Seborrheic Dermatitis Causes & Risks

Causes

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, though common skin yeast organisms, called Malassezia, may play a role in some persons. Seborrheic dermatitis seems to run in families and to affect people with oily skin or hair. It may also be associated with other chronic conditions, such as disorders of the immune system and of the nervous system.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. In this case, your risk factors are:

• Oily skin or hair
• Family members who have seborrheic dermatitis
• HIV infection
• Neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or, less commonly, stroke