Tolu's anti-dandruff shampoo worked on his scalp — but he had no idea the red, flaky patches on his face were the same condition. Mascot Healthcare connected the dots and cleared both sites with the complete treatment.
Financial analyst, Lekki. Presented with a 2-year history of recurring scalp flaking (dandruff), oily scaling at the eyebrows and nasolabial folds, and a red scaly patch behind both ears. Used dandruff shampoo on scalp only. Facial rash worsening.
Seborrhoeic DermatitisTolu had used Head and Shoulders for two years and considered his dandruff "managed." What he hadn't connected was that the red, flaky patches at his eyebrows and the greasy scaling in his nasolabial folds were the same condition — just in different locations. He had attributed those to "dry skin" and applied Vaseline, which had no effect.
His manager commented on the facial redness during an important presentation, which finally prompted him to seek assessment. He came to Mascot Healthcare. The doctor examined his scalp, face, and ears and said: "You've been treating one-third of the problem."
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory condition driven by Malassezia yeast — affecting the scalp, face (eyebrows, nasolabial folds, ears), and chest. It requires treatment at all affected sites simultaneously.
Persistent greasy, yellowish-white flakes on the scalp — responding partially to anti-dandruff shampoo.
Yellowish scales and erythema along the eyebrow margins — often mistaken for dry skin.
Redness and greasiness in the nose-to-lip fold creases — worsening in cold weather and stressful weeks.
Redness and scaling behind both ears — a frequently overlooked seborrhoeic dermatitis site.
Flares reliably with high-stress work periods and in harmattan season.
Anti-dandruff shampoo (Head and Shoulders — zinc pyrithione) — effective for scalp dandruff; not used on facial areas.
Vaseline applied to eyebrows — moisturising; no antifungal effect; may worsen Malassezia proliferation.
Increased face washing — no benefit; seborrhoeic dermatitis is not a hygiene issue.
Steroid cream (used briefly during a bad flare) — rapid improvement; rebound flare when stopped — not appropriate for long-term facial use.
Scalp: a medicated anti-yeast shampoo twice weekly, replacing the milder over-the-counter shampoo he had been using — more effective against the Malassezia yeast.
Face: a medicated cream applied to the eyebrows, sides of the nose, and behind the ears twice daily; for acute flares, a very mild anti-inflammatory cream used for a few days only.
Long-term maintenance: seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing condition — management involves minimising flare frequency (stress reduction, avoiding harsh face products) and using the medicated shampoo as a face wash during bad seasons.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis — scalp, facial (eyebrows, nasolabial folds, retroauricular) — Malassezia-driven; stress and weather triggers identified
Medicated anti-yeast shampoo × 2/week (scalp); medicated cream (face); a mild anti-inflammatory cream for flares only; trigger management
At 4 weeks: scalp clear, facial erythema and scaling reduced by 75%. Maintenance protocol established.
After 4 weeks on the complete protocol, Tolu's scalp and facial symptoms are well controlled. He uses the medicated shampoo for maintenance twice weekly and has a clear plan for managing flares.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects the scalp, face, and ears simultaneously. Many patients treat the scalp and ignore the facial component — achieving partial control at best. Recognising the condition at all affected sites is the first step to effective management.
Dandruff shampoo used on the face (lathered and rinsed, 1–2 minutes) is a simple, evidence-based way to control facial seborrhoeic dermatitis during maintenance.
Dandruff and the flaky patch at your eyebrows are the same condition. Treat all the affected sites together.
Walk in to Mascot Healthcare, Akoka — same-day consultation, transparent pricing, 4.9★ rated.