How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Diagnosed and Treated in Black People? – Healthline

According to the National Eczema Association, eczema affects roughly 31.6 million people in the United States. Eczema is an umbrella term for multiple skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, that are characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of chronic eczema that has a very distinct presentation especially in the way that it can appear on the skin in Black people.

In this article, well explore what seborrheic dermatitis is, how it may present in Brown and Black skin, and how to treat and manage this chronic skin condition.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes skin redness, scaly patches of skin, and dandruff. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is known as cradle or crib cap and causes oily or crusty patches of skin on the infants scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

It often appears in areas where the skin is oilier, such as the:

Generally, in all skin types, seborrheic dermatitis causes red and inflamed skin, which is often covered with greasy, scaly patches or flakes of dandruff. However, Black people with seborrheic dermatitis may also notice additional symptoms of this condition that typically only present in people of color.

According to 2019 research, seborrheic dermatitis was found to be among the top diagnosed skin conditions in Black people, especially Black women. However, differences in the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis on black and brown skin can lead to inequalities in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Although seborrheic dermatitis is commonly described as red, scaly, patchy skin, this condition can often appear differently on Black skin. In addition to the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis mentioned above, in Black people or other people of color, this condition may also appear as:

Due to the differences in how seborrheic dermatitis can present itself, it can sometimes be more difficult for Black people and other people of color to receive an accurate diagnosis for this condition.

If you have noticed patches of red, inflamed, or scaly skin, areas of hypopigmentation, or excess flaking, talk with a healthcare professional to see if you may have seborrheic dermatitis.

If you have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, it can be treated with both at-home remedies and medical treatments, depending on the severity of your condition.

Although medical treatments are available for seborrheic dermatitis, at-home remedies are usually the first line of treatment to manage this chronic condition. At-home treatments can help reduce inflammation and other symptoms, and may include:

In infants with cradle cap, daily, gentle washing of the scalp can help soften the scaly patches so that they can be brushed or combed away.

When at-home remedies arent enough, prescription-strength topical and oral medications can be used to reduce inflammation and other resistant symptoms. Available medications for seborrheic dermatitis include:

Although medical treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis can help keep symptoms under control, lifestyle changes are important to help limit your exposure to potential triggers and reduce flare-ups. Below, weve outlined some tips for keeping your skin happy and healthy while reducing the recurrence of flare-ups:

While seborrheic dermatitis can affect all skin types, the lesions associated with this condition can sometimes have unique symptoms in Black people and people of color. Not all dermatologists have experience in treating skin conditions in people of color, so it is important to utilize resources to find the right care for you.

If you have been diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis, reach out to a qualified dermatologist in your area to create a personalized treatment plan. This can help you manage your symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

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How Is Seborrheic Dermatitis Diagnosed and Treated in Black People? - Healthline