Comprehensive Guide to Seborrheic Dermatitis

You've probably noticed the telltale signs of seborrheic dermatitis—flaky skin, dandruff, an itchy scalp, redness, and irritation. Dealing with these symptoms can be frustrating, especially when they keep coming back. And we're not joking when we say we've been there ourselves, too.

While there's no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, the good news is that its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right approach. It starts with understanding what triggers flare-ups and finding ways to soothe and reduce symptoms. Lifestyle adjustments and modifications can also play a key role in keeping symptoms under control.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about seborrheic dermatitis, including its causes and triggers. We'll also explore natural remedies and lifestyle modifications that can help minimize symptoms and prevent flare-up recurrences.

Table of Contents: 

• Symptoms and Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Factors that Affect Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms
• Effective At-Home & Natural Remedies for Adult Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Seborrheic Dermatitis & Hair Loss: Managing Symptoms & Regrowth
• Common Mistakes That Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis
• FAQs & Common Misconceptions

Symptoms and Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by flaky, scaly, itchy, or oily skin on the scalp. It can also lead to skin inflammation and redness. It commonly develops in areas with a high concentration of sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils known as sebum. These include the forehead, eyebrows, chest, and behind the ears [1].

Experts and scientists have not yet fully understood the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. However, various factors are likely associated with its development [2].

One of the main causes is thought to be Malassezia. This fungus or yeast is believed to be one of the primary suspects responsible for causing seborrheic dermatitis [3].

Malassezia normally lives on the skin and scalp without causing trouble. However, an increase in its population can be problematic. An overgrowth of Malassezia and a change in skin flora result in some hallmark symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including scalp itching, irritation, and flaking [4].

Factors that Affect Seborrheic Dermatitis Symptoms

Certain factors can worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, while others can help your symptoms clear up and prevent future flare-ups.

By understanding these different factors, you can pull various lifestyle levers and make adjustments to tilt the scale in your favor when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis.

How Stress Affects Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff

Some people notice a flare-up during or after stressful seasons — like when they have a major exam, are overwhelmed with work, or stay with their in-laws during the holidays. 

But how does stress worsen seborrheic dermatitis? 

Stress can disrupt the natural balance of hormones in the body and chemical messengers in the brain. As a result, stress may throw off the body's immune system, stimulate the production of inflammatory markers, and increase inflammation, which can aggravate symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis [5]. 

Plus, when you're constantly stressed, your body is rarely in rest-and-digest mode, where most of the healing takes place. This can slow down your skin's ability to heal and regenerate.

There's also another piece of the puzzle worth mentioning. Stress can lead to seborrheic dermatitis, but seborrheic dermatitis can also lead to stress, anxiety, and lower self-confidence. So, if you've noticed that your seborrheic dermatitis affects your mood and self-esteem, you're not alone.

In fact, research has found that seborrheic dermatitis commonly co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and other mood-related symptoms. This is understandable, as seborrheic dermatitis can affect a person's appearance and social activities [5].

This can create a frustrating cycle—stress worsens seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, which then increases your stress, causing the cycle to repeat.

The "Vacation Effect": Why Symptoms Improve When You're Relaxed

Have you ever noticed that your seborrheic dermatitis symptoms tend to disappear while you're on vacation? 

While this might seem odd, it isn't just your imagination. Many people have reported that their symptoms get better or vanish while they're away. Take, for example, the numerous Reddit posts that note symptoms disappearing when traveling to a country with a different climate or weather.

That said, this relief can be rather short-lived. Once you're back home, symptoms may quickly return or flare up. 

The Role of Stress

As mentioned earlier, stress can worsen seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

When you're stressed, your body enters fight-or-flight mode, which isn't favorable for healing. Your immune system may also produce more inflammatory markers, further aggravating symptoms.

Going on vacation can help relieve stress, so this might lead to an improvement in symptoms.

The Role of Sea Salt

If your symptoms improve when you spend time in the sea or ocean, you've just witnessed the healing power of sea salt. Sea salt has natural anti-inflammatory properties. So, it's no surprise that many people find that swimming in the sea or ocean helps to reduce skin irritation, redness, and inflammation. 

Scientists have investigated the benefits of sea salt for the skin, and their findings are promising.

One study discovered that bathing in Dead Sea water, which contains 5% Dead Sea salt, significantly improved skin barrier function and hydration and reduced skin roughness, redness, and inflammation [6]. Other research has found that bathing in the Dead Sea water could help protect and rejuvenate the skin through its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and barrier-repair effects [7]. 

Sea salt also has antifungal properties, which may contribute to its effectiveness against the fungus Malassezia [8]. 

The Role of Sunlight

Sunlight may be another reason why seborrheic dermatitis symptoms improve when a person goes on vacation.

Studies suggest that sunlight could be linked to an improvement in symptoms.

For example, one study has found an association between sunlight exposure and the severity of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. Researchers found that more prolonged exposure to sunlight was associated with a lower severity of symptoms [9]. 

There are two possible explanations for why sunlight might provide relief for symptoms. 

Firstly, the UV light from the sun could also be a reason why sunlight helps with seborrheic dermatitis.

One study investigated the effects of narrow-band ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy on severe seborrheic dermatitis and found that it was a safe and highly effective management option [10]. Because this phototherapy uses specific UV wavelengths that are a component of natural sunlight, it could also explain how sunlight helps relieve symptoms in seborrheic dermatitis patients.

Secondly, sunlight is a source of vitamin D. Scientists found that patients with this skin condition had low vitamin D levels. Thus, vitamin D from the sun and supplements might help improve symptoms [11]. 

Nutritional Factors: The Role of Vitamin D and K2

Based on research, vitamin D supplements look promising for tackling seborrheic dermatitis.

One study has shown that the levels of vitamin D in participants with seborrheic dermatitis were significantly lower compared to participants who did not have this skin ailment [12]. Additionally, those with more severe symptoms of facial seborrheic dermatitis and scalp seborrheic dermatitis had lower vitamin D levels than those with less severe symptoms [12].

In short, vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups and recurrences. On top of that, vitamin D supplementation could prove helpful in combatting this skin ailment, especially if you have inadequate vitamin D levels in your body.

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Gut Health

There are a few reasons why experts believe it might be possible for seborrheic dermatitis symptoms to be linked to your gut health and diet.

Firstly, oral probiotics have been shown to improve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. One study found that participants who consumed oral probiotics had less dandruff, scalp itchiness, and skin redness [13]. 

Another study investigated the impact of diet on symptoms. Findings showed that spicy food and sweets were the top culprits associated with worsening symptoms. In contrast, consuming leafy green vegetables and other types of vegetables was often linked to improvements in seborrheic dermatitis [14].

More research is needed to confirm the association between this skin condition and gut health. But it never hurts to adopt a healthier diet to not only reduce symptoms but also to enhance your physical health.

Weather & Seasonal Effects on Seborrheic Dermatitis

Have you ever noticed that your symptoms seem to worsen during certain types of weather?

Research shows that certain environmental factors can make it more likely for you to develop seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. These risk factors include: [15]

• Low temperature
• Low ultraviolet index
• Low humidity

This means that flare-ups can be more common during cold and dry weather.

Now that you better understand the different factors that can affect seborrheic dermatitis, you can reflect on which are most likely to contribute to your symptoms. That way, you can build targeted strategies to help you tackle the condition more effectively.

Effective At-Home & Natural Remedies for Adult Seborrheic Dermatitis

Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can be a great alternative or addition to your current management plan.

Here are some non-drug or at-home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis.

Using a DIY Sea Salt Solution

There are two ways to incorporate sea salt into your management routine.

The first is to use a sea salt solution. Dissolve the salt in warm water to form a solution and gradually pour it over the affected area of your scalp or skin. Then, gently massage the salt mixture in. You can leave it on for several hours or even overnight. Finally, wash any residue off and pat dry.

Alternatively, you can soak a clean washcloth in some of this saltwater solution and then place it over the affected region. After a few minutes, wash off any residue with cold water.

How much salt you add is left to your discretion, but it's best to test the waters with a lower concentration before going full out. For added relief, you can add apple cider vinegar to salted warm water. You can also top things off with a moisturizer suitable for atopic dermatitis or dry skin.

Taking Vitamin D Supplements

Before starting on any new supplement, it's always best to consult your healthcare professional.

Vitamin D3 and K2 supplements may help reduce symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Why Use Vitamin D3

While both forms of vitamin D are well absorbed into your bloodstream, they're processed differently by your liver. Hence, research has shown that vitamin D3 is more effective than vitamin D2 at improving your vitamin D status [16].

Because of this, vitamin D3 supplements may be a better choice over D2.

Why Add Vitamin K2

If you've been looking for vitamin D supplements, you might have noticed some that contain both vitamin D3 and K2.

Vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and teeth by regulating blood calcium levels. However, this vitamin doesn't determine where the calcium ends up. It could end up where it needs to be, such as in your teeth and bones, or it could take a wrong turn and end up in soft tissues, such as your blood vessels, which isn't good.

Two of vitamin K's crucial roles are to:

• Support the accumulation of calcium in your bones and teeth
• Prevent calcium deposits in soft tissues such as your blood vessels

And that's why vitamin D3 and K2 make a powerful team.

What About Megadosing With Vitamin D?

Oral vitamin D supplementation is becoming more popular, but there are still some questions surrounding the best dosage to take.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it can be stored in your body longer than water-soluble vitamins. This means that any excess will not be excreted in your urine. Because of this, megadosing with vitamin D3 has gained a lot of attention over the years.

Personal story: Dermazen's co-founder, Austin, was taking 5,000 IU of D3 daily for over a year with no noticeable improvement to his skin. When he learned about megadosing, he increased his D3 consumption to 50,000 IU a day for a week (with 500 micrograms of K2). Only then did he see his seborrheic dermatitis symptoms disappear without topical treatment. He lowered his dose to 20,000 IU/day for several months, and his skin remained peaceful and symptom-free until he gradually fell out of the habit of taking D3 daily.

Nonetheless, for legal reasons, we do not advise megadosing on vitamin D3. If you wish to try a high dose (above 4000 IU), it's best to consult your healthcare professional beforehand.

Using Stress-Relief Techniques and Strategies

Research participants have identified stress as one of the main trigger factors for a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up. Research findings also showed that a stressful life event often preceded a seborrheic dermatitis episode [17]. 

We recommend a three-pronged approach to managing stress: eliminating stress triggers before they occur, practicing mindfulness in stressful situations, and practicing self-care to undo the damage that has occurred. 

Before: 

Minimizing the sources of irritation before they occur is a simple way to reduce chronic stress. It's important to protect our energy from events, people, and things that tend to cause stress.

For instance, fear, confusion, and stressful situations are commonly portrayed in the media, so most of us might not need to watch or listen to as much news as we do.

You can also set healthy boundaries in your relationships and limit your time spent with people who drain you. This is more difficult in some situations than others, but we encourage you to be mindful of the people you spend your time with. 

During: 

No matter how well we organize and plan our lives, we will encounter situations that catch us by surprise. In these moments, it's crucial to accept responsibility for the story we tell ourselves. We perceive life through the lens (or filter) of our internal story. This is neither good nor bad; it is simply the nature of being human. Recognizing this truth helps us to write the stories we tell ourselves better.

So, when a stressful situation arises, we can pause and consider whether we want to change the story we're telling ourselves.

Is our partner being inconsiderate, or do they simply have too much on their plate to help us run this errand? The answer could be both, but we get to choose the story that serves our energy best.

It may feel awkward at first, but with practice, we begin to recognize how much control we have over the conversations we have with ourselves.

After: 

Despite our best efforts, we will all get caught up in inner monologues that stress us out. That's completely normal. When this happens, self-care becomes key.

Amid overwhelming seasons in life, you can take some steps to reduce your anxiety and release your stress. Some ways to release and relieve stress include:

• Trying meditation
• Getting exercise
• Getting enough rest
• Trying deep breathing exercises
• Reconnecting with nature
• Spending time with people you love
• Doing activities you enjoy

You can start creating a list of activities or techniques you want to try and slowly experiment with different items on that list. That way, you can find what works best for you.

Other Lifestyle Modifications and Strategies

Making lifestyle changes is a simple and cost-effective way to manage symptoms. Here are some modifications that may help:

• Dress for the weather: Since cold and dry weather can contribute to a flare-up, make sure you are appropriately dressed for winter months. For instance, you can wear a beanie or earmuffs to protect your ears and scalp from the cold air while you're out.

• Get more sunlight: Try to incorporate more outdoor activities into your schedule. Moderate sun exposure might help improve symptoms, but be sure not to overdo it, as too much sun can also cause skin damage. 

• Use essential oils (With caution): Certain essential oils, like tea tree oil, have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Always dilute the essential oil in Malassezia-safe carrier oil, such as MCT oil, before applying it to your skin to avoid irritation.

• Maintain a balanced diet: Eat a nutrient-rich diet with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, vegetables, and nuts. Reduce processed foods, sugary snacks, and dairy as they may trigger flare-ups.

• Choose skin-friendly products: Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare and haircare products. Avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based toners, or heavily fragranced products.

Trying Dandruff Shampoos or Medicated Shampoos

Another effective way to manage seborrheic dermatitis, especially scalp seborrheic dermatitis, is using dandruff shampoo. These shampoos usually contain active ingredients with antifungal properties, which help control fungal growth and oil production. Examples of these ingredients include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and ketoconazole.

If you're looking for a shampoo without harsh or hard-to-pronounce ingredients, the Cleansing Dandruff Shampoo could be a great option. We've created this minimalistic, gentle, powerful formula for those with sensitive skin and seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis & Hair Loss: Managing Symptoms & Regrowth

In most cases, seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp will not lead to noticeable hair loss. In rarer cases, though, you may experience some temporary hair loss.

While this chronic skin condition isn't the direct cause of hair loss, it can lead to a host of other irritating symptoms, such as intense itchiness.

The intense itch can lead to excessive scratching that damages hair follicles. Other research also suggests that skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis display clear signs of oxidative stress. This stress can cause premature hair loss, diminish hair quality, and hamper natural hair growth [18].

Due to all these reasons, it is possible to experience some hair loss resulting from seborrheic dermatitis.

How to Reduce Hair Loss Due to Seborrheic Dermatitis

The good news is this: Seborrheic dermatitis usually only leads to temporary hair loss, which can be reversed with proper management.

You could treat the inflammation or itch for some relief. Ultimately, the best way to resolve this kind of hair loss is to treat its root cause. So, treating seborrheic dermatitis is your best bet to reduce itching and prevent further hair loss in the long run.

You can start incorporating the various lifestyle modifications or natural remedies we discussed above to help reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

If you'd like, you can also promote faster hair regrowth and improve your hair and scalp health using the following remedies.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil brings various benefits to the hair, such as protecting it from damage, reducing dandruff, and preventing premature graying. Research has demonstrated that rosemary oil possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful for certain scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis [19].

To use rosemary oil for hair growth, add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to a Malassezia-safe carrier oil, such as MCT. You may leave it on or wash it off after 15 minutes.

Peppermint oil

Animal studies have shown that peppermint oil significantly affects hair growth, even outperforming minoxidil, an FDA-approved drug used to treat hair loss [20]. Like the rosemary extract, you can directly add two drops of peppermint oil or carrier oil to your haircare product and massage it into the scalp.

Lavender oil

Animal studies have discovered that lavender oil may help deepen and increase hair follicles [21]. Of course, more human research is warranted to confirm these findings.

But if you're keen on giving it a go, simply dilute it in a carrier that is Malassezia-safe and massage it in. Leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out.

Green tea

Some research has suggested that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound present in green tea, may help boost hair growth by reducing damage to hair cells and stimulating hair follicles [22].

Onion juice

Onion juice is rich in important vitamins and minerals and is high in sulfur as well. Sulfur is said to help promote circulation, curb inflammation, regenerate hair follicles, and stimulate hair regrowth [23].

However, onion juice may trigger contact dermatitis, which is another form of dermatitis that can lead to itching, flaking, and inflammation [24]. It isn't the most pleasant-smelling substance to use on your scalp.

Scalp massage (with essential oils)

Some research has shown that daily scalp massages may increase hair thickness by strengthening the cells of hair follicles [25]. Essential oils, such as peppermint and rosemary oil, can also be used in a scalp massage to further enhance hair growth.

Apply medium pressure to your scalp with your fingertips to perform a scalp massage. Work in circular motions around your entire scalp. You may also use a scalp scrubber or massager. This tool can help prevent product buildup in your hair, facilitate better blood circulation, and allow you to apply any topical remedy deeper into the roots and scalp.

Microneedling or dermarolling

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves pricking the skin with tiny, sterilized needles to cause micro-injuries to the skin. Meanwhile, dermarolling is an at-home remedy that uses a similar concept.

Research suggests that microneedling and dermarolling may help activate stem cells in the hair bulge area and enhance the expression of hair-related genes [26]. That may sound a little complicated. But in short, microneedling and dermarolling could help stimulate hair growth.

Microneedling may be the better option over dermarolling. This is because the procedure will be conducted by professionals at a salon or spa setting, while dermarolling is left entirely in your own hands. You'll need to know the correct settings, needles, and methods for the procedure to be safe and effective. If not, it's best to leave it to the experts.

Common Mistakes That Worsen Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Overwashing your hair: Don't wash your hair too often or too infrequently. Washing your hair too much might lead to a dry scalp or skin flaking. Meanwhile, washing your hair too little might cause oil and products to build up on your scalp. A couple of times a week is ideal.

• Using oils that feed Malassezia growth: Many oils, such as coconut oil and olive oil, contain fatty acids that Malassezia thrives on. So, using them on your skin and scalp could feed Malassezia growth and lead to increased symptoms. If you want to incorporate oils into your skin or hair care routine, opt for Malassezia-safe oils like MCT oil and squalane oil.

• Expecting quick results: It's rare for symptoms to improve overnight. If you're trying new strategies or remedies to manage your symptoms, being patient and sticking to your routine may pay off, even if you don't see any changes in the first few weeks.

• Ignoring diet and lifestyle factors: A diet high in sugary, spicy, or inflammatory foods may worsen your symptoms. Stress and a lack of sleep might also be responsible for flare-ups. Ignoring these lifestyle factors could be one of the reasons why you experience recurrences frequently.

FAQs & Common Misconceptions

Can seborrheic dermatitis be permanently cured?

No, seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, so there is no permanent cure for this skin condition. However, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. These can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

What are the best natural oils to use on the scalp?

Not all oils are suitable for seborrheic dermatitis, as some can feed Malassezia. Avoid oils like coconut, olive, and avocado oil, as they contain fatty acids that this fungus thrives on. Instead, go for Malassezia-safe oils like MCT and squalane oil.

Is stress the main cause of seborrheic dermatitis?

Stress is not the main cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but it can be a major trigger. Stress can affect the immune system and increase inflammation, leading to more symptoms and flare-ups. This is why it's important to develop a stress management routine, which can include relaxation techniques, better sleep hygiene practices, or regular exercise.

Soothing Seborrheic Dermatitis Without Harsh Ingredients

Managing seborrheic dermatitis is a journey full of ups and downs. With many treatment options available, finding what works best takes time, patience, and consistency.

When you're ready, you can start by incorporating two or three strategies from this article. While results won't be instant, you may notice gradual improvements over time. In this case, it is a good idea to keep a journal to track your symptoms and flare-ups. This can be a valuable tool in identifying triggers and refining your management plan.

If you're looking for a seborrheic dermatitis serum that does not contain chemicals or harsh ingredients, you can try the Calming Seborrheic Serum.

The Calming Seborrheic Serum

This serum works through a three-step process:

• Deactivating the Malassezia biofilm, which is the natural protective barrier of the fungus that shields it from antifungal agents
• Clearing the fungus by incorporating ingredients with antifungal properties
• Soothing and nourishing the skin without using any oils that may feed the fungus

Our formulation was created by people with moody skin for people with moody skin. We hope to help you find relief so you can put the frustration of dealing with this skin condition behind you.