Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic papulosquamous disorder affecting infants and

adults alike. It is characteristically found in regions of the body with high concentrations of
sebaceous follicles and active sebaceous glands including the face, scalp, ears, upper trunk, and
flexures (inguinal, inframammary, and axillary).1 Less commonly involved sites include
interscapular, umbilical, perineum, and the anogenital crease.2 The dermatitis presents with
pink to erythematous, superficial patches and plaques with a yellow, branny and sometimes
greasy scale. Excessive flaking on the face and scalp can lead to social embarrassment which
can have a negative impact on ones quality of life, especially in women, younger patients, and
those with a higher educational level.3 Mild forms are most commonly encountered, but severe
psoriatic and erythrodermic forms can be seen as well.1 Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the
most common dermatoses seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients along with certain neurological disorders such as
Parkinson disease.4,5 These patients tend to have widespread, erythrodermic, and treatment
resistant forms. Severe forms are also seen with immunosupression in premature infants and
congestive heart failure patients.6,7 African-Americans and other darkly pigmented races are
susceptible to the annular or petaloid variant of seborrheic dermatitis, which may be confused
for discoid lupus, secondary syphilis, or sarcoidosis.8 A rare pityriasiform variety of seborrheic
dermatitis with ovoid scaling patches can be seen on the trunk and the neck, mimicking
pityriasis rosea and secondary syphilis. A higher incidence of seborrheic dermatitis is also seen
in patients with alcoholism and endocrinologic diseases that lead to obesity.9