Seborrheic Dermatitis??

[rationalfears]

Wondering if anyone might be able to shed some light on this situation??:
I recently had a fear with HIV, had some symptoms, Took the test: NEgative. Everyone assures me thats all testing needed and to continue on.
Now, My baby daughter (2 yrs) - has developed a mild to moderate case of seborrheric dermatitis in her scalp and behind her ears. Recomennded to wait a couple of weeks, if no improvement, treat with dandruff shampoo?. Anyway, my concern is that EVERYTHING I READ, including my doctor says SD in toddler's is exceedingly rare, and occurs PRIMARILY with HIV infection. Scaring me half to death.
In your opinion, Is this the case? Is this cause for testing/ furhter testing? Is this an alarming case in my toddler? Or is this something that actually happens sometimes in toddler's?  - I want to add that I do have eczema, and the history of it in my family, -but not like this.
Also, is there anything you advise that I do to comfort my darling currently? Thanks so much.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Seborrheic dermatitis is usually found in infants but it can effect healthy adults also esp. due to changes in humidity, changes in seasons, trauma (e.g. scratching), or emotional stress. Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases. Best would be to consult a dermatologist and get biopsy skin done to confirm the diagnosis.

I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[rationalfears]

Thanks for your response. We have had her treated with 1% hydrocortisone cream which has worked really well. I have a second question though, I (22 y/o white female) Now have the same thing. On my fface :  around nose, eyebrows, chin, and on my chest.  It was incredibly icthy over the holidays so I was seen i nthe emergency room. I also was prescribed hydrocortisone cream, And told to take benedryl for the ithcing.  The doctor said it was seborrheic dermatitis, and said "but that's odd because we usually only see it in women of color, men and in immunocompromised persons.
  So, after that visit I have been frantic and cannot see my family docot until thursday.
  As I have stated before, I am not immunocompromised to my knowledge, and had one HIV test not long ago which was negative. This all has led me to doubt the validity of my test, and YES, I will have it repeated this week. However, in the meantime, I would just like your opnion, - Do you, infact think that it is absolutely obsurd that I would have seb derm as a 22 year old white female? - DO you indeed think that I must be immunocompromised somehow, or do you sometimes see young otherwise healthy women with this condition?
I appreciate your response.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition which effects the scalp of the infants and then it is called cradle cap. It is usually caused by overgrowth of Malassezia furfur. This skin disease is aggravated by sweating and humidity. To treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants, gently shampoo the hair everyday with a gentle shampoo while scales are present. After scales have disappeared, you may reduce shampoos to twice weekly. Then rinse thoroughly and brush softly. For stubborn patches, apply some mineral oil to the baby's scalp and wrap warm, wet cloths around his head for up to an hour before shampooing. Take care that the cloth does not get cold. If the symptoms persist then topical drugs and shampoos are needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

Seborrheic dermatitis is not related to HIV in toddlers and please do not worry about it. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.