Skin Disorders

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD)

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects 2% to 5% of the population and can occur from infancy through adulthood. The symptoms of SD vary with age.

Infants with SD

Infants with SD develop yellow or brown greasy scales that adhere to the scalp, a symptom called cradle cap. Up to 70% of newborns develop cradle cap within their first 3 months due to certain maternal hormones, and there is a slightly higher incidence in males than females. SD in infants can lead to accumulating scale which may be accompanied by inflammation and can become infected. The diaper area is commonly affected and SD is often mistaken for diaper rash. Some babies are bothered by red, scaly patches that cover a much greater portion of their body, but the condition tends to disappear between 6 months and 1 year of age.

Adolescents and Adults with SD

Adolescents and adults have what is called classic seborrheic dermatitis, otherwise known as dandruff. It is characterized by fine, dry, white scale on the scalp accompanied by minor itching. The skin beneath the scale may become inflamed. In some people scaling and inflammation are more widespread. Less commonly affected sites include the armpits, folds beneath the breasts, groin, and navel. Despite its unsightly appearance, SD is not the result of poor hygiene. Unfortunately, when adults are affected with SD, the condition can persist with flares that come and go throughout a person’s life. Luckily, treatment can offer relief and reduce flares.

Causes of SD

Lifestyle issues

Several lifestyle issues are believed to increase the risk of developing SD. These include:

  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Extreme weather
  • Oily skin
  • Infrequent shampooing or cleansing
  • Lotions that contain alcohol
  • Acne
  • Obesity
Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions may also be associated with SD:

  • Neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, head injury, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal injuries, tardive dyskinesia, trigeminal nerve lesions, and stroke
  • HIV, AIDS
  • Mood disorders
  • Schizophrenia
Immune Responses

It has been suggested that an immune response may predispose some patients to SD and that there is a tendency for it to run in families.

THE OVACE® LINE OF PRODUCTS

Elegance in Every Vehicle

The OVACE® (sodium sulfacetamide) product family (OVACE® Plus Wash Cleansing Gel, OVACE® Plus Shampoo, OVACE® Plus Cream, OVACE® Plus Lotion) is intended as a topical application for patients with the following scaling dermatoses: seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea sicca (dandruff).

OVACE® PLUS
Wash Cleansing Gel
OVACE® PLUS
Shampoo
OVACE® PLUS
Lotion
OVACE® PLUS
Cream
Mission Pharmacal Company
San Antonio, TX 78230-1355
(210) 696-8400
This material is intended to provide basic information and is not medical advice. All medical advice, diagnosis and treatment should be obtained from your physician. The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States.
Copyright © Mission Pharmacal Company. All Rights Reserved.
Important Safety Information:
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INDICATIONS: The OVACE® (sodium sulfacetamide) product family (OVACE® Plus Cream, OVACE® Plus Lotion, OVACE® Plus Shampoo, OVACE® Plus Wash, OVACE® Plus Wash Cleansing Gel) are prescription medicines intended for use on the skin and/or scalp (topical) for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and seborrhea sicca (dandruff). OVACE Plus Cream, OVACE Plus Lotion, OVACE Plus Wash, and OVACE Plus Wash Cleansing Gel are also used to treat certain bacterial infections of the skin. OVACE products contain sodium sulfacetamide, a sulfonamide antibiotic, which prevents bacteria from growing.

Important Safety Information

OVACE products are not for everyone. You should not use OVACE products if you:

  • are allergic to any ingredient in OVACE products. Ask your doctor if you are not sure
  • have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling) to sulfonamide medicines or sulfur.
  • have kidney disease.

KEEP ALL OVACE PRODUCTS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Before you use OVACE products, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether OVACE products can cause harm to the fetus.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether the ingredients in OVACE products can pass into breast milk.
  • have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.

OVACE PRODUCTS ARE FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE EYES.

OVACE products should be used as directed by your doctor. Do not use them for other conditions. OVACE products should not be used in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been determined.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. You should tell your doctor if you are using silver-containing medicines, such as silver sulfadiazine.

OVACE products may cause serious side effects in some people, including:

  • severe allergic reactions. You should discontinue any OVACE product if the condition becomes worse, or if a rash develops in the area being treated or elsewhere. Seek medical attention right away if you develop signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
  • systemic lupus erythematosus. In one of these cases there was a fatal outcome. Discontinue the OVACE product immediately and contact your doctor right away if you experience arthritis (pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints), fever, or sores in your mouth develop.

Possible side effects of OVACE products include mild skin irritation or dryness. These are not all of the possible side effects of OVACE products. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You may report negative side effects to Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full prescribing information.