Scaling Dermatoses • ICD-11: EA81

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Malassezia Colonization, Scalp/Facial Scaling & Antifungal Therapeutics

Author: Mallikarjun R (Founder) & Medicus Labs Medical Team • Review: 10 min read • ✓ Peer-Referenced

1. Pathophysiology & Sebum Interaction

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic relapsing superficial dermatosis affecting areas with high densities of active sebaceous glands (scalp, eyebrows, nasolabial folds, retroauricular skin, sternum). Commensal yeasts of the genus Malassezia (predominantly M. globosa and M. restricta) hydrolyze sebum triglycerides into irritating free fatty acids, inducing epidermal barrier disruption and inflammation.

2. Clinical Management

First-line therapy utilizes topical Ketoconazole 2% shampoo/cream, Zinc Pyrithione (1%), Ciclopirox (1%), and short intermittent courses of low-potency topical hydrocortisone or calcineurin inhibitors for facial flare-ups.