Seborrheic Dermatitis — controlled by dermatologists, not medicated shampoos alone
A chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition driven by yeast overgrowth — explained and managed with evidence-based precision at DermaVue's 7 clinics across Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis causes red, flaky, greasy patches on the scalp, face, and chest — areas where oil glands are most active. It is not caused by poor hygiene. The underlying driver is an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast that feeds on skin oils, triggering inflammation. Stress, fatigue, weather changes, and Kerala's humidity can all trigger flares. The condition is chronic and tends to relapse, but with the right combination of antifungal therapy, anti-inflammatory agents, and maintenance protocols, flares can be controlled and intervals between episodes significantly extended. DermaVue dermatologists design personalised regimens based on affected area, severity, and skin type.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory dermatosis of sebum-rich skin regions — scalp, face (nasolabial folds, eyebrows, glabella), retroauricular area, and presternal chest. Pathogenesis centres on the commensal lipophilic yeast Malassezia globosa and M. restricta, which hydrolyse sebaceous triglycerides via lipase activity, releasing oleic acid and other unsaturated fatty acids that penetrate the stratum corneum and trigger a non-immunogenic irritant inflammatory response mediated by IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α.[1] Individual susceptibility is modulated by sebaceous gland density, sebum composition, epidermal barrier integrity, and immune status — explaining increased prevalence and severity in HIV/AIDS and neurological conditions (Parkinson's disease). Histopathology shows spongiotic dermatitis with "shoulder" parakeratosis centred on follicular ostia.
What does Seborrheic Dermatitis look like?
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Scalp Flaking
Erythematous Patches
Greasy Scales
Scalp Pruritus
Facial Involvement
Chest & Trunk Patches
Recurrent Flares
Secondary Infection
What actually causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
Malassezia Yeast Overgrowth
Excess Sebum Production
Immune Dysregulation
Stress & Fatigue
Kerala's Tropical Humidity
Harsh Topicals & Steroid Misuse
- 3–5% of adults have clinically significant seborrheic dermatitis; up to 50% have dandruff (its mildest form)
- Men are affected more frequently than women — androgen-driven sebaceous gland activity is a contributing factor
- Peak onset occurs in young adults (18–40) with a second peak after age 50
- Kerala's humid climate promotes Malassezia proliferation and is a recognized trigger for recurrent flares
- Immunocompromised individuals (HIV, organ transplant recipients, neurological conditions like Parkinson's) have markedly higher prevalence and severity
What happens at your DermaVue consultation?
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
Clinical Examination & Distribution Mapping
Dermoscopy
KOH Mount & Fungal Culture (if needed)
Differential Diagnosis Workup
Personalised Management Plan
Seborrheic Dermatitis treatments we offer
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Topical Antifungal Therapy
Topical Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Phototherapy (NB-UVB)
Chemical Peels
HydraFacial
Maintenance Protocol
Your Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment timeline
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Watch: Seborrheic Dermatitis treatment at DermaVue
Our dermatologists explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis
Dandruff and Scalp Conditions — Treatment Guide
Frequently asked questions about Seborrheic Dermatitis
No, seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from or spread it to another person. Malassezia yeast is part of the normal skin flora present on everyone's skin. The condition develops because of an individual's inflammatory response to the yeast, not because of infection or transmission.
Dandruff is the mildest form of seborrheic dermatitis, limited to scalp flaking without significant inflammation. When the condition progresses to include redness, greasy yellowish scales, and involvement beyond the scalp (face, ears, chest), it is classified as seborrheic dermatitis. Both share the same underlying Malassezia-driven mechanism.
Psoriasis produces thick, silvery-white, dry scales on well-demarcated plaques, often extending beyond the scalp to elbows, knees, and nails. Seborrheic dermatitis produces yellowish, greasy scales in sebum-rich areas — nasolabial folds, eyebrows, behind the ears. Some patients have overlap ("sebopsoriasis") requiring combined treatment. A dermatologist can differentiate using clinical examination and dermoscopy.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that tends to relapse. There is currently no permanent cure. However, it can be effectively controlled with maintenance antifungal therapy and trigger avoidance. Many patients achieve long periods of remission with the right dermatologist-guided protocol. The goal of treatment is sustained control and extended flare-free intervals — not a one-time fix.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Medicated shampoos and topical antifungals are generally affordable prescription items. Chemical peel sessions range ₹1,500–3,500 per session. HydraFacial starts at ₹3,999. Phototherapy sessions are priced per session based on the area treated. Full treatment costs are discussed transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges.
Kerala's tropical humidity creates warm, moist conditions on the skin surface that promote Malassezia yeast proliferation and can trigger or worsen flares. Sweat and environmental moisture disrupt the skin barrier in sebum-rich zones. DermaVue dermatologists factor in local climate when designing treatment plans, recommending appropriate cleansing frequency, antifungal maintenance schedules, and barrier-repair strategies suited to humid conditions.
Stop managing Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Start clearing it.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations