are not effective, prescribe ketoconazole 2% cream once a day (or other topical imidazole). Ketoconazole shampoo is another option:
    • Treat until symptoms resolve. If symptoms persist longer than 4 weeks with treatment, seek specialist advice.
  • Topical corticosteroids are not usually advised, although they may be of use for certain infants with nappy rash. For more information, see the CKS topic on Nappy rash.

In depth

How should I treat recurrence?

  • Use clinical judgement depending on the overall duration and appearance of the rash, bearing in mind that seborrhoeic dermatitis in infants usually resolves spontaneously:
    • If confident that the diagnosis is correct, consider repeating a course of treatment.
    • If the diagnosis is uncertain, seek specialist advice.

In depth

When should I follow up?

  • Routine follow up is not usually required.
  • Advise seeking further medical advice if:
    • Response to treatment is poor.
    • Symptoms worsen despite treatment.
    • Signs of infection (e.g. crusting, oozing, bleeding) develop.

In depth

When should I refer?

  • Consider referral to a dermatologist if there is:
    • Diagnostic uncertainty.
    • Failure to respond to routine treatment.
    • Severe or widespread seborrhoeic dermatitis.
    • Eyelid involvement (where simple eyelid hygiene measures have been unsuccessful).

In depth

Prescriptions

Antifungal cream

Age under 11 months
Econazole 1% cream: apply twice a day
Econazole 1% cream
Apply to the affected area twice a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: under 11 months
NHS cost: £3.21
Licensed use: yes
Clotrimazole 1% cream: apply 2 or 3 times a day
Clotrimazole 1% cream
Apply to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after area has healed.
Supply 20 grams.
Age: under 11 months
NHS cost: £2.91
OTC cost: £4.90
Licensed use: yes
Miconazole 2% cream: apply twice a day
Miconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area twice a day. Continue for 2 to 3 days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 gram.
Age: under 11 months
NHS cost: £1.93
OTC cost: £3.40
Licensed use: yes
Age under 1 year
Ketoconazole 2% cream: apply once or twice a day
Ketoconazole 2% cream
Apply to the affected area(s) once or twice a day. Continue for a few days after the affected area has healed.
Supply 30 grams.
Age: under 1 year
NHS cost: £3.54
Licensed use: yes

Antifungal shampoo

Age under 1 year
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo: use twice a week
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
Apply to the affected area twice a WEEK for 2 to 4 weeks until symptoms have cleared.
Supply 120 ml.
Age: under 1 year
NHS cost: £4.74
Licensed use: yes
Patient information: Wet hair thoroughly and massage a small amount of ketoconazole shampoo into the affected area. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Do not use ketoconazole shampoo more than twice a week. If you need to shampoo the hair more often, use your normal baby shampoo.

Scenario: Seborrhoeic dermatitis - severe or widespread

How should I manage severe or widespread seborrhoeic dermatitis?

  • Consider whether the diagnosis of seborrhoeic dermatitis is correct and whether the person may be immunocompromised (e.g. HIV infection):
    • Consider blood tests based on clinical judgement (e.g. full blood count, glucose measurement, viral serology).
  • Refer to a dermatologist and seek specialist advice as to whether treatment is needed while the person is waiting to be seen.

In depth

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