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Seborrhoeic Dermatitis M006

Document
Last amended 
17 January 2022
Current RMA Instruments
Reasonable Hypothesis
43 of 2021
Balance of Probabilities
44 of 2021
Changes from previous Instruments

SOP Bulletin 220

ICD Coding
  • ICD-9-CM Codes: 579.0
  • ICD-10-AM Codes: K90.0
Brief description

This is a skin disorder involving inflammation that affects the sebaceous glands of the skin.  It produces abnormal greasy scaly patches overlying sharply defined red (erythematous) skin. It can affect any area of the skin but commonly affects the scalp, the face (particularly the eyebrows and eyelids), the ear canals and skin creases of the body.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp is generally accompanied by dandruff.  However simple dandruff without skin inflammation is not covered by the seborrhoeic dermatitis SOP.

Confirming the diagnosis 

This diagnosis is made on clincial grounds, based on the appearance and location of the lesions.

The relevant medical specialist is a dermatologist.

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
  • Sebopsoriasis is an overlap disorder for which both the seborrhoeic dermatitis SOP and the psoriasis SOP apply.
Conditions excluded from SOP
  • Uninflamed dandruff
  • Seborrhoeic keratosis
Clinical onset

This is a chronic, relapsing and generally mild condition.  It can occur in infants under 1 year old, or first develop in adolescence or adulthood. 

Clinical worsening

Exacerbatations of the condition are generally temporary.  Worsening may be evidenced by persisting, more widespread disease that is difficult to control with treatment.  Available treatments do not cure the condition.