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. 2015 Dec;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019.
doi: 10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. Epub 2015 Dec 15.

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review

Luis J Borda  1 , Tongyu C Wikramanayake  1
Affiliations

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review

Luis J Borda et al. J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) and dandruff are of a continuous spectrum of the same disease that affects the seborrheic areas of the body. Dandruff is restricted to the scalp, and involves itchy, flaking skin without visible inflammation. SD can affect the scalp as well as other seborrheic areas, and involves itchy and flaking or scaling skin, inflammation and pruritus. Various intrinsic and environmental factors, such as sebaceous secretions, skin surface fungal colonization, individual susceptibility, and interactions between these factors, all contribute to the pathogenesis of SD and dandruff. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on SD and dandruff, including epidemiology, burden of disease, clinical presentations and diagnosis, treatment, genetic studies in humans and animal models, and predisposing factors. Genetic and biochemical studies and investigations in animal models provide further insight on the pathophysiology and strategies for better treatment.

Keywords: Dandruff; Epidermal barrier; Malassezia; Sebaceous gland; Seborrheic dermatitis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Predisposing factors and their interactions in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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