Dermatitis, Seborrhoeic

Description

General measures

Medicine treatment

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L21.0-1/L21.8-9

DESCRIPTION

• Dandruff is an uninflamed form of seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Pruritus may or may not be present in seborrhoeic dermatitis
• The scalp, face, ears and skin folds e.g. axillae, groins, under the breasts are commonly affected
• May become very extensive, particularly in infants and HIV infected patients

GENERAL MEASURES

• Trim nails
• Avoid scratching
• Avoid perfumed soap

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Hydrocortisone 1%, topical, apply twice daily until improved
  • Then apply once or twice weekly for maintenance as needed

For severe dermatitis:

• Corticosteroid, potent, topical e.g: (Doctor prescribed)
• Betamethasone 0.1%, topical, applied once daily for 5–7 days
  • Do not apply to face neck and flexures

For itching scalp, scaling and dandruff:

• Selenium sulphide, 2.5% suspension, apply weekly
  • Lather on the scalp
  • Rinse off after 10 minutes
  • Apply weekly, until improved and every second week to maintain control

LoE: IIb²³

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Review-Version-2.0-November-2025

Chapter 5: Skin Conditions_5.8.3 Dermatitis, Seborrhoeic