Nature’s Way To Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
You have noticed something flaky in your scalp, and you think it is just simple dandruff — it could be, but it could also mean a bad case of seborrheic dermatitis. In children, it simply means cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes some flaking on the scalp. Some call it dandruff, but it could actually be more than that.
The Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
The main cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known, although several factors have been linked to the development of this skin disorder. Abnormal production of oil glands, stress, and fatigue, and illness, are said to be related to the incidence of this disease.
The Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious nor is it harmful. However, it can get pretty uncomfortable and unsightly because it sometimes affects the face and other oily parts of the body, causing red greasy skin with white or yellow scales. There is also some degree of itchiness and pain.
The Cure
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but doctors usually recommend the use of shampoo containing ketoconazole, tar, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide, to relieve the symptoms. If you have a non-scalp seborrheic dermatitis, such as one that appears on your face or upper chest, you are most likely to be advised to use anti-itch creams or anti-fungal solutions on the affected areas.
Then again, you can also resort to natural remedies to ease the problem.
Sometimes, the natural way to dealing with seborrheic dermatitis lies in the diet. A diet that is rich in saturated fats, or one involving processed sugar, can trigger an attack, so avoid eating these. Instead, include a lot of fiber in the diet because fiber helps to eliminate the growth of candida which can increase histamine activity resulting to seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups. Green vegetables, like broccoli and spinach are great to munch on as these are rich in minerals and fiber.
It is also advisable that you eat foods rich in Vitamin B because Vitamin B is good for the skin and hair. Bananas, grains, egg yolks, avocados, and nuts, contain a good amount of Vitamin B.
Since the abnormal production of oil glands is a contributing factor to seborrheic dermatitis, another useful home remedy should involve zinc, a substance that helps in the regulation of the production of oil glands. Zinc can be found in abundance in sardines, sunflower seeds, and grains.
Rubbing the scalp with a piece of onion also helps to reduce dandruff, so are rinsing the hair with vinegar or tea tree oil. Alternatively, you can also apply on the scalp a mixture of 20 drops of tea tree oil and 10 ounces of aloe vera gel on the scalp daily for around 15 minutes.
The maintenance of good hygiene is essential in dealing with the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoo daily and cleanse your scalp on a regular basis. Harsh soaps and detergents are a definite no-no, so use mild-scented soaps at all times, then wear cotton clothing as much as possible.
Great advice on the veggies vs saturated fats and sugars –people will feel better after a diet change like that even if they aren’t battling any skin problems.
I’m curious about the rubbing of the onion, especially since I’m not aware of any constituents in it that are also found in vinegar and tea tree oil. I know these last two are often found in storebought treatments, but I’ve never seen onion shampoo…maybe that’s a marketing problem though.
Comment by very sick me — July 5, 2009 @ 5:32 am
thanks for sharing such informative information, i will make a point of always visiting this blog!
Comment by Nairobian Perspective — July 13, 2009 @ 3:43 am
my scalp is really dry not oily ive tried all sorts but have been yold to use extre virgin oil what do you think
Comment by its doin my head in — October 4, 2009 @ 12:28 am
I use phyto shampoo,once a week virgin olive oil on scalp one hour before washing my hair,eat all the foods listed above on a regular basis and still itch.
any suggestions
Comment by tired of itching — January 20, 2010 @ 9:29 pm