Seborrheic Dermatitis

See also :

• Dermatitis
• Dandruff

Symptoms

Seborrheic dermatitis (seb-o-REE-ik der-muh-TI-tis) is a common skin disorder that mainly affects your scalp, causing scaly, itchy, red skin and stubborn dandruff. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is known as cradle cap. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect your face, upper chest, back and other areas of your body that have many oil (sebaceous) glands.

Causes

• A yeast (fungus) called Malassezia. This fungus is one of the normal microscopic life forms that grow, along with certain bacteria, in your skin's oily secretion (sebum). Creams, foams or lotions containing an antifungal agent, such as ketoconazole (Ketozole, Extina), often help reduce flare-ups, supporting the idea that this yeast is a contributing factor. But seborrheic dermatitis itself isn't considered an infection, and it's not contagious.
• Change of season. Episodes are often worse in winter.
• Neurological conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur more frequently in people who have *Parkinson's disease and certain other neurological disorders.
• Stress and fatigue. Stressful life events and situations may help trigger an episode or make it worse through mechanisms that aren't yet understood. The role of neurological disorders and stress may be related through effects on the nervous system.
• HIV/AIDS. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur more commonly and tend to be more severe in those with HIV/AIDS.

Home remedies

• Diet change : There is evidence of a relationship between seborrheic dermatitis and intestinal yeast, such as candida. An antifungal diet consisting of the elimination of sugar and increasing vegetable intake should reduce seborrheic dermatitis.
• Aloe Vera applied topically
• Tea tree oil: diluted to 5% applied topically
• Oregano oil: diluted and applied topically
• apple cider vinegar is usually recommended for SD. You might also want to try diluting it with water although you should probaly use bottled or filtered water rather than chlorinated tap water as chlorine kills the good bacteria needed to fight yeast infections.
• Viola tricolor or Heartsease: applied topically. Is recognised by Germany's Commission E as Monograph 195 for the treatment of Cradle Cap a form of seborrheic dermatitis.
• Honey apply diluted crude (raw) honey (90% honey diluted in warm water) every other day on the lesions with gentle rubbing for 2–3 minutes. Honey is left on for 3 hours before gentle rinsing with warm water. Treatment is continued for 4 weeks.
• Avocado extracts: AV119 & 5-alpha Avocuta, also known as butyl avocadate applied topically.
• Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistulosa)
• Milk of magnesia applied to the face while showering and rinsed off may help clear up seborrheic dermatitis.
• Phototherapy : Some dermatologists recommend photodynamic therapy using UV-A and UV-B laser or red and blue LED light to inhibit the growth of Malassezia fungus and reduce seborrhoeic inflammation.
• Probiotics : Lactobacillus casei[43] and Lactobacillus paracasei
• Lactoferrin
• Supplement with Vitamin D3, B7, B6, B2, B3, Zinc
• Blackcurrant seed oil
• Boswellia serrata extracts: Boswellic acid has anti-inflammatory properties.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.