Seborrheic Dermatitis: From Adolescence to Adulthood

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin condition that often begins in adolescence, with an estimated prevalence of approximately 10%. The severity of SD varies widely, from mild dandruff to severe erythema, scaling, and flaking, which can be distressing and can impact an adolescent's quality of life. In individuals with darker skin tones, hypopigmentation may be observed. While the exact cause of SD remains unclear, a combination of environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors are believed to contribute to its development. Some researchers identify Malassezia yeast as central to the pathogenesis of SD, while others point to individual susceptibility factors that contribute to skin barrier dysfunction. Treatment strategies focus on controlling flare-ups and preventing recurrence, with options that include topical antifungals, corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and, more recently, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors. Health care providers should collaborate with patients to identify a treatment plan that is both effective and well tolerated. [Pediatr Ann. 2025;54(6):e203-e208.].