Review Question - QID 104221

This patient's presentation is consistent with seborrheic dermatitis given his scalp findings which demonstrate greasy plaques that can be pruritic. Seborrheic dermatitis is associated with Parkinson disease and HIV.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic disorder in which greasy scales overlying erythematous patches or plaques are present on the scalp, face, or external auditory canal. Less commonly, it presents on the central chest, axilla, groin, submammary folds, and gluteal cleft. Although it is associated with Parkinson disease and HIV, most patients with seborrheic dermatitis have no underlying disease. Pityrosporum ovale may be the infectious etiology of this condition thus topical antifungals are used as part of treatment.

Figure A depicts the typical greasy scales overlying erythematous patches or plaques characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis.

Incorrect Answers:
Answer 1: Alzheimer disease presents with a gradual loss of memory that progresses to the patient being unable to care for themselves. It is not associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Answer 3: Rheumatoid arthritis presents with symmetric joint pain in a woman that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day. It can present with joint deformity, malaise, anemia, and fatigue but would not present with seborrheic dermatitis.

Answer 4: Sjogren syndrome presents with dry eyes, a dry mouth, and dyspareunia. It would not present with seborrheic dermatitis.

Answer 5: Systemic lupus erythematosus presents with multiple different symptoms. The dermatologic findings in lupus include a malar or a discoid rash.

Bullet Summary:
Seborrheic dermatitis is commonly seen in patients with Parkinson disease.