From Persistent Scalp Scaling to Clinical Stability: A Longitudinal Case Report of Sebopsoriasis in an Adolescent

Abstract

Background

Sebopsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis occurring in seborrhoeic areas and showing overlapping clinical features of seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis. The condition may follow a relapsing course, with erythematous plaques, scaling and pruritus that can fluctuate with environmental factors.

Case Presentation

A female adolescent from Delhi, studying in the 12th standard, presented with scalp lesions since 2021. The condition initially appeared as a small itchy patch over the left temporal region and subsequently became more prominent over the left parietal scalp. Clinical examination revealed erythematous plaques with well-defined borders, increased skin thickness and scaling, with moderate-to-severe itching. Symptoms were reported to worsen during winter and improve during summer. The patient had previously used topical allopathic preparations. Associated gastrointestinal complaints included longstanding intermittent constipation, hard round stools, sour eructations, heartburn and occasional periumbilical pain.

Outcome

At follow-up on 9 July 2026, the patient reported no significant change in the skin condition, although a few new plaques were observed over the scalp, right wrist and right leg. By 30 July 2026, older patches remained stable without new areas, while constipation persisted. At the latest follow-up on 10 August 2026, the patient reported improvement in flakiness and itching, with no new areas involved and stable older lesions.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a chronic, relapsing scalp-predominant inflammatory dermatosis with subsequent clinical stabilization and reduction in flakiness and itching during longitudinal follow-up. As this is a single uncontrolled case, the observed improvement cannot establish treatment efficacy or causality.