Dear {{Name}},

Of all the products that you can use for Seb Derm, I found applying an antifungal cream twice a day when my rash flares reduces the itch and helps my skin recover faster.

There are a few topical antifungal fomulations around. Even though most of them are not marketed specifically for seborrheic dermatitis, as long as the active ingredient is an imidazole antifungal, it is probably effective to treat seborrheic dermatitis.

Ketoconazole is one of the most widely studied topical antifungal medication for Seb derm. Ketoconazole creams, shampoos, foams and other formulations were all found to be effective in reducing levels of Malassezia yeast. Unfortunately you need a prescription for ketoconazole 2% creams/shampoos.

Ciclopirox is the next best studied antifungal agent for Seb Derm. The agent possesses broad-spectrum antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Again, you need a prescription to buy a ciclopirox product.

All is not lost if it’s too hard for you to get a script. There are plenty of over-the-counter antifungal medications. Clotrimazole is one that is easily available, well tolerated and kills a range of yeast, including Candida. There are various clotrimazole brands but a popular one is Lotrimin.

Miconazole is another antifungal cream that you can buy in any chemist. If you’re pregnant, I recommend miconazole.

Read more about the evidence behind these antifungal agents and which is better in this article: What is the best antifungal cream for Seb Derm?

If you don’t like antifungal creams and/or are avoiding synthetic chemicals, tea tree oil is one of the best natural treatments available for Seb Derm. Plant Therapy has a  Tea Tree + Niacimide serum that does double duty – killing Malassezia and repairing your skin barrier.

Check it out:

Q: Why does my face burn when I wash my face or apply cream on it?

Burning and stinging is a sign that your skin barrier has broken down. These symptoms are usually accompanied by redness, scaling and maybe even skin weeping.

There is nothing magical you can do to hasten skin repair. The best thing you can do is to keep out of your body’s way while it does its thing. Other than an antifungal cream and the gentlest moisturizer you can find, don’t irritate your skin further with a dozen active ingredients. It can take days or even 1-2 weeks for your skin barrier to improve but it always self-repairs if you let it.

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Stay healthy, happy, safe and rash-free!

Until next week,

Sharon G.