Seborrheic dermatitis on the face: symptoms, causes and treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis on the face is the second most common location for this condition to appear, after the scalp. It’s the most obvious form of the condition, and in over 65% of cases of seborrheic dermatitis, the face is affected⁽¹⁾.
What are the characteristic symptoms of facial dermatitis? What areas of the face can be affected? Have the causes been identified to date? What treatments are available to remedy this? Here's what you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis on the face.

Understanding seborrheic dermatitis of the face

Generally speaking, facial dermatitis occurs when the skin is irritated and redness appears: this is a sign of an inflammation. 

Seborrheic dermatitis of the face is a skin condition characterised by an inflammation of the skin, flaky skin (dead skin peeling off) and very often by an itching sensation. This inflammatory phenomenon is the result of a combination of several factors, such as genetic and environmental factors (stress, hormonal changes, fatigue, cold, heat, perspiration, diet, alcohol, tobacco,etc.), although it is not yet fully understood how these factors cause inflammation. 

To treat these symptoms effectively, it is important to target these triggers. A comprehensive approach, taking all these factors into account, is essential for managing seborrheic dermatitis of the face. 

How does facial seborrheic dermatitis manifest itself?

Many people confuse seborrheic dermatitis with simple skin sensitivity. However, seborrheic dermatitis of the face is a very specific condition. 
It manifests itself through oily and sometimes crusty scales (small patches) on the face. Unlike scales on the scalp, itching is often less severe. The areas of the face affected can vary from person to person and over time. 

Areas affected by facial seborrheic dermatitis

Symptoms can appear in different areas of the face, including:

• The hairline
• The eyebrows
• The edge of the eyelid
• The nasolabial folds (creases from the wing of the nose to the corner of the mouth)
• The wings of the nose
• Behind the ears (retroauricular region)
• The external auditory canal
• The beard and moustache may also be affected. 

They are often symmetrical. In the most severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis of the face, lesions can become red, inflamed and covered with oily or crusty scales. 

Risk factors

Here are some risk factors commonly associated with facial dermatitis: 

• Environmental factors such as stress, fatigue and hormonal changes, which can influence the activity of the sebaceous glands, leadnig to an imbalance in the skin microbiome and the growth of the yeast Malassezia.
• Genetic factors: if members of your family have already had seborrheic dermatitis, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Certain medical conditions: the presence of other inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, chronic fatigue, immune deficiencies or Parkinson's disease can also increase the risk. 

It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to assess your specific risk factors and obtain appropriate advice. 

If necessary, your doctor may also prescribe antifungal and anti-inflammatory treatments, to be applied locally or taken orally, depending on the severity of the seborrheic dermatitis.