Sugar is often thought of as an enemy of good skin health, but did you know that it can also aggravate seborrheic dermatitis? Although the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis isn’t known, it’s thought to be related to an overproduction of oil in the skin. Sugar can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, …
Caffeine is a known stimulant and it can be found in coffee, tea, and chocolate. It’s also used in some over-the-counter medications. Caffeine can have benefits, such as improved alertness, but it can also have drawbacks. There is no definitive evidence that caffeine aggravates seborrheic dermatitis. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests it …
Sesame oil has traditionally been used as a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis, specifically cradle cap. The oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce the symptoms of the condition. However, sesame oil is rich in long-chain fatty acids that can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis. Let’s take a deep dive: …
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It’s not clear what is the root cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but it’s thought to be related to an overgrowth of Malassezia, a type of yeast that is found on the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and cannot …
Petroleum jelly is a by-product of the oil refining process. It’s used in a variety of products, from lip balms to moisturizers, because it’s dirt cheap and has a long shelf life. There are a number of natural alternatives to petroleum jelly that can be just as effective. Each of these substitutes can provide the …
The 6 best natural alternatives to petroleum jelly (and DIY options) Read More »
There is no clinical evidence that using collagen creams or taking a collagen supplement can improve seborrheic dermatitis. However, a study showed that women eating a diet rich in fruit had better seborrheic dermatitis (SD) control than those on a Western diet. Anecdotally, many SD sufferers found their symptoms improved and their skin looked healthier …
Aloe vera has minimal antifungal activity against Malassezia. However, aloe has a multitude of other skin benefits including anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. In human studies, topical aloe has been shown to help reduce symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis over weeks. The icing on the cake? Aloe vera also stimulates local collagen production, helping repair the skin …
Coal tar has been used for years to treat psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. This industrial by-product is a keratolytic agent, meaning it reduces the growth rate of skin cells and softens keratin. Lab studies have found that even low concentrations of coal tar in products can inhibit Malassezia growth. However, coal tar shampoos are not …
You’ve tried Head & Shoulders, Selsun, Nizoral and other anti-dandruff shampoos. You may even have used tea tree oil or gone the no-poo way. And now there’s another shampoo on the market. It’s afffordable, it sounds cool and you recognize the brand Neutrogena. Should you try it? Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo is an anti-dandruff shampoo that …
Is Neutrogena T/gel good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
There is no evidence that fish oil is an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis but it has been shown to reduce inflammation in other skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Theoretically and anecdotally, fish oil can help reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and prevent another flare. Let’s take a deep dive: What is fish …
Zinc pyrithione (ZPT) is an effective and clinically proven topical treatment for seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and dandruff. Products that contain ZPT are available over-the-counter and doesn’t require a prescription. However, since March 2022, ZPT is banned in the European Union for being toxic to the reproductive system. Let’s take a deep dive: What is zinc …
Is zinc pyrithione good for seborrheic dermatitis? Is it safe? Read More »
Regardless of what some ‘experts’ say, seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin condition that can be itchy, although not everyone who has SD will experience itchiness. The condition is more likely to be itchy if it is on the scalp, face, or chest. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you know how itchy and uncomfortable it …
Is seborrheic dermatitis itchy? Yes, and this is how I treat it. Read More »
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid that is derived from willow bark and works as a keratolytic agent. In addition to being an effective treatment for acne, salicylic acid can also be used to treat other skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. Salicylic acid does not have any effect …
Is salicylic acid good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you know how difficult it can be to find a skincare routine that works. You may have tried multiple products and still haven’t found relief. Aveeno is a skincare brand that offers a line of products for sensitive skin and is used by many seborrheic dermatitis sufferers. I take a …
The best Aveeno products for seborrheic dermatitis Read More »
Seborrheic dermatitis around the mouth, also called perioral seborrheic dermatitis, can be embarassing and even painful, especially when it causes fissures around your lips. However, there are things you can do to relief the symptoms and heal your skin. Let’s take a deep dive: Does seborrheic dermatitis affect the lips? Theoretically, seborrheic dermatitis can affect …
Seborrheic dermatitis around the mouth: Causes, symptoms and treatment Read More »
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin condition that can cause red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It’s common in people with oily skin or who have dandruff but no one really knows why it affects some but not others. SD is often found on the face, scalp, chest, and back but condition can also …
Seborrheic dermatitis around the eyes: Causes, symptoms and treatments Read More »
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes a red, scaly rash. It often affects the scalp, face, and chest. No one can explain why it affects certain areas in some people but not in others. While the nose and the area surrounding it is not the most commonly affected part of the face, …
Seborrheic dermatitis of the nose: Causes, symptoms and treatments Read More »
Witch hazel is a flowering plant with clusters of rich yellow to orange-red flowers. The plant has been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat a variety of medical issues. Witch hazel is a natural astringent. The plant is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. Unlike many products …
Can I use witch hazel for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Clotrimazole is a medication that is used to treat fungal infections. It comes in a variety of formulations, including in the form of cream, ointment or pessary tablet. This broad-spectrum antifungal drug can be used to treat a variety of fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections, ringworm, and athlete’s foot. Clotrimazole is also one of …
Is clotrimazole effective against seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Lotrimin is a popular over-the-counter brand of medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete’s foot. It contains antifungal agents like clotrimazole and betenafine, which helps to kill the fungus that causes the infection. Lotrimin is available in cream, powder and spray form. Even though Lotrimin is not marketed as a …
Tamanu oil is recommended for all sorts of skin ailments due its antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Even though tamanu oil is recommended by some experts as a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis, there is no evidence it helps the condition. In fact, tamanu oil may clog pores, cause greasy skin, encourage Malassezia growth and …
Manuka essential oil is derived from the flowers of the Manuka tree. It has been used for centuries by the indigenous populations of New Zealand and Australia to heal skin diseases. However, manuka oil is also anti-inflammatory and has antifungal activity against Malassezia, making it a good natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Let’s …
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most common home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Some people believe that ACV can help to reduce inflammation and redness, and to help promote healing. A lab study showed ACV can inhibit Malassezia. However, there are no human studies and there is limited evidence that it …
Can apple cider vinegar treat seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff? Read More »
White vinegar is a natural astringent and has a multitude of medicinal properties. However, there is no evidence that it has antifungal activity against Malassezia and it is not recommended as a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. Applying white vinegar to the skin may cause burning and worsen irritation. Let’s take a deep dive: …
Rose water is a natural astringent that has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. Although rose water has no antifungal activity against Malassezia, many people have found it helpful as a natural remedy for seborrheic dermatitis. Rose water can help to hydrate the skin, balance pH, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms such …
Rose water for seborrheic dermatitis: Good or bad? Read More »
Dermarest Shampoo is a treatment that is often recommended to people with seborrheic dermatitis or severe dandruff of the scalp. It’s a medicated shampoo containing salicylic acid 3% and zinc PCA. Both these compounds are anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and can reduce itch, redness and scaling. Unfortunately, Dermarest may also dry out your scalp and hair, causing …
Is Dermarest Shampoo and Conditioner good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
You can’t talk about seborrheic dermatitis without also mentioning Malassezia. The two are so intertwined that some people mistakenly belief seborrheic dermatitis is a fungal infection. SD is a lot more complicated than that but one thing is for sure, Malassezia yeast plays a crucial role in seborrheic dermatitis and treatments aimed at eradicating it …
Malassezia and seborrheic dermatitis: Getting to know the yeast Read More »
One theory why seborrheic dermatitis occurs is that Malassezia yeast penetrates the outermost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum. This leads to inflammation, leading to more damage to the skin barrier, enabling Malassezia to burrow deeper in. You can picture the vicious cycle of inflammation and skin damage that ensues. Repairing and maintaining a …
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is an inflammatory skin condition that affects some people but not others, even though they may have similar risk factors. We don’t know why this happens but there are some pretty good explanations out there. Seborrheic dermatitis is not life-threatening, but it can still be distressing, often aggravating depression and stress. There …
Why do I have seborrheic dermatitis (and not them)? Read More »
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. It can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including impaired cognitive function, fatigue, and an increased risk for infection. Iron deficiency can cause brittle hair and nails, hair loss, dry skin and itch. While seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff is not triggered …
Can iron deficiency cause seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Serious vitamin A deficiencies are rare in developed countries. However, even mild Vitamin A deficiency may aggravate seborrheic dermatitis. A deficiency can cause scaly skin, itching and dryness. Fortunately, Vitmain A deficiency is easily corrected. Let’s take a deep dive: What is vitamin A? Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for humans …
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that can be aggravated by a myriad of factors, including vitamin and mineral deficiency. B vitamins are as important for our skin as fertilizer is to the soil. The skin benefits of these vitamins include everything from improving wrinkles and skin tone to treating seborrheic dermatitis. Let’s …
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by red, itchy, scaly patches that can develop on the face, scalp, neck, and chest. The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is likely caused by a combination of internal and external factors. There is a great deal of debate surrounding the role that various …
What vitamin deficiency causes seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Zinc oxide is a mineral that is naturally found in the Earth’s crust. This mineral has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for various skin conditions and is found in many skin-care products. Some people believe that zinc oxide can help treat seborrheic dermatitis. However, unlike zinc pyrithione and zinc sulphate, there is …
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the scalp, face, and neck. It can be accompanied by acne, which is a type of skin disorder characterized by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads. Seborrheic dermatitis does not cause acne and vice versa. However, these 2 distinct conditions often afflicts the same …
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be beneficial to the human gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial for a number of conditions and may reduce inflammation in the body. There are no studies showing …
What probiotics are good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that most often affects the face, scalp, and neck. The cause is unknown, but some researchers think it to be an autoimmune disease because it primarily involves an abnormal response by the immune system towards Malassezia byproducts. Seborrheic dermatitis also tends to occur in people who have a …
There are some skin conditions that may be psychosomatic but seborrheic dermatitis is not one of them. However, poor psychological states like chronic stress, anxiety and depression may trigger and worsen seborrheic dermatitis. If you want to find out the most important mental change you can make to help your seb derm rash, watch this …
Depression and seborrheic dermatitis are two conditions that can be associated with one another. Depression is a common psychological disorder that is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and diminished interest in life. Seborrheic dermatitis can be aggravated by depression and vice versa, SD can be a cause for depressive symptoms. This video isn’t about …
Anxiety is a mental disorder characterized by feelings of tension or worry. It is the most common psychological disorder in the United States. Anxiety disorders can range from mild to severe, and often coexist with other mental health conditions such as stress and depression. Although the cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, there are many …
Seborrheic dermatitis is most common in people who are genetically predisposed to it and often lasts for years without any cure. There is growing evidence that stress can worsen seborrheic dermatitis. People with SD often have high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol may weaken the immune system, worsen inflammation and increase oil …
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that most often affects the face, neck, and scalp. The underlying cause is unknown, but it’s thought to be caused by a combination of excess sebum, Malassezia overgrowth, and an abnormal immune response to Malassezia by-products. Skin conditions can be hard to diagnose as the symptoms can overlap. Seborrheic …
Chamomile oil is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and has skin regenerative properties. The oil may help reduce inflammation and itching asscoaited with seborrheic dermatitis. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as topical steroids. There are 2 types of chamomile essential oils – German (blue) chamomile oil and …
Is chamomile oil good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Sea buckthorn oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and skin healing properties. Some people with seborrheic dermatitis have found that applying sea buckthorn oil to their skin helps improve their symptoms. However, there is no clinical evidence to support this. In fact, sea buckthorn oil is rich …
Is sea buckthorn oil good for seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
Geranium oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity and its scent promotes relaxation. These benefits may help to reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. However, there is limited research on the use of geranium oil for seborrheic dermatitis. I prefer to use geranium oil as a natural perfume and in aromatherapy for stress-reduction. Let’s take a …
BIOM8 oil is a blend of MCT oil, sea buckthorn oil and Vitamin E produced by Michael Anders from Skin Drone. The product doesn’t have any clinical research backing it up but many people with seborrheic dermatitis swear by it. Let’s take a deep dive: What is Biom8 oil? BIOM8 oil is a skin conditioning …
Neem oil is a natural oil derived from the seeds of the Neem tree. It has been used for centuries in India to treat a variety of skin conditions In studies, neem oil was found to anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and anti-histamine properties which may improve itching and redness. Neem seed oil had no activity against Malassezia. …
Jamaican black castor oil (JBCO) is a topical treatment for various skin conditions. It is said to be good for seborrheic dermatitis. However, there is no research to support this claim. Some people have found success using Jamaican black castor oil to reduce dandruff and strengthen hair. But JBCO is rich in ricinoleic acid which …
Does Jamaican black castor oil help seborrheic dermatitis? Read More »
The jury is out on whether Bio-Oil is an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. On one hand, it contains essential oils that have antifungal properties and studies proving it helps improve acne. On the other hand, Bio-Oil contains sunflower oil, soybean oil, synthetic fragrances and Vitamin A which may aggravate the condition. Let’s take a …
Theoretically avocado oil would be a good treatment option for seborrheic dermatitis because it can help reduce inflammation. However, despite its benefits when ingested, avocado oil is rich in oleic acid which feeds Malassezia. This means applying avocado oil on your skin or scalp will probably worsen seborrheic dermatitis. Let’s take a deep dive: What …
