How do you get rid of seborrheic dermatitis permanently

Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis: What Works?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

How we vet brands and products

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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. Research has shown that its extract is effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis.

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:

1. Wash your hair with shampoo.
2. Apply a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar to the area.
3. Let the vinegar and water sit on your scalp for a few minutes.
4. Rinse well.

Olive oil

Another option for at-home treatment is to coat your scalp with olive oil.

Follow these steps:

1. Apply the oil to the scalp.
2. Leave the oil on for about an hour.
3. Brush thoroughly to remove scales from your scalp.
4. 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.

Seborrheic dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment

Biosimilars: 14 FAQs

Find answers to questions patients ask about this newer treatment option, including, Whats involved in switching from a biologic to a biosimilar?

Featured

Laser hair removal

You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

Scar treatment

If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

Botox

It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results arent permanent. Heres how long botox tends to last.

Featured

Find a Dermatologist

You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist thats right for you.

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

What to Know About Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of eczema that can cause dandruff and other symptoms. Treatment can involve home remedies and prescriptions, depending on the severity.

Seborrheic dermatitis (pronounced seh-bah-ree-ick der-muh-tie-tis) is a common skin condition that causes redness, scaly patches, and dandruff.

It is a chronic form of eczema that most often affects the scalp. It can also develop on oily areas of the body, like your face, upper chest, and back.

When infants develop this condition, doctors call it cradle cap. This typically develops within the first few weeks of birth and gradually disappears over several weeks or months.

In this article, well talk more about what seborrheic dermatitis is, its symptoms, and how you can manage it.

Doctors dont know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. But they believe there are two main factors that contribute to the development of the condition.

The first factor is the overproduction of oil. An excess amount of oil in the skin might act as an irritant, causing your skin to become red and greasy. This may relate to hormone production.

The second contributing factor is Malassezia, a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the skins oils. It can sometimes multiply more than usual, causing an inflammatory response in the skin. This triggers increased oil production, and excessive oil can lead to seborrheic dermatitis.

The condition might also develop in infants due to hormonal changes that occur in the birthing parent during pregnancy. The fluctuating hormone levels might stimulate the infants oil glands, leading to an overproduction of oil that can irritate the skin.

Doctors arent exactly sure why some people develop seborrheic dermatitis while others dont. But it does appear that your risk of developing the condition increases if a close family member has it.

Other factors thought to increase risk include:

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the scalp and hairline, with symptoms ranging from mild dandruff to thick, dense patches of dried skin.

Dandruff is a common characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis and can appear as fine, powdery pieces of dead skin. It might be visible in your hair or on dark clothing.

If you have more severe seborrheic dermatitis, you may experience erythematous plaques. These are elevated, solid patches of thick-crusted skin on and around the scalp.

If left untreated, the plaque could thicken and become yellow and greasy. A secondary infection could also occur.

Your doctor will likely recommend that you try some home remedies before considering medical treatments.

People frequently use dandruff shampoos to treat seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp. Daily use is often necessary for optimal results. Make sure to follow all instructions on the bottle carefully.

Other home treatments that may help you manage seborrheic dermatitis include:

• using over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal and anti-itch creams
• using hypoallergenic soap and detergent
• thoroughly rinsing soap and shampoo off the skin and scalp
• shaving off a mustache or beard
• wearing loose cotton clothing to avoid skin irritation

Seborrheic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition that requires ongoing treatment. But you can manage the condition effectively by:

• working with a doctor
• developing a good skin care routine
• learning to recognize and eliminate triggers

If your symptoms dont improve with these home remedies, talk with your doctor about trying the following treatments.

Prescription-strength shampoos and ointments for seborrheic dermatitis

These contain hydrocortisone, fluocinolone, or desonide.

You can apply these medications directly to the affected area. While they are very effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis, they may cause side effects when used for an extended period.

Antifungal medication

In rare instances, your doctor might prescribe an antifungal medication. But they dont often recommend this drug, since it can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions and liver problems.

The antifungal medication might be available in the form of a shampoo, topical solution, or cream that causes fewer side effects than oral treatment, according to the National Eczema Association.

Metronidazole

Metronidazole is another type of treatment that can relieve symptoms by fighting bacteria. It comes in both cream and gel forms. Apply the medication to the skin once or twice daily until your symptoms improve.

Combination psoralen and light therapy

Your doctor can use a combination of psoralen and light therapy to help manage your seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

You can take psoralen by mouth or apply it directly onto the skin. After ingesting or applying psoralen, your doctor exposes the affected skin area to ultraviolet light for a short period.

Treating cradle cap

Cradle cap usually doesnt require medical treatment. It often resolves within 6 months.

In the meantime, you can try the following daily routine to help manage your childs symptoms:

• Loosen scaly patches by massaging your babys scalp or using a soft-bristled brush.
• Wash your babys hair with a mild shampoo.
• Rinse the hair and scalp thoroughly.
• Brush your babys hair with a clean, soft-bristled brush.

If its difficult to loosen and wash off scales, massage your babys scalp with olive oil before shampooing.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are often aggravated by various factors, including:

• stress
• change of seasons
• heavy alcohol use

The types of symptoms that develop can vary from person to person. Its also possible for symptoms to occur in different parts of the body.

Areas affected

As mentioned, seborrheic dermatitis tends to develop in oily areas of the body. It most often affects the scalp, but it can also occur in the following areas:

• in and around the ears
• on the eyebrows
• on the nose
• on the back
• on the upper portion of the chest

Appearance

Seborrheic dermatitis has a distinct appearance and set of symptoms:

• Skin develops scaly patches that flake off. The patches may be white or yellowish in color. This problem is commonly known as dandruff. It can occur in the scalp, hair, eyebrows, or beard.
• Skin develops erythematous plaques. These plaques are elevated, solid patches of thick-crusted skin that may turn yellow and greasy and occur in severe cases.
• Skin in the affected area tends to be greasy and oily.
• Skin in the affected area may be red.
• Skin in the affected area may be itchy.
• Hair loss may occur in the affected area.

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to those of other skin conditions, including rosacea and psoriasis.

To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical examination and carefully inspect the affected areas. Theyll also ask you about your symptoms, including when they started and how often you experience them.

Your doctor may also want to perform a biopsy before making a diagnosis. During this procedure, your doctor will scrape off skin cells from the affected area.

These samples will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results will help to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Not all cases of seborrheic dermatitis can be managed solely through the use of OTC dandruff shampoos. Oral medications, prescription shampoos, and medicinal creams or gels for the scalp and other areas of the body can be used for severe symptoms and more serious cases.

In general, you should reach out to your doctor if you:

• arent getting relief from a regular dandruff shampoo
• have areas that are extremely red
• have areas that are very painful
• have areas that are producing pus, draining fluid, or crusting
• are experiencing significant discomfort and believe medical intervention may be needed

You should also contact your childs doctor if cradle cap symptoms are severe or persist. They may recommend certain medicated shampoos or lotions.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, so you may need to manage it on some level for the rest of your life. You may go through extended periods where there are little to no symptoms. Youll also likely experience flare-ups, which are episodes when symptoms become more severe.

Over time, you can find a skin care routine that works for you and minimizes the impact of the condition. Learning to recognize and eliminate triggers can also help you manage seborrheic dermatitis effectively. It doesnt lead to any serious medical conditions or complications.

Cradle cap usually resolves without treatment within 6 months.