Mitchell J. Mandel, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist, founder · All offices
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff
Medically reviewed by Mitchell J. Mandel, M.D., F.A.A.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. Last reviewed .
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that causes flaky, greasy or scaly patches on oily areas of the body. On the scalp, a mild form is known as dandruff. In babies, it is called cradle cap.
It is linked to a yeast that normally lives on the skin and the body's reaction to it. It is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene.
Signs and symptoms
- White or yellow flakes on the scalp, eyebrows or beard
- Red, pink or lighter patches on the face, especially around the nose and eyebrows
- Scaling behind the ears or on the chest
- Itching or burning
How we treat it
- Medicated shampoos with ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione
- Prescription creams and foams to calm redness and scaling
- A maintenance plan to keep flares from returning
Where it is offered
Offered at all of our offices.
Seborrheic dermatitis Q&A
Will it go away?
Seborrheic dermatitis tends to come and go. Treatment controls it, and a maintenance routine helps keep it from coming back.
Does it cause hair loss?
It does not usually cause lasting hair loss. Scratching and inflammation can cause some temporary shedding.
What makes it worse?
Stress, cold dry weather and illness can trigger flares.
Who you can see
Dustin Marks, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Upper East Side
Emily Tongdee, MD, FAAD
Dermatologist · Downtown Brooklyn
Emma Newman, PA-C
Physician assistant · Upper East Side
Grace Jarrett, PA-C
Physician assistant · Downtown Brooklyn
Leah Aminov, PA-C
Physician assistant · Greenvale
Karen Chen, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Paige Yurick, PA-C
Physician assistant · Streeterville
Arielle Ades, DNP, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Francesca Raedel, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Jennifer Telgener, FNP-BC
Nurse practitioner · Boulder
Christine Sacco, FNP-C
Nurse practitioner · Palm Beach Gardens