[Survey] 73.7% of Seborrheic Dermatitis Patients Report Worsened Symptoms During Rainy Season; Approx. 60% Misidentified Condition as Acne

Key Findings of the Survey

Seborrheic dermatitis and acne can be distinguished by their affected areas and symptom characteristics. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by "oily, dandruff-like scales" in areas with high sebum production such as the scalp, eyebrows, and nose, while acne is characterized by "comedones" centered around pores. Standard treatment includes a combination therapy of topical steroids to suppress inflammation and antifungals to reduce Malassezia fungi, which is safe when used for the appropriate duration. Sebum control and lifestyle improvements are essential for preventing recurrence.

- 73.7% report symptoms worsen during the rainy season (June–July). - 58.3% experienced symptom worsening after using OTC acne treatments due to misidentification. - 82.0% of those who consulted a dermatologist felt symptom improvement within one month.

Terminology

- **Seborrheic Dermatitis:** A chronic eczematous skin disease occurring on areas with high sebum secretion, such as the scalp, face, and chest. It is believed to be caused by inflammation from free fatty acids produced by the skin-resident fungus *Malassezia*, causing dandruff, redness, and itching. - **Malassezia Fungus:** A type of fungus (yeast) resident on human skin. It proliferates by using sebum as a nutrient source and is known as the causative agent for seborrheic dermatitis and Malassezia folliculitis. - **Antifungals (Ketoconazole):** Drugs that inhibit the growth of or kill fungi. Imidazole topical agents like ketoconazole (Nizoral) are the first-line treatment for seborrheic dermatitis.

Comparison: Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Acne

- Affected Areas: Scalp, brows, nose, behind ears vs. Forehead, cheeks, chin, back - Main Symptoms: Oily scales, redness vs. Comedones, pustules - Itching: Moderate to strong vs. None to mild - Causative Fungi/Bacteria: Malassezia vs. *C. acnes* - Common Age Group: Infants, adolescence to middle age vs. Adolescence to 20s - Treatment: Antifungals/Topical steroids vs. Retinoids/Antibiotics - Seasonality: Worsens in rainy/summer months vs. Little seasonal change

IC Clinic conducted this survey to understand the realities of those suffering from these symptoms and to promote correct treatment and recurrence prevention measures.

Survey Overview - Subjects: 300 men and women in their 20s–60s nationwide with experience of seborrheic dermatitis. - Period: May 18–27, 2026. - Method: Internet survey.

Results Highlights - **Over 70% feel symptoms worsen in rainy season/summer:** 73.7% feel symptoms flare up during the rainy season, highlighting the impact of high temperature and humidity. - **Approx. 60% misidentified condition as "Acne":** 58.3% mistook it for acne, reflecting low awareness of seborrheic dermatitis. Only 8.0% correctly identified it initially. - **Over half attempted self-treatment with OTC drugs:** 57.0% initially used acne medicine or anti-dandruff shampoo. Only 18.0% visited a dermatologist first, indicating a high risk of prolonged symptoms due to incorrect self-care.