Can seborrheic dermatitis be cured naturally
Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis: What Works?
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Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is an inflammatory skin disease.
It most often affects the scalp and causes scaly, red patches to appear. These patches may also appear on the face and upper body. These are areas with many sebaceous glands, which produce oil.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. Instead, its the result of an allergy or an autoimmune reaction. Its a chronic condition, which means treatment can manage but not cure it.
It may take several rounds of treatment to get rid of symptoms. Conventional treatments are effective, but they can contain strong chemicals.
Home remedies can limit this exposure, with fewer side effects. Used alongside medical treatment, they can help you find relief more quickly.
Psoriasis vs. seborrheic dermatitis: Whats the difference?
Seborrheic dermatitis can result from different factors, depending on your skin type and sensitivities. So theres no catch-all alternative treatment. Your dermatologist can help you find one thats suitable.
Fish oil
Fish oil supplements can help suppress flare-ups of dermatitis that allergies trigger, as well as provide other nutritional benefits. Its omega-3 fatty acids can help boost overall immune and cardiovascular health.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a plant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Supplements containing aloe vera gel or extracts can help suppress flare-ups. They can also help lessen the severity of flare-ups that do happen.
Probiotics
Probiotics may help treat different kinds of dermatitis, especially in children. But theres little research to link probiotics to effective results for seborrheic dermatitis.
Still, probiotics can promote a healthier digestive system. This can decrease inflammatory issues throughout your body.
Apple cider vinegar
An apple cider vinegar soak will loosen the scales on your scalp. It may also lessen inflammation in the area of the flare-up.
To use this treatment:
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
- Apply a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar to the area.
- Let the vinegar and water sit on your scalp for a few minutes.
- Rinse well.
Olive oil
Another option for at-home treatment is to coat your scalp with olive oil.
Follow these steps:
- Apply the oil to the scalp.
- Leave the oil on for about an hour.
- Brush thoroughly to remove scales from your scalp.
- Wash and shampoo your hair as usual.
MORE: Seborrheic Dermatitis: Best Shampoos for Treating Your Scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis is not directly linked to any dietary habits. But that doesnt mean your diet has no effect on your flare-ups.
Eat foods that support your immune system and focus on those with anti-inflammatory properties. You may find that your symptoms decrease.
To fight inflammation, eat a diet that includes:
- plenty of green, leafy vegetables
- tomatoes
- olive oil
- fruits that contain antioxidants, such as cherries, strawberries, and blueberries
- foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus and bell peppers
- almonds
- sweet potatoes
- foods with plenty of vitamin E, like wheat germ and avocados
Seborrheic dermatitis isnt life threatening, but it is chronic and can be uncomfortable. At times, you may find the scaling, itching, and redness distracting, especially if it happens on your face or upper body.
Talk to your doctor about your symptoms to ensure you get a correct diagnosis. You can connect to a dermatologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
Also, see your doctor if flare-ups are a persistent concern or if you also have other symptoms.
Your primary care physician may refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions.
They may want to order some tests to further evaluate your situation and talk to you about treatment options complementary to your condition.
Topical treatments are the most commonly recommended solution for seborrheic dermatitis outbreaks.
Corticosteroids. Creams and shampoos containing corticosteroids or hydrocortisone can help reduce severe inflammation. These are only suitable for short-term use, as they can cause side effects.
Keratolytics. Products containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, and propylene glycol can help remove scales.
Antibacterial gels or antifungal creams. These can help in the case of a fungal or bacterial infection.
Light therapy. Exposing the affected area to ultraviolet light may help soothe the skin and reduce itching and redness.
Coal tar. Coal tar cream can help slow the process of skin cells dying and falling off. Apply it to scaling areas, leave for several hours, and shampoo later to remove it.
Medicated shampoos. Use a product containing ketoconazole, ciclopirox, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, and salicylic acid, twice a week for a month or longer. If necessary, you can use them indefinitely.
Supplementing these treatments with an alternative or natural treatment can help decrease side effects over the long term.
Although its unclear what causes seborrheic dermatitis, there appear to be some common triggers.
Stress can aggravate flare-ups for many skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis. Try to be mindful of what triggers you in particular.
Know your triggers
Its possible that your flare-ups are connected to an allergic reaction, so try to document if theres anything unusual or new to your environment when a flare-up happens.
To keep from triggering a flare-up, avoid wearing wool caps and sweaters. Instead, opt for fabrics like cotton and silk.
Self-care measures
The following may help
- Wash affected areas regularly with a mild shampoo.
- Avoid styling gels and hair sprays during a flare.
- Avoid alcohol-based products, as they may trigger a reaction.
Support your immune system
A weakened immune system can also contribute to how severe your symptoms are. Take care of yourself and make sure to eat a diet rich in vitamins E, C, and K.
Dandruff: What your itchy scalp is trying to tell you
Ways of managing seborrheic dermatitis include at-home treatments and topical creams.
With the help of a dermatologist, you can find a treatment that works for you.
A variety of alternative treatment methods can help you avoid possible long-term side effects of prescription and over-the-counter creams.
Natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis
Natural remedies may help a person to manage symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Examples include fish oil, aloe vera, probiotics, tea tree oil, and more.
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is caused by an autoimmune response or allergy, and it is not contagious. It is also not curable but can be managed with treatment.
Treatment of SD is not always necessary, as symptoms can clear up naturally. But for most people, SD is a lifelong condition that will continue to flare up and clear up. Proper skin care can help keep symptoms at bay.
SD can cause a rash that is reddish in color, swollen, greasy, and has a white or yellowish crust.
There are two types of SD:
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is common in babies. It causes scaly patches on the babys scalp that may be greasy or crusty.
Cradle cap is generally not harmful, and may go away without treatment within a few months. Some babies may get SD in the diaper area, which is usually mistaken for diaper rash.
In rare cases, SD may cover the entire body of the baby, causing red, scaly patches and inflamed skin.
Regardless of the form SD takes in infants, it tends to disappear permanently before the age of one. Choosing topical treatments for children under a year in age should be done in consultation with a doctor.
Adult seborrheic dermatitis
Adult SD is a condition that comes and goes throughout a persons life. The weather and stress tend to trigger flare-ups. Treatment can reduce flares and bring some symptom relief.
SD is prevalent in 1-3 percent of the population, according to a report from the medical journal American Family Physician.
The causes of SD are unknown, but many people with the condition tend to have excessive yeast in their skin in affected areas.
Having certain medical conditions can raise the risk for SD. Other conditions that may put someone at risk for SD are:
Researchers think that genetics and hormones may play a role in the development of SD, but they have yet to identify any specific gene mutations related to the condition.
Stress, too much normal skin yeast, and cold, dry weather are also potential triggers for an SD flare-up.
SD symptoms tend to be worse during cold, dry weather seasons, or when someone is stressed.
A biopsy of the affected skin is usually done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms of SD may include:
- dandruff, or flaking skin, on the scalp, hair, beard, mustache, or eyebrows
- greasy skin patches on the scalp, face, nose, eyelids, ears, chest, armpits, groin, and under the breasts
- red, inflamed skin
- itchy skin
SD triggers depend on skin type and sensitivity. When it comes to natural solutions, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Here are some natural remedies that may help keep SD symptoms at bay or treat flare-ups:
Good skin care
For SD on the body, especially the face, it is wise to keep affected areas clean by washing with soap and water every day.
Getting plenty of sunlight can also stop the growth of yeast that inflames skin, during a SD flare-up.
For scalp symptoms, adults can use over-the-counter dandruff shampoos that contain coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.
Fish oil
Fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Studies have shown that taking fish oil supplements causes a reduction in the skin symptoms of various inflammatory skin conditions.
Fish oil is safe, provided it is taken as directed. Breastfeeding mothers should be aware that taking fish oil increases the level of omega-3 fatty acids in their breast milk. A person should talk to a doctor before supplementing a baby under the age of 1 year with omega-3 fatty acids.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties, and research has shown that it is effective in treating SD. Aloe vera supplements can help suppress flare-ups and lessen their severity.
Do not give aloe vera supplements to children under age 10 years without first discussing the safety and dosage with a doctor.
Aloe vera is also used to treat constipation, so the supplements can have side effects, including:
- abdominal cramping
- diarrhea
- constipation
- urine discoloration
Topical use of aloe vera may also help manage redness and itching during SD flare-ups. Before using topical aloe vera, check for allergies by applying a small amount on a dime-sized spot of healthy skin. If there is no reaction within 12-24 hours, topical use should be safe.
Note that allergic reactions can develop over time. Discontinue the use of topical aloe vera if signs of an allergy appear.
Side effects of topical aloe vera can include:
- redness
- burning
- stinging
- potential allergic reaction in people with skin sensitivity
Probiotics
Probiotics can boost the immune system and decrease inflammatory responses throughout the body. While research on the effects of probiotics on the number of SD flare-ups is limited, probiotics still promote healthier immune responses, so they might be worth trying.
Do not give children under age 1 year any products with probiotics, such as yogurt or oral supplements, as the effects for very young children have not been researched.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has long been studied as a treatment for many skin conditions. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Topical use of tea tree oil is safe, but it should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil. Mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil before applying. This can help reduce itching and promote healing of scaly skin patches
Other essential oils
Evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil also contain properties that may help treat SD symptoms. They can help reduce itching and redness. These oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before application.
Use of essential oils in young children, babies, pregnant women, and breast-feeding mothers has not been studied in depth. Someone should only use essential oils on babies with serious caution and after consultation with a doctor.
Essential oils should not be swallowed and should only be used topically or from a diffuser.
Topical medicines are the most common treatment for SD flare-ups. These include:
- creams
- foams
- gels
- lotions
- ointments, containing corticosteroids or hydrocortisone
These medicines can cause skin thinning with overuse, so doctors will only recommend them for short-term use. Supplementing these topical medicines with natural treatments can decrease side effects and may be better in the long term.
For SD on the scalp triggered by bacteria, antibacterial gels can be prescribed. Antifungal shampoos and creams are also options for this SD symptom.
Light therapy has been used in severe cases of SD. Light therapy involves exposing the affected areas of the skin or scalp to ultraviolent light.
SD is a lifelong condition that comes and goes. It is best controlled and managed with treatment.
There are many natural treatments that can add to medical treatments. For young children, someone should always talk to a doctor before using any of these products. This is because there is very little research on their effects and safety in children.
A person should always keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbs, essential oils, or supplements for their strength, quality, purity, or safety. So, it is important to read labels and research brands before buying.
Controlling risk factors and practicing good skin care can lessen the severity of SD.
