How Seborrheic Dermatitis Affects Black People: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis affects around 5% of people across the globe [1]. It is said to be even more common in those with black skin. In fact, a study found that seborrheic dermatitis was one of the five most common skin conditions diagnosed in black people in a hospital-based dermatology practice [2].

Despite its prevalence, recognizing the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be tricky.

It's important to acknowledge that seborrheic dermatitis can appear somewhat different on lighter skin than on darker skin tones.

In this article, we'll explore how seborrheic dermatitis affects black people, its causes, risk factors, and how it can be managed

Table of Contents:

• What are the Symptoms of Dark Skin Seborrheic Dermatitis?
• What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
• How to Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis on Dark Skin
• Medicated Shampoos and Creams
• Lifestyle Changes
• Natural Remedies
• Calming Seborrheic Serum
• Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Be Cured or Go Away on Its Own?
• Seborrheic Dermatitis Prognosis
• A Holistic Solution for Seborrheic Dermatitis Affecting Darker Skin

What are the Symptoms of Dark Skin Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Image retrieved from Seborrheic Dermatitis in Skin of Color: Clinical Considerations

If you were to do a quick online search of seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, you'd likely come across a description that reads, "Patches of red, greasy skin with flaking white or yellowish scales or crusts."

In general, this inflammatory and non-contagious skin condition can lead to patches of skin with oily flakes resembling dandruff.

While this offers a clear description of what this skin condition may look like on lighter skin, it doesn't accurately depict how seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on brown and black skin.

On darker skin tones, you're more likely to observe the following characteristics: [2]

• Greasy or scaly patches that appear lighter in color than the rest of the skin

• Hypopigmentation in affected areas, which is skin discoloration or loss of color

• Redness or inflammation that can be hard to see, especially for adults

• Lesions commonly affecting the hairline

Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms are most likely to develop on areas of the skin that are rich in sebaceous glands. These glands release a natural, oily substance called sebum. Thus, you'll often notice symptoms on your scalp, face, chest, or back.

Petaloid Seborrheic Dermatitis

In more severe cases, people of color may experience what's termed petaloid seborrheic dermatitis [2].

It appears as rings that are pink or lighter in color with less scaling. These ring-shaped lesions typically form around the hairline.

Cradle Cap in Children

Cradle cap is another form of seborrheic dermatitis that occurs in children. It's pretty common and usually appears in the first few months of life. You'll notice symptoms on the scalp and sometimes on the face or around the ears of the child [3].

In lighter-skin babies, symptoms of cradle cap involve the appearance of white or yellowish greasy and scaly patches on the scalp. These can form thick crusts that flake off the skin.

These symptoms can appear quite differently in children with darker skin tones. You may notice flaking, hypopigmentation, or skin lightening in the affected areas. The inflamed skin may sometimes appear brown, purple, or grey [4].

What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?

The development of seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be linked to a fungus called Malassezia.

This fungus is typically harmless, residing on your skin without causing problems. However, an increase in sebum secretion can cause the population of this fungus to rise rapidly, spelling trouble for some people.

As it feeds on your skin's natural oils, Malassezia releases by-products called fatty acids. Fatty acids are small building blocks of fats, and those released by Malassezia can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and scaly patches [5].

Of course, scientists still need to dig a little deeper to fully understand the causes of seborrheic dermatitis. But Malassezia currently claims one of the top spots as the culprit behind this condition.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Risk Factors

Some people are more likely to experience seborrheic dermatitis compared to others. Certain factors that might increase your risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis include:

• Stress and fatigue

• Changes in weather or season

• Having a weakened immune system

• Having a neurological condition like Parkinson's disease

Aside from these, people with darker skin, particularly African Americans and West Africans, may also develop seborrheic dermatitis due to the following factors: [2]

• Having tightly-coiled hairstyles

• Less frequent hair washing

• Application of hair oil or pomade to the scalp

• Use of hair extensions

The above factors might worsen symptoms by fueling the fungus's growth and contributing to the irritation or inflammation of the skin.

How to Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis on Dark Skin

Seborrheic dermatitis can be frustrating to deal with. But learning to recognize its symptoms allows you to spring into action and get what you need to restore your skin's health.

There are various ways you can go about soothing seborrheic dermatitis.

Let's explore the medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes you can make to tackle seborrheic dermatitis and reduce its symptoms.

Medicated Shampoos and Creams

Your healthcare professional can recommend a medication based on various factors, such as the location and severity of your symptoms.

The following are common treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis:

• Antifungal medicine, such as creams, lotions, or foams containing ketoconazole

• Corticosteroids to manage inflammation

• Anti-dandruff shampoos containing selenium, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or coal tar

For African Americans, extra precautions should be taken when picking the right medicated shampoo or formulation.

African Americans tend to have hair that is inherently more brittle, dry, and fragile. Certain shampoos or medications may be drying and contribute to breakage, especially in heat or chemically-treated hair.

To reduce the effects of these potentially drying medications, here are some tips to keep in mind: [2]

• Don't overuse the product

• Apply a Malassezia-safe hair conditioner after use

• Apply the medications/medicated shampoos directly to the scalp instead of the hair shaft

It's also best to consult your healthcare professional for more information on how often and for how long you should use these products.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle modifications, in addition to medications, can also help soothe symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Some of these lifestyle modifications are as follows:

• Avoid hair oils, as most of them contain oils that can fuel Malassezia growth. Even popular ones like coconut, jojoba, or avocado can aggravate symptoms as they contain fatty acids that can feed the fungus. The only safe options for Malassezia-prone skin are MCT oil (that doesn't contain lauric acid) and squalane oil.

• If possible, avoid using hair extensions or tight hairstyles. These hairstyles may increase the buildup of sebum on the scalp and contribute to skin irritation or inflammation [2]. It's also best to reduce your use of styling products, heat, and chemicals on the hair.

• Increase how frequently you shampoo your hair. Shampooing can help control the buildup of products and sebum on the scalp. The general recommendation is to shampoo your hair at least once a week or every two weeks [2].

• Build a stress management routine. Research suggests a link between stress and the development of seborrheic dermatitis [6]. Start by making small changes in your daily routine, such as incorporating exercise or yoga sessions in your schedule. You can also think about practical ways to cut back on stress, for instance, by drawing the right boundaries and learning to say "no." You have more control over stress in your life than you realize.

Natural Remedies

Apart from medications and lifestyle changes, seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups and symptoms can be controlled with certain natural remedies.

These include:

• Dead sea salt solution: Dissolve some dead sea salt in warm water, allow the water to cool, then gently massage the solution onto your skin. Leave it on for a couple of hours before rinsing it off.

• Manuka honey: You can apply it directly to the skin or dilute it with water for easier application.

• Apple cider vinegar: It's important to dilute it with water before rubbing it into your skin. Start with a solution containing one part vinegar to four parts water. Based on the results, gradually increase the concentration of the solution.

• Tea tree oil: Avoid applying undiluted tea tree oil directly to the skin. To reduce the risk of side effects, dilute it first in water or a Malassezia-safe carrier oil (like MCT oil).

• MCT oil: MCT oil is said to have antifungal and skin-hydrating properties. Opt for an MCT oil product that does not contain lauric acid, as this fatty acid can feed Malassezia.

Take note that on their own, these ingredients are less likely to produce the results you want. That's because each one has a unique purpose — whether that's to kill the fungus, remove its biofilm, or soothe and nourish the skin. Thus, they will only truly shine when combined.

Calming Seborrheic Serum

Looking for an all-in-one solution?

We've formulated the Calming Seborrheic Serum with Malassezia-prone skin in mind. It contains a range of soothing and gentle ingredients, such as tea tree oil, dead sea salt, aloe vera, niacinamide, and xylitol.

Each ingredient works together to drive an effective three-step process that tackles seborrheic dermatitis as follows:

1. Eliminating the fungus' biofilm, a natural protective barrier that shields the fungus from harm

2. Reducing the population of Malassezia on your skin

3. Providing your skin with the hydration and nutrients it needs to recover and rejuvenate

With the Calming Seborrheic Serum, you're assured peace of mind — even if you have brittle, dry, or chemically damaged hair. It is gentle on your skin and hair and does not contain any problematic ingredients or hair oils that can fuel Malassezia growth.

Can Seborrheic Dermatitis Be Cured or Go Away on Its Own? 

Seborrheic dermatitis cannot be permanently cured. It might go away on its own without any treatment, but there's typically the risk of recurring symptoms.

That said, various lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding hair oils and harsh products, can help reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.

The Calming Seborrheic serum can also serve as a preventative measure. By using it weekly or once every two weeks, you can help control the population of Malassezia on your skin, thus lowering the chances of another flare-up.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Prognosis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a long-term condition that comes and goes. While it cannot be cured for good, its symptoms are highly treatable. The key to success here is patience.

Symptoms are unlikely to clear up overnight, whether you're using a medicated cream, anti-dandruff shampoo, or natural remedies. So being consistent with your management plan is key.

A Holistic Solution for Seborrheic Dermatitis Affecting Darker Skin

Seborrheic dermatitis can be easily mistaken for other skin conditions, like eczema or dry skin. Sometimes, this might even lead to the wrong products being used on the skin, such as a shampoo or conditioner containing oils that can actually feed the fungus.

Thus, it's important to be able to identify its symptoms correctly. And this comes down to understanding how these symptoms may appear depending on the color of your skin.

Remember that you are your skin's biggest advocate. By learning to recognize seborrheic dermatitis and getting the right remedies, you can keep your body's largest organ happy and healthy!

Want greater peace of mind for your moody skin?

The Calming Seborrheic Serum is designed to control seborrheic dermatitis symptoms without the risk of driving Malassezia growth.

The Calming Seborrheic Serum for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Our goal is offer both minimalism and efficacy. This formulation contains simple ingredients that specifically target Malassezia, breaking down its natural protective barrier before clearing the fungus away. You won't see any harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, or fragrances in our ingredients list.

For even better results, you can couple this with the Dermazen Cleansing Dandruff Shampoo.