Length of Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder usually appearing on the scalp, in the groin and around the nose and eyebrows, where sebaceous glands are numerous. Length of treatment depends on severity, complicating factors, drug regimes, and adherence to prescribed treatments.

Topical Applications

• Apply a corticosteroid lotion to affected areas twice daily until scaling and redness are controlled. In facial areas, apply hydrocortisone cream two or three times daily. When controlled, decrease to one application per day. Application of ketoconazole cream such as Nizoral twice daily for one to two weeks can cause an abatement that lasts for months.

Medicated Shampoo

• For adults, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid or tar shampoo should be used daily or every other day until dandruff is controlled and then twice per week to maintain scalp health. If further treatment is needed, a corticosteroid lotion can be rubbed into the scalp twice daily. Treat until scaling and redness are controlled; treatment times will vary depending on severity.

Infants and Children

• For infants, use baby shampoo daily and rub in hydrocortisone cream twice daily. For thick scales on the scalp, mix 2 percent salicylic acid (such as Stridex) with olive oil and rub in with a toothbrush to dislodge scales before shampooing. Treat until symptoms abate.