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Some can affect the entire body and some just the scalp. Eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are among the most common.
Eczema is a term to describe specific skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, hand dermatitis and asteatotic eczema. It is an itchy, red, scaling, weeping, oozing skin condition. It may be present in and of itself in skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or dry skin eczema (winter itch). Or it may be in the form of athlete's foot, ringworm or poison ivy. Most commonly dermatologists prescribe topical steroids for eczema.
Psoriasis is a disorder in which skin grows and replaces itself too rapidly, causing a buildup of red, thickened areas with silvery scales. These scales flake off easily and often, causing the red areas to grow larger still — and the cycle continues. Psoriasis usually develops on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back — and often appears in the same place on both sides of the body. Psoriasis can often be effectively controlled with steroid treatment.
Millions of Americans are affected by seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a noncontagious skin disorder that may appear as red, inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales that are often white, yellowish or gray. It is commonly seen on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, behind the ears and on the chest. Periodically, and usually unpredictably, the skin starts reproducing itself faster than normal. When this happens, the extra skin can't be shed fast enough, so flakes appear. Anyone at any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis. It is most common in infants younger than three months of age and among adults age 30 and older. The condition is slightly more common in men than women and usually first appears in patients who are in their teens and 20s. Safe and effective treatment is available for infants and adults.
If you suspect you have some form of dermatitis, use our Self-Assess Your Skin Tool to help determine which type, then visit your dermatologist. If you don't have a dermatologist, locate one in your area with the DermFinder.
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