- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Helping With Homework
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy & Newborn Center
- Pregnancy & Baby
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center for Kids
- Cancer Center for Kids
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center for Kids
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Kids
- Recipes & Cooking for Kids
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A for Kids
- The Heart
- Videos for Kids
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center for Teens
- Be Your Best Self
- Cancer Center for Teens
- Diabetes Center for Teens
- Diseases & Conditions (for Teens)
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center for Teens
- Homework Help for Teens
- Infections (for Teens)
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center for Teens
- Recipes for Teens
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos for Teens
- Body
- Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Dermatitis, Seborrheic
Dermatitis (dur-muh-TYE-tis) is inflammation of the skin that causes itching and discomfort. Seborrheic dermatitis (known as cradle cap in infants) can be caused by oily skin or hair.
More to Know
There are many types of dermatitis. Dermatitis can be the result of contact with an allergen or substance like poison ivy or detergents (contact dermatitis). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a type of dermatitis that runs in families and often is associated with allergies or asthma.
Symptoms of dermatitis include itching, burning, or swelling on the surface of the skin. Blisters, scaly, dry or thick skin, and a red rash may also develop. The condition is not contagious.
Treatment depends on the type of dermatitis and what caused it. The doctor may recommend thoroughly washing the area with water or applying moisturizers, corticosteroid skin creams, or other ointments to the affected area. Corticosteroid pills may be prescribed to treat severe cases. Sometimes doctors will recommend leaving it alone.
Keep in Mind
Dermatitis is a nuisance but not generally a serious health problem. It can, however, turn into a bacterial skin infection if not treated properly, so always contact your doctor if you see signs of dermatitis.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.