In seborrheic eczema (synonyms: Dermatitis seborrhoica capitis; Dermatitis seborrhoica infantum; Eczema, seborrheic; Unna’s disease; Seborrheic dermatitis; ICD-10 L21.-: Seborrheic eczema) is a greasy, scaly inflammation of the skin. It occurs mainly in areas of the skin where there are many sebaceous glands, such as on the hairy head, face and trunk.
Different forms can be distinguished:
- Dermatitis seborrhoica infantum (seborrheic infant eczema; known by the common name of grind or head gneiss) – occurring in infants during the first three months of life/rarely within the following 15 months; occurs in approximately 5% of infants; course is self-limiting; heals without sequelae.
- Dermatitis seborrhoica capitis – occurring on the hairy head.
Sex ratio: men are more often affected than women.
Frequency peak: dermatitis seborrhoica infantum often occurs in infants in the first months of life. Dermatitis seborrhoica capitis usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. In women, the disease occurs mainly after menopause (menopause).
The prevalence (disease frequency) is 1-10% (in Germany).
Course and prognosis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a harmless but common skin disease. It is not contagious. Some affected individuals have itchy skin areas. Scratching can cause the skin to become inflamed and bleed. Appropriate shampoos and creams help the skin areas return to normal. Seborrheic eczema is often recurrent (recurring) and can become chronic.
