Skin Health More Skin Conditions Rough Red Rash on the Face By Susan J. Huang, MD Susan J. Huang, MD Facebook Twitter Susan Huang, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Sutter Health. She is also an instructor at Harvard Medical School. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 30, 2021 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is board-certified in cosmetic and medical dermatology. She is an assistant professor at Columbia University and works in private practice in New York City. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked by Angela Underwood Fact checked by Angela Underwood LinkedIn Angela Underwood's extensive local, state, and federal healthcare and environmental news coverage includes 911 first-responder compensation policy to the Ciba-Geigy water contamination case in Toms River, NJ. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. Learn about our editorial process Print A good number of patients present reporting a red, dry rash on the face, often affecting the sides of the nose and eyebrow area. Often, this is caused by a rash called seborrheic dermatitis. While many people may think of seborrheic dermatitis as a scalp condition, it can also affect the face, chest, and other hair-bearing areas. Sometimes, this condition is referred to as seborrheic eczema. When affecting the scalp, it may be referred to as dandruff when mild, or as scalp psoriasis, or as cradle cap in babies. doble-d / Getty Images What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition. Inflammation in the skin is caused by the presence of certain cells and a type of yeast, called Malessezia furfur, which then leads to rashes such as seborrheic dermatitis. Often, this inflammation is marked by accompanying redness. Some of this inflammation can make the scalp feel itchy as well. Seborrheic dermatitis itself is not a life-threatening condition in general, although in rare cases, it can be widespread and affect the majority of the skin surface, leading to complications found in erythroderma. These cases are rare and more common in certain populations such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Causes While the exact cause is not known, the involvement of the Malassezia yeast has been implicated based on the observation that treatment with an anti-yeast agent such as ketoconazole may improve the condition. This is also based on the observation that this condition tends to affect areas with high sebum content which can help promote yeast growth. We do know that inflammation is present in this condition and some experts postulate that the inflammation is in reaction to the yeast. Symptoms There is a whole range of presentations of seborrheic dermatitis. Here, we discuss the involvement of the face. However, this rash can actually affect many other areas, especially those high in sebaceous glands like the back, nose, and scalp. The scalp is another commonly affected area. When seborrheic dermatitis affects the face, it often affects the area between the eyebrows, over the eyebrows, on the sides of the nose including the folds on the side of the nose. It often affects the hairline as well, often extending into the scalp. When seborrheic dermatitis appears on the face, there may be variable amounts of flaking skin, redness and itch. When mild, the skin may appear just slightly pink with very small amounts of flaking. When severe, there can be more intense redness and flaking. The amount of itch, irritation, or burning can vary as well. Treatment Many people think that peeling off the flaking skin will help the rash. However, this does not help treat the rash and can actually irritate the rash even more. People with seborrheic dermatitis often opt for treatment for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons. Treatment is often topical and may consist of over-the-counter or prescription lotions, solutions, soaps, or washes. Over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo is sometimes used as a face wash including those containing selenium, salicylic acid, tar, zinc or ketoconazole may be helpful. Stronger ketoconazole preparations in wash or cream form, as well as topical steroid lotions or solutions, are available by prescription. Your healthcare provider can tell you how to use these prescription medications. How Do You Get Prescription Medications for Seborrheic Dermatitis? In many cases, your primary care provider can provide these medications. In more severe or stubborn cases, you may want to see a dermatologist. Prognosis Seborrheic dermatitis is often considered a chronic condition where it is not cured, but rather, is controlled through the above treatments if desired. The condition may get better and worse on its own at different times as well. 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA. Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. American Family Physician. 2015;91(3):185-190. Mameri ACA, Carneiro S, Mameri LMA, Telles da Cunha JM, Ramos-E-Silva M. History of seborrheic dermatitis: conceptual and clinico-pathologic evolution. Skinmed. 2017;15(3):187-194. Valenzuela F, Fernández J, Sánchez M, Zamudio A. Erythrodermic psoriasis and human immunodeficiency virus: association and therapeutic challenges. An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(3):438-440. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20187387 Clark GW, Pope SM, Jaboori KA. Diagnosis and Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Feb 1;91(3):185-190. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Seborrheic Dermatitis. National Eczema Foundation. Seborrheic Dermatitis. John Hopkins Medicine. Seborrheic Dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 10 Reasons Your Face is Red. Pray SW, Pray GE. Is it Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis? US Pharm. 2013;38(6):26-31. By Susan J. Huang, MD Susan Huang, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Sutter Health. She is also an instructor at Harvard Medical School. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit