Does honey cure seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis and the Potential Use of Apple Cider Vinegar
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a skin condition that affects many people worldwide, causing discomfort, embarrassment, and sometimes even pain. Its characterized by red, flaky, and itchy skin, primarily on the scalp but can also affect other areas such as the face, ears, and chest.
Despite numerous treatments available, people often seek alternative remedies due to potential side effects of conventional medications. One such alternative is apple cider vinegar. This article will delve into the potential use of apple cider vinegar for seborrheic dermatitis.
TLDR: While apple cider vinegars antimicrobial properties and impact on lipid metabolism suggest it could be beneficial, scientific evidence is limited. The article also discusses other home remedies for SD and emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for treatment.
Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis
Before exploring the possible role of apple cider vinegar in managing SD, its essential to understand this condition better. The precise cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains somewhat elusive with factors such as changes in the immune system, skin barrier function alterations, oil gland activity and presence of a yeast called Malassezia believed to contribute [1].
Interestingly:
- The role of Malassezia yeast in seborrheic dermatitis is well-established but not entirely understood.
- Studies have shown an increased ratio of certain types of Malassezia yeast in patients with seborrheic dermatitis [2].
- Individual susceptibility to dandruff does not always correlate with the number of Malassezia present [3].
Furthermore, recent research has found links between metabolic abnormalities and SD:
- Patients with seborrheic dermatitis were found to have lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as good cholesterol [4].
- Dyslipidemia (abnormal amounts of lipids in the blood) is a common comorbidity in psoriasis, a related skin condition [5].
- However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and seborrheic dermatitis remains unclear due to limited studies [6].
Want to learn more about ACV and discover everything I know about seborrheic dermatitis?A few years ago I decided to start summarizing and documenting my research. They are now available in an organized online book. You can read the complete book online for free here: Seborrheic Dermatitis The Owners Manual
The Role of Vinegar in Metabolism and Lipid Levels
Given the potential link between lipid abnormalities and SD, its worth exploring treatments that can positively impact lipid levels. Enter vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on serum lipids and metabolism:
- Vinegar intake has been found to help reduce hyperlipidemia (high levels of fats in the blood) and obesity [7].
- Consumption of vinegar was found to suppress body fat accumulation [8].
- Various fruit vinegars have been seen to normalize lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats [9].
These findings suggest that vinegar may potentially help manage metabolic abnormalities associated with SD.
The Potential Use of Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, known for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which could potentially help manage seborrheic dermatitis by:
- Killing Malassezia yeast: The pH-dependent activity of Malassezia yeast suggests that acidic solutions like apple cider vinegar could inhibit their growth [10].
- Reducing inflammation: Acetic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that might help soothe skin affected by SD.
- Restoring skin pH balance: The skins pH plays a significant role in SD, and apple cider vinegar could help restore this balance [11].
However, these potential benefits are mostly theoretical and based on the properties of acetic acid and vinegar rather than direct scientific evidence on seborrheic dermatitis treatment.
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Dermatitis
If youre considering trying apple cider vinegar for managing SD, here are a few ways to use it:
There are several ways to use ACV for SD. Some of the most common methods include:
- Applying ACV directly to the skin: You can apply ACV to your skin using a cotton ball or a spray bottle. Be sure to dilute the ACV with water before applying it to your skin.
- Adding ACV to your shampoo: You can add ACV to your shampoo to help reduce the symptoms of SD. Add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to your shampoo and mix it well.
- Taking ACV orally: You can take ACV orally to help treat SD. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV with a glass of water and drink it once or twice a day.
Remember to always do a patch test before applying apple cider vinegar to your skin or scalp.
Precautions
ACV is a natural product, but it can still cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of ACV include:
- Skin irritation
- Burning
- Itching
- Redness
- Dryness
If you experience any of these side effects, stop using ACV and talk to your doctor.
Other Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Along with ACV, other home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Tea tree oil:Contains terpinen-4-ol that exerts antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. Use diluted in a carrier oil.
- Aloe vera:Soothes inflamed skin and may inhibit Malassezia with its antimicrobial properties. Apply gel from the leaves.
- Honey:Has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Use medical-grade manuka honey for best results.
- Probiotics:May restore microbial balance and regulate the immune response. Take oral probiotics or use topical creams.
Research on these natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis is limited. They likely wont replace conventional treatments, but may provide some added relief when used carefully.
My Results With Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Apple cider vinegar was actually one of the first things that I attempted to treat my seborrheic dermatitis with.
The very first time I used it my seborrheic dermatitis was still only affecting my nasal folds. I took a 1:1 mix of apple cider vinegar and filtered water and dabbed it on the skin. Immediately I felt the strong sting of the vinegar. My skin inflamed and turned bright red.
The flaking seemed to go away with regular application, but after each treatment my nasal folds stayed bright red for most the day (very embarrassing). So in effect I exchanged one embarrassing problem for another. In the end, after several weeks for hoping my skin would adjust to the apple cider vinegar I gave up and started looking for a different solution.
These poor results kept me away from apple cider vinegar for quite sometime. During this period my seborrheic dermatitis progressed and started to spread to my cheeks and forehead.
When to See a Doctor
Consult a dermatologist if OTC treatments and natural remedies dont improve seborrheic dermatitis. Prescription medications like higher strength antifungals, calcineurin inhibitors or retinoids may be required for more stubborn cases [].
See a doctor right away if you have severe, widespread symptoms or signs of infection like:
- Extreme redness, swelling and pain
- Oozing, weeping or crusting lesions
- Hair loss
- Fever, lymph node swelling or malaise
Severe seborrheic dermatitis can have significant physical and emotional effects. Working with a dermatologist ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.
In Conclusion
While the potential use of apple cider vinegar for seborrheic dermatitis seems promising based on its antimicrobial properties and positive effects on lipid metabolism, concrete scientific evidence is lacking. Therefore, its crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen [IMG: A doctor consulting with a patient about their skin condition].
Its also worth mentioning that while some anecdotal reports suggest successful topical usage of apple cider vinegar for seborrheic dermatitis [2], more research is needed to establish its efficacy definitively.
The journey towards understanding and effectively treating seborrheic dermatitis continues with each new study bringing us closer to more effective treatments. In the meantime, exploring potential natural remedies like apple cider vinegar might provide some relief for those struggling with this common but frustrating condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Diagnosis
To diagnose seborrheic dermatitis, your health care provider will likely talk with you about your symptoms and look at your skin. You may need to have a small piece of skin removed (biopsied) for study in a lab. This test helps rule out other conditions.
Treatment
For adolescents and adults, the main treatments for seborrheic dermatitis are medicated shampoos, creams and lotions. If nonprescription products and self-care habits don't help, your health care provider might suggest that you try one or more of these treatments:
Antifungal gels, creams, lotions, foams or shampoos alternated with another medication. Your health care provider might suggest you try a product with 2% ketoconazole or 1% ciclopirox (Loprox). Or you might rotate between two or more products. Ketoconzole can worsen the dryness of tightly coiled or chemically treated hair and increase the risk of breakage. To ease this effect, use it only once a week with a moisturizing conditioner.
How often you shampoo or apply other antifungal products will depend on your hair-grooming practices and symptoms. Medicated shampoos can be used once a day or 2 to 3 times a week for several weeks. Let the product sit on your scalp for a few minutes see package directions so it has time to work. Then rinse. After your symptoms clear up, use a medicated shampoo just once a week or once every two weeks. This will help prevent a relapse.
Creams, lotions, shampoos or ointments that control inflammation. Your health care provider might prescribe a prescription-strength corticosteroid you apply to the scalp or other affected area. These include hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Capex, Synalar), clobetasol (Clobex, Temovate) and desonide (Desowen, Desonate). They are effective and easy to use. And use them only until symptoms clear up. If used for many weeks or months without a break, they can cause side effects. These include loss of skin color, thinning skin, and skin showing streaks or lines.
Creams or ointments with a calcineurin inhibitor such as tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) may be effective. Another benefit is that they have fewer side effects than corticosteroids do. But they are not first-choice treatments because the Food and Drug Administration has concerns about a possible association with cancer. In addition, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus cost more than mild corticosteroid medications.
- Antifungal medication you take as a pill. If your condition isn't improving with other treatments or is severe, your health care provider may prescribe an antifungal medication in pill form.
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Lifestyle and home remedies
You may be able to control seborrheic dermatitis with lifestyle changes and home remedies. Many of these are sold in nonprescription forms. You may need to try different products or a combination of products before your condition improves.
The best approach for you depends on your skin type, hair-grooming practices and your symptoms. But even if your condition clears up, it's likely to come back at some point. Watch for the symptoms and resume treating the condition when it recurs. Or use nonprescription antidandruff products in your self-care routine to prevent flare-ups.
Wash your scalp regularly
If regular shampoo doesn't help with dandruff, try nonprescription dandruff shampoos. They are classified according to the active ingredient they contain:
- Pyrithione zinc (DermaZinc, Head & Shoulders, others), also sold as bar soap
- Selenium sulfide (Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, others)
- Ketoconazole 1% (Nizoral A-D)
- Tar (Denorex Extra Strength, DHS Tar, others)
- Salicylic acid (Denorex, DHS Sal, others)
How often you shampoo or apply other antifungal products will depend on your hair-grooming practices and symptoms. Medicated shampoos can be used once a day or 2 to 3 times a week for several weeks. After your symptoms clear up, use a medicated shampoo just once a week or once every two weeks. This will help prevent a relapse. Shampoo that contains tar or selenium sulfide can discolor light-colored hair.
Sometimes a shampoo that has helped loses its effectiveness over time. If that's the case, try alternating between two or more types. Be sure to leave your shampoo on for the full recommended time this allows its ingredients to work. Then rinse. These shampoos may be rubbed gently on the face, ears and chest and rinsed off well.
Other home remedies
The following nonprescription treatments and self-care tips may help you control seborrheic dermatitis:
- Soften and remove scales from your hair. Apply mineral oil, peanut oil or olive oil to your scalp. Leave it in for 1 to 3 hours. Then comb or brush your hair and wash it.
- Wash your skin regularly. Use warm, not hot, water and a gentle soap or nonsoap cleanser. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
- Apply a medicated cream. First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole.
- Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.
- Don't use skin and hair products that contain alcohol. These can cause the disease to flare up.
- If you have a beard or mustache, shampoo facial hair regularly. Seborrheic dermatitis can be worse under mustaches and beards. Shampoo with 1% ketoconazole daily until your symptoms improve. Then switch to shampooing once a week or once every two weeks. Or shaving might ease your symptoms.
- Gently clean your eyelids. If your eyelids are inflamed or scaly, wash them each night. Use a few drops of baby shampoo mixed with two capfuls of warm water. Wipe away scales with a cotton swab. Warm, damp cloths pressed to your eyelids also may help.
- Gently wash your baby's scalp. If your infant has mild cradle cap, wash the scalp with a mild baby shampoo once a day. Gently loosen the scales with a cloth or an infant hairbrush before rinsing out the shampoo. If scaling persists, first apply mineral oil or olive oil to the scalp for an hour or two. Cradle cap usually disappears in a few weeks or months.
Alternative medicine
Many alternative therapies, including those listed below, have helped some people manage their seborrheic dermatitis. But evidence for their effectiveness isn't proved. It's always a good idea to check with your health care provider before adding any alternative medicines to your self-care routine.
- Tea tree oil. A shampoo with 5% tea tree oil may be used on the affected area. Some studies suggest that tea tree oil can trigger an allergic reaction.
- Aloe. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Aloe is an ingredient in many products, or you can use it directly from the leaf of an aloe plant.
If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies, talk with your health care provider about their pros and cons.
Preparing for your appointment
You'll probably first visit your primary care provider. Or you may see a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions (dermatologist).
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
Before your appointment, list your answers to the following questions:
- What are your symptoms, and when did they start?
- Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms?
- What medications are you taking, including those you take by mouth as well as creams or ointments?
- What treatments have you tried so far? Has anything helped?
What to expect from your doctor
Your health care provider is likely to ask you a few questions. Being ready to answer them may free up time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. Your health care provider might ask:
- What are your symptoms, and when did you first notice them?
- Is this the first time you've had these symptoms, or have you had them before?
- How severe are your symptoms? Are they about the same all the time, getting worse, or sometimes better and sometimes worse?
- Do your symptoms affect your quality of life, including your ability to sleep?
- Have you tried any at-home treatments, such as creams, gels or shampoos?
- How often do you use these treatments?
- Does anything seem to help?
- Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
- What medications, vitamins or supplements are you taking?
- Have you been under stress lately or experienced major life changes?
What you can do in the meantime
A nonprescription antifungal cream or anti-itch cream can be helpful. If your scalp is affected, a nonprescription antifungal shampoo, foam or other product may ease your symptoms. Try not to scratch or pick at the affected area. This increases your risk of infection.
Sept. 27, 2022
