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Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis: Conditions That Increase the Risk
This common skin condition is more common among people with certain health conditions, among other factors.
Written by Marisa Taylor Karas | Reviewed by Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH
Published on April 17, 2025Seborrheic dermatitis, a condition marked by red, itchy, scaly skin, is not caused by allergies. It’s also not caused by poor hygiene. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia generally plays a role.
In this video, learn some of the most common risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis, according to Lindsey Bordone, MD, Dermatologist at Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center.
Additional Medical Contributors
- Lindsey Bordone, MDLindsey Bordone, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
References
Ludmann, P. (2022). Seborrheic dermatitis: Causes. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Seborrheic dermatitis.
View All References (1)
National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Seborrheic dermatitis.
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