Home / Medical dermatology / Seborrheic dermatitis
Medical dermatology
Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff treatment in Richardson, TX
Treatment for a flaky, itchy scalp and for red, scaly patches on the face and chest, from a board-certified dermatologist.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
What causes seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, long-term condition that causes flaking, redness and itch in oily areas of the skin: the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, beard area and chest. Dandruff is its mildest form. It is linked to a yeast that normally lives on everyone's skin and to the way the skin reacts to it.
It is not contagious, and it has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Flares are more likely with stress, fatigue and cold, dry weather. In babies it appears as cradle cap. On darker skin tones it can leave lighter or darker patches, especially around the hairline and on the face.
When to see a dermatologist
Dandruff shampoo has not controlled the flaking after a month
You have redness and scale on your face, ears or eyebrows
Your scalp is very itchy, sore or crusted
You have thick scale or hair loss, which can point to another condition
Where seborrheic dermatitis shows up
Scalp. From fine dandruff to thick, greasy scale and itch.
Face.Flaking in the eyebrows, between the brows and in the creases beside the nose.
Ears. Scale and itch in and behind the ears.
Beard and mustache area. Flakes and redness under facial hair.
Chest and skin folds. Scaly patches on the upper chest, back and underarms.
Infants. Cradle cap on the scalp, which usually clears on its own within a few months.
Treatment
How we treat seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis comes and goes, so the goal is to clear a flare and then keep it quiet with a simple routine. Dr. Riemenschneider fits the plan to your hair type and how often you wash, since that changes how medicated shampoos should be used.
Medicated shampoos. Ingredients such as ketoconazole, ciclopirox or selenium sulfide, with instructions on how often to use them and how long to leave them on.
Antifungal creams. For the face, ears and chest.
Anti-inflammatory treatment. Short courses of a mild steroid or a non-steroid cream, foam or solution to calm redness and itch.
Maintenance plan. A once or twice weekly routine that keeps flares from coming back, including options for textured hair.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
Tell us what you have tried. Shampoos, how often you wash and what seems to bring on a flare.
Dr. Riemenschneider examines your scalp and skin. She rules out look-alikes such as psoriasis, eczema and fungal infection.
You leave with a plan. A routine for flares and for upkeep, with any prescriptions sent to your pharmacy.
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about seborrheic dermatitis
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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Dandruff is the mild end of the same condition: flaking without much redness. When the scalp becomes red, itchy and scaly, or the face and ears are involved, it is called seborrheic dermatitis.
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No. The yeast involved lives on everyone's skin. Seborrheic dermatitis reflects how your skin reacts to it, not something you caught.
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Not directly. Heavy inflammation and scratching can cause temporary shedding, and hair usually returns once the scalp is under control. Hair loss with thick scale should be examined to rule out other causes.
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It depends on your hair type. Oil and scale build up between washes, so more frequent washing helps many people. For coily or textured hair, we set up a schedule and products that treat the scalp without drying the hair.
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Usually, yes. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare from time to time, which is why a maintenance routine is part of every plan.
Related care Hair loss Psoriasis Eczema Rosacea All medical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
Plan your visit
See a dermatologist for a flaky, itchy scalp in Richardson
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300