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Seborrheic dermatitis in Infant/Neonate
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Seborrheic dermatitis in Infant/Neonate

See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
Contributors: Susan Burgin MD, Whitney A. High MD, JD, MEng
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Infantile seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease of the scalp, face, and postauricular, presternal, and intertriginous areas (seborrheic areas) of infants. It may be localized or disseminated. Characteristically, the rash begins on the scalp (ie, "cradle cap") within the first month of life, and it usually resolves by 4 months of age. Maternal androgens, transferred to the baby in utero, are thought to play a role in pathogenesis.

Infantile seborrheic dermatitis also may affect the diaper area where it may be confused with irritant diaper dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Distinguishing features of seborrheic dermatitis include yellowish scale and the involvement, rather than sparing, of the folded areas themselves. In girls, linear fissures in the interlabial cleft of the vulva are sometimes suggestive of seborrheic dermatitis. Genital seborrheic dermatitis may be complicated by a secondary bacterial or candidal infection.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L21.9 – Seborrheic dermatitis, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
50563003 – Seborrheic dermatitis

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Diagnostic Pearls

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

The most difficult diagnoses to separate from infantile seborrheic dermatitis are contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis more often involves the face and flexural areas and is associated with a family history of other atopic conditions (asthma, allergic rhinitis). Contact dermatitis (diaper dermatitis) caused by the irritant effects of urine and feces typically spares the deep body folds for lack of contact with the skin.

Psoriasis is extremely uncommon in neonates and infants.

When localized in the diaper area, dermatoses to consider include the following:

Best Tests

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Management Pearls

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Therapy

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Drug Reaction Data

Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.

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References

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Last Reviewed:02/13/2017
Last Updated:03/21/2017
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Seborrheic dermatitis in Infant/Neonate
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
A medical illustration showing key findings of Seborrheic dermatitis : Erythema, Fine scaly plaque, Pruritus
Clinical image of Seborrheic dermatitis - imageId=144205. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Thin scaly plaque in the post-auricular fold.'
Thin scaly plaque in the post-auricular fold.
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