Wyoming State Board Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Exam Questions and Study Guide

Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by excessive oil production on the scalp, leading to symptoms such as redness, inflammation, and flaking. This condition is often associated with an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia, which thrives in oily environments. The increased oil production can lead to accumulation and scaling, which is commonly mistaken for dandruff, but seborrheic dermatitis typically involves more severe irritation and larger flakes.

In contrast, dandruff primarily involves dry, flaky skin on the scalp without the associated oiliness or inflammation seen in seborrheic dermatitis. Dry scalp focuses on a lack of moisture rather than excess oil production, leading to different symptoms. Hair loss is not a direct characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis; it can occur due to various factors, but excessive oil production specifically defines the condition being referenced. Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment in cosmetology practices.