PhD defence M.G.H. (Martijn) Sanders

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythema with greasy scaling and occurring in areas rich in sebaceous glands (i.e. the scalp, eyebrows, nasolabial folds and the chest). In most cases, seborrheic dermatitis presents as a mild skin disease in which diagnosis and treatment is straightforward. However, severe and recalcitrant forms do occur and seborrheic dermatitis can negatively influence quality of life.

Malassezia yeasts are often pointed out as the cause of the disease, but the bacterial microbiome, genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, barrier function and the immune system may all influence disease risk. In order to prevent seborrheic dermatitis relapses and to develop a long time cure, a broader understanding of the seborrheic dermatitis etiology is necessary. In this thesis, we gave more insights in possible risk factors for seborrheic dermatitis, laid the foundation for further genetic research and provided more insight in the bacterial microbiome of seborrheic dermatitis.

Due to corona, the PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall or in the Professor Andries Querido Room. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.