Which of the following is FALSE regarding the common skin disorder, seborrheic dermatitis?

Which of the following is FALSE regarding the common skin disorder, seborrheic dermatitis?

• A. Characterized by erythema and waxy scaling
• B. Uncommon between infancy and puberty
• C. Differential diagnosis includes Tinea capitis and psoriasis
• D. Initial therapy often consists of high dose topical steroids

Answer: (D)

The statement about the initial therapy for seborrheic dermatitis is not accurate because the typical first-line treatment for this condition usually involves the use of topical antifungal agents, especially in cases that affect the scalp, or medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. While topical steroids can occasionally be used for inflammation control, they are not the initial therapy recommended for this skin disorder. Understanding the other aspects mentioned reveals that seborrheic dermatitis is indeed characterized by erythema and waxy scaling, which corresponds with the inflammation seen in affected areas. It's also important to note that the condition can occur at any age, including infancy; therefore, it is not uncommon during that period, disproving the claim about its rarity between infancy and puberty. Lastly, the differential diagnosis for seborrheic dermatitis commonly includes conditions like Tinea capitis and psoriasis due to overlapping symptoms, which is correctly noted. Overall, the treatment approaches and the characteristic features of the condition clarify why the initial therapeutic strategy involving high-dose topical steroids is a mischaracterization.

The statement about the initial therapy for seborrheic dermatitis is not accurate because the typical first-line treatment for this condition usually involves the use of topical antifungal agents, especially in cases that affect the scalp, or medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. While topical steroids can occasionally be used for inflammation control, they are not the initial therapy recommended for this skin disorder.

Understanding the other aspects mentioned reveals that seborrheic dermatitis is indeed characterized by erythema and waxy scaling, which corresponds with the inflammation seen in affected areas. It's also important to note that the condition can occur at any age, including infancy; therefore, it is not uncommon during that period, disproving the claim about its rarity between infancy and puberty. Lastly, the differential diagnosis for seborrheic dermatitis commonly includes conditions like Tinea capitis and psoriasis due to overlapping symptoms, which is correctly noted. Overall, the treatment approaches and the characteristic features of the condition clarify why the initial therapeutic strategy involving high-dose topical steroids is a mischaracterization.