What does seborrheic mean?
Seborrheic is an adjective describing conditions connected with seborrhea, particularly excessive or abnormal activity of the sebaceous glands. It is most familiar in the term seborrheic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin condition that often produces oily scaling, redness, and itching on the scalp, eyebrows, or face. The word also appears in seborrheic keratosis, which names a benign, wart-like growth commonly found on older adults. Although the condition is frequently associated with oily skin, it does not simply mean that someone has acne or that the skin is dirty. Seborrheic is a specialized medical term, so it is less common in everyday speech than general expressions such as oily skin or dandruff. It is especially useful when discussing a diagnosis, a characteristic skin lesion, or the appearance of a rash.
adjectiveRelating to seborrhea, a condition involving excessive or abnormal secretion of sebum, especially from the scalp or face. The term is chiefly used in the names of common skin conditions.
- Relating to seborrhea or to the skin condition seborrheic dermatitis.
"The dermatologist diagnosed the rash as seborrheic dermatitis."
"Seborrheic dermatitis often causes itching and flaking on the scalp."
"The clinician said that the waxy growth was a seborrheic keratosis rather than a skin cancer."
Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions affecting the scalp, yet its name simply points to a problem involving oily skin secretions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seborrheic come from?
Seborrheic was formed from seborrhea with the adjectival suffix -ic. Seborrhea in turn combines Latin sebum, meaning tallow or grease, with a Greek element associated with flowing or discharge. Related English words include sebaceous, sebum, and seborrheal, reflecting the word's long connection with grease-producing skin glands.
How seborrheic is actually used
This is primarily a medical and dermatological term. American spelling is usual in medical writing, while British usage may prefer the spelling seborrhoeic.
Easily confused with seborrheic
Sebaceous describes glands or tissue that produce sebum, whereas seborrheic relates to seborrhea, an abnormal or excessive accumulation or discharge of sebum.
Seborrheal and seborrheic are closely related adjective forms; seborrheic is especially common in the established names of dermatological conditions.