Condition guide

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Managing Flaky, Red, Greasy Patches

Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes flaky, red patches on the scalp, face and chest. Here's what helps, what to avoid, and when to get treatment.

What it is

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common, long-term condition causing flaky, sometimes red and greasy patches where the skin has more oil glands: the scalp (where it overlaps with dandruff), sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and chest. It is linked to a yeast that normally lives on skin, so it tends to come and go rather than being a simple allergy.

What helps

What to avoid

Harsh, fragranced or heavy greasy products that can aggravate it, and over-washing or scrubbing the patches.

Not the same as simple irritation

Because a yeast is involved, plain “gentle skincare” alone often is not enough, the antifungal element usually matters. A pharmacist can recommend suitable over-the-counter options.

When to see a doctor

If it is widespread, stubborn, very red or affecting eyelids, see a GP or dermatologist, who can prescribe stronger antifungal or anti-inflammatory treatment.

Tools that help

To check a product, a free analyser like Skincarisma lets you paste a product at your desk and see the ingredients you are avoiding flagged in the ingredient list, and SkinSAFE lets you filter a product catalogue to screen out the ingredients you are avoiding and other allergens. These rate a product on general criteria rather than against your own list.

Once you know what you are screening for, a personal-list app like ClearaScan lets you save the ingredients you react to once and scan any product to flag only your triggers. It also keeps a Reaction Journal for flare-ups, a shared Care Circle so family or carers can scan for you, and a Trusted Products list for items you have cleared, and it is currently in early access. (Disclosure: our editor co-founded ClearaScan, and we are not paid to mention the others.)

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A note on this content. The Sensitive Skin Lab publishes general educational information, not medical advice. If you suspect you have an allergy or sensitivity, consult a qualified dermatologist or allergist. Product formulations and labels change without notice, so always check the ingredients on the product itself.