The characteristic feature of seborrhea, more accurately termed seborrheic dermatitis, is oily, scaly patches of skin. These patches typically appear yellowish or white, and often have a shiny appearance. On lighter skin tones, the patches may appear reddish, while on darker skin tones, they may appear as lighter patches of scaly skin. Importantly, these patches are often not itchy, although this can vary.
Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis:
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting the scalp, face, and other areas rich in oil glands. The condition manifests as:
- Oily, scaly patches: These are the hallmark of seborrheic dermatitis. The scales can be yellow, white, or even reddish depending on skin tone.
- Location: Common areas affected include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, and behind the ears. It can occur on the chest and back in some individuals.
- Variable Symptoms: While often non-itchy, some individuals experience itching or irritation. The severity can also fluctuate.
Several sources confirm this description:
- The Mayo Clinic describes seborrheic dermatitis as causing "a rash of oily patches with yellow or white scales." https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
- The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes it as "a scaly rash" that can appear on various parts of the body. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/seborrheic-dermatitis-symptoms
- A February 2015 article in American Family Physician highlights "scaling, erythema (redness)," as characteristic symptoms. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2015/0201/p185.html
While Quizlet mentions "excessively oily skin" as a characteristic, it's important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by localized oily, scaly patches rather than excessively oily skin overall. https://quizlet.com/369516550/chapter-15-facial-treatments-flash-cards/
