What is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis: Best Shampoos for Treating Your Scalp
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Seborrheic dermatitis is a is a dermatological condition that primarily affects the scalp and trunk. You may also notice symptoms, like redness and scales, on the face or ears.
The cause of this chronic inflammatory condition is unknown, but genetics, hormones, and certain triggers like stress may play a role. While seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone, its more likely to develop in babies under 3 months old and adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years old.
Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can cause unwanted dandruff and scaly patches. However, there are several shampoos that you can buy or make yourself that may help.
Dandruff is common with this condition. Medicated shampoos are a first-line treatment doctors suggest to help ease discomfort and control flaking. There are many options available over the counter (OTC) at your local drug store or online.
Shampoos containing selenium sulfide
Antifungal agents, like selenium sulfide, may help when used as little as
- targets a specific yeast, Pityrosporum ovale
- reduces the number of dandruff cells on the scalp
- eases irritation and itching
Shampoos on the market that contain this ingredient include Selsun Blue and Head & Shoulders Clinical.
Hyperpigmentation is a
Shampoos containing pyrithione zinc
A
Youll see OTC products with concentrations ranging from
Shampoos containing salicylic acid
Salicylic acid hasnt been as well studied for seborrheic dermatitis as other ingredients. It may be useful when used in conjunction with other treatments. Its main benefit is that it helps to reduce scaling on the scalp.
Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic, a shampoo specifically formulated to manage scalp buildup.
Shampoos containing ketoconazole
Antifungal ketoconazole, on the other hand, is
This ingredient is available OTC in shampoos like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff.
Once the initial symptoms subside, some people are able to manage their seborrheic dermatitis by using ketoconazole shampoos just
Ketoconazole is considered safe. Studies havent shown that it irritates the skin or causes other side effects.
Shampoos containing coal tar
Coal tar suppresses fungus and decreases inflammation. This ingredient may even reduce sebum production.
Studies have revealed that coal tar is
Shampoos that contain this ingredient include Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength, PsoriaTrax, and MG217.
Coal tar has several associated side effects. Some people may develop contact dermatitis on their fingers after applying. Signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and black urine. Coal tar may increase chances of developing some cancers, like squamous cell carcinoma.
You may also want to try DIY home remedies before reaching for prescription treatments. These natural options yield varying results. The information youll find online about these treatments is often anecdotal. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Blogger Seth Pollins shares that hes successfully treated his seborrheic dermatitis for over 10 years by applying a coconut oil mask 1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil to his scalp after shampooing. He follows this process just twice a week, leaving the oil on for a few hours and then washing it out.
Apple cider vinegar
The malic acid in apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help to shed excess skin cells on the scalp. Not only that, but its acetic acid potentially works against dandruff-causing yeasts and bacteria.
Make sure you pick up unfiltered ACV with the mother in it. Processed varieties dont provide the same benefits.
Combine 1 part water and 1 part ACV. You may leave this in the hair after washing or rinse clean after a couple hours.
Essential oils
The essential oil Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) is an alternative remedy for treating a variety of skin conditions due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea tree oil is generally safe when applied topically, though some people may experience dermatitis. Tea tree oil shampoos are also available OTC at many natural food stores. Other essential oils that may help with dandruff include lemongrass and frankincense.
To use oils to treat dandruff, youll need to first dilute them with either honey, a carrier oil (such as coconut or grapeseed), or your regular shampoo. Add a few drops and massage the mixture into your scalp. Let sit for up to 5 minutes before rinsing out.
Raw honey
Honey is antimicrobial and moisturizing to the skin, all while being a good hair conditioner. Raw honey is unprocessed and especially packed with good stuff like vitamins and minerals, protein, and enzymes. Applying it to the scalp can be soothing and may prevent skin infections.
Combine 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered honey with 3/4 cup of water. Stir to dissolve and then rinse your hair with the mixture. Use your fingers to massage it over the scalp.
Besides specific products or ingredients, following certain hygiene practices may also help with dandruff.
- Use OTC shampoos daily until symptoms ease. After that, using them once to three times weekly may be enough to manage symptoms.
- Alternate between two or more types of shampoos if using one doesnt do the trick. Always follow package instructions for the best results.
- Skip styling products like hair sprays and gels. Also avoid personal care products that contain alcohol. They may make scaling and irritation worse.
- Remove scales from your scalp by applying mineral oil or olive oil. Leave it on for about an hour before combing through your hair and washing away.
- Men: Shampoo facial hair regularly. While the scalp gets the main focus, the skin under beards and mustaches may respond well to OTC shampoos. Shaving may also make your symptoms subside.
- Infants: Try a nonmedicated shampoo once a day for cradle cap. A soft-bristled brush may help gently remove scales before rinsing. If not, try mineral oil for a couple hours and then gently combing out scales.
If youve tried OTC shampoos or other home remedies and still dont find relief, make an appointment with a doctor. There are many prescription-strength shampoos that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients you may try.
There are also other treatments, like antifungal medications, that may ease more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
8 dermatologist-recommended shampoos to ease seborrheic dermatitis symptoms like scalp itching and flaking
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- Experts believe seborrheic dermatitis may relate to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp.
- Shampoos with antifungal agents like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione can help.
- Dermatologists also recommend avoiding shampoos with parabens, sulfates, dyes, and added fragrance.
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Scaly patches, skin flaking, scabs, an itchy rash these are just a few of the bothersome symptoms that come with seborrheic dermatitis. This common skin condition often affects oily areas of the body, like the scalp and face.
While experts still don't know exactly what causes seborrheic dermatitis, it most likely relates to an overproduction of Malassezia yeast. This type of yeast lives on everyone's skin, says Dr. Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist with Treasure Valley Dermatology but an overgrowth can trigger inflammation, causing issues like itching and flaking.
I've dealt with this condition for a long time in fact, in my first year of life I had cradle cap, the infant version of seborrheic dermatitis.
Over the years, I've learned firsthand the importance of using the right shampoo since, as Portela emphasizes, many commercial shampoos contain harsh ingredients that can further irritate the scalp and worsen your symptoms.
While I do still experience flare-ups especially in the winter they're far less frequent when I use hair products specifically formulated to treat seborrheic dermatitis. These shampoos typically contain antifungal ingredients to address the yeast imbalance on the scalp.
With all that in mind, here are eight shampoos that can help ease seborrheic dermatitis symptoms and promote a healthier scalp, according to dermatologists.
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
