What does an oily scalp feel like with seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis often affects oilier areas, including the scalp, hairline, eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears. The scalp may feel slick at the roots while the skin underneath feels irritated or sensitive. Scale can be fine and loose or thicker, yellowish, and attached to the skin. Symptoms commonly fluctuate, and scratching can increase tenderness or create small breaks in the skin. Other causes of scale can look similar, including psoriasis and product irritation.

Cleanse the scalp gently and use a medicated shampoo recommended for seborrheic dermatitis according to its directions. Work shampoo into the scalp, rinse fully, and avoid vigorous scratching. Keep hair products away from irritated skin when possible, and wash pillowcases or hats regularly if they collect scale or oil. A clinician can advise whether a short course of another topical treatment is appropriate for inflamed areas.

Seek medical advice if the scalp is very sore, cracked, oozing, swollen, or associated with patchy hair loss. Review is also sensible when symptoms spread to the eyelids or ear canals, disturb sleep, or do not improve with consistent scalp care.

Ask how to distinguish seborrheic dermatitis from psoriasis, how long to use a medicated shampoo, whether facial areas need a separate product, and which signs suggest infection.