Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis literally means inflammation of the oil-forming glands in the skin, particularly in hairy parts of the body such as the scalp, chest and groin, but also affecting the forehead, cheeks and nose. It is a very common problem in people with symptomatic HIV infection.1,2,3

Its cause is unclear, but may be related to a fungal infection. The Malassezia species of yeasts have been implicated in several skin conditions including seborrhoeic dermatitis.

References

  1. Cockerell CJ Seborrheic dermatitis-like and atopic dermatitis-like eruptions in HIV-infected patients. Clin Dermatol 9: 49-51, 1991
  2. Froschl M et al. Seborrheic dermatitis and atopic eczema in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Semin Dermatol 9: 230-232, 1990
  3. Marino CT et al. Seborrheic dermatitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Cutis 48: 217-218, 1991
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