Conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis: dandruff, face and cradle cap
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes white or yellowish, greasy, itchy scales, mostly on the scalp (dandruff), eyebrows, sides of the nose and behind the ears. It is not contagious and is controlled with medicated shampoos and creams. The doctor evaluates you by video and, if appropriate, prescribes treatment and we send it to your pharmacy.
Is it an emergency? Call 911.
Is this an emergency?
This is not an emergency service. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Very red, hot, swollen skin that is spreading, with fever
- A baby with fever, who will not feed or who seems very ill
- A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher
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At a glance
Seborrheic dermatitis
Common symptoms
- White or yellowish scales (dandruff)
- Greasy, oily skin in those areas
- Itching
- Mild redness
- Other names
- Dandruff · Cradle cap · Seborrheic eczema
- Treatment
- Medicated shampoos and creams; topical antifungals or corticosteroids when the medical evaluation calls for them
On this page(9)
What is seborrheic dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that makes white or yellowish scales on oily areas. Dandruff is its mildest form. When it affects a baby's scalp, it is called cradle cap.
The exact cause is not known. According to MedlinePlus, oil gland activity, a yeast that lives on the skin (Malassezia), skin barrier changes and genetics may play a role. It gets worse with stress, fatigue, weather extremes and alcohol, and it is more common in people with Parkinson disease or after a stroke. It is long-lasting: it comes and goes, but it can be controlled. It is not contagious and not caused by poor hygiene.
It is different from eczema (atopic dermatitis) and contact dermatitis; if that is what you have, see eczema and dermatitis.
How we treat seborrheic dermatitis by video
You see Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, a Puerto Rico–licensed general practice physician with several years of emergency-department experience, in English or Spanish. This condition shows up well on camera; if the doctor asks, you can send photos through the secure link.
We evaluate, diagnose and treat. The doctor explains which shampoo or cream to use and how, and if over-the-counter products have not worked, if appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. If a treatment already works for you, you can request a refill in a follow-up visit. See also online skin care.
Your doctor
Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD
General practice physician
Several years of emergency-department experience.
Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative.
Your visit in 3 steps
Request a visit online 24/7 — we confirm your time by email or text.
Request your visit.
Book a visit and choose "Doctor visit". You pay by card when you request it.
See the doctor by video.
We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
Get your plan.
We explain how to use the shampoo or cream and, if appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy.
What the visit costs
Seborrheic dermatitis is handled in a US$79 doctor visit, the same price for every age, with no membership. A refill of a treatment you already use is a US$49 follow-up visit. You pay by card when you request the visit, with a full refund if it can't take place. See all prices.
Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms
It appears on the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear and on the middle of the chest. The most common symptoms are:
- White or yellowish scales (dandruff)
- Greasy, oily skin in those areas
- Itching
- Mild redness
Treatment: medicated shampoos and creams
MedlinePlus lists over-the-counter shampoos and creams that help, with salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcinol, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. Leave the shampoo on for a few minutes before rinsing, and follow the label.
For stronger cases, the doctor may prescribe a stronger antifungal shampoo or cream, or a short course of a corticosteroid cream. Because seborrheic dermatitis comes and goes, the plan usually includes what to use when it flares again.
See the doctor if it does not improve with home care, or if patches drain fluid or pus, form crusts, or become very red or painful.
Cradle cap in babies
Cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis on a baby's scalp. It is not contagious, not an allergy, not dangerous and not caused by poor hygiene. It often lasts a few months, and in some children until age 2 or 3.
At home: massage the scalp with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the scales, wash it daily with a mild shampoo, and brush the hair with a clean, soft brush. If the scales do not loosen, MedlinePlus suggests rubbing in mineral oil, covering with a warm cloth for up to an hour, then shampooing.
See the doctor if it does not improve with home care, spreads, drains or gets very red, or if your baby has a fever or seems ill. We see children of all ages; a parent or legal guardian is on camera with ID. See rash in children.
When to get in-person care or go to the ER
Seborrheic dermatitis is not an emergency. For your safety, get in-person care or call 911 if you notice:
- Very red, hot, swollen skin that is spreading, with fever
- A baby with fever, who will not feed or who seems very ill
- A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher
How we care for you
We evaluate, diagnose and treat; if needed, we give you a lab order for a lab near you.
We see adults and children of all ages. Patients under 21: a parent with patria potestad (parental authority) or a legal guardian is on camera for the whole visit and shows photo ID.
Real-time video visit. We send you a secure video link. It works on your phone, tablet or computer.
If appropriate, the doctor prescribes and we send your prescription to your pharmacy. We do not prescribe controlled substances.
You must be physically in Puerto Rico during the visit (visitors, tourists and cruise passengers are welcome).
In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Is dandruff seborrheic dermatitis?
Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured?
Is seborrheic dermatitis contagious?
What should I do about my baby's cradle cap?
About this page
Author: The Health Initiative
Medical care provided by Dr. Diana Nieves Castro, MD (PR license 24027)
Disclosure: Founding Executive Director of The Health Initiative
Published: 2026-10-02 · Updated: 2026-10-02
Sources (2)
- Seborrheic dermatitis (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)
- Cradle cap (MedlinePlus, NIH) (opens in a new tab) (accessed 2026-10-02)