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Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include loose scales on the skin that may be greasy or dry, and which are often white to yellowish in color. They may or may not appear over reddened skin. Seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on the scalp, sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, skin behind the ears and middle of the chest. It also may appear on the navel, buttocks, area between the shoulder blades, and skin folds under the arms, breasts and groin. In men, seborrheic dermatitis may be worse under beards and mustaches, and itching tends to be more intense in those with male pattern baldness.

Other symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Itchiness. Excessive scratching raises the danger of secondary skin infection.
  
  
• Plaques. These are flat areas greater than 1 centimeter (about half-inch) in which the skin changes color.
  
  
• Eye disorders. Burning of the eyes may indicate conjunctivitis, inflammation of the inner lining of the eye characterized by redness and discharge. A disorder called seborrheic blepharitis may occur when scales accumulate at the base of the eyelashes, plugging the follicles and causing redness, inflammation and pain.
  
  
• Hair loss.

Cradle cap is the name given to seborrheic dermatitis that appears on the scalp in infants. It usually appears as thick, crusty, brown or yellow scales on the scalp and around the hairline. Seborrheic dermatitis may also appear on skin folds of infants, such as the eyelids, ears, nose and groin. Excessive scratching can lead to additional inflammation, bleeding and mild infections.

The duration of these symptoms vary from person to person. They may last for weeks, or even years.