Natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes inflammation and scaling, primarily affecting the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. In infants, it is known as cradle cap, and symptoms can include redness, scaling, and flakiness. While the exact cause remains unknown, the condition can worsen during colder months and often has a hereditary component. Although there is no definitive cure for seborrheic dermatitis, various natural treatments may help manage its symptoms.
Aloe vera has shown promise in alleviating symptoms, with studies indicating that it may reduce itching, scaliness, and the number of affected areas. Another natural option, Seborrheamedis face cream, has demonstrated effectiveness in providing relief with minimal side effects. Additionally, tea tree oil shampoo has been associated with a reduction in dandruff symptoms in some studies, while other traditional remedies like Solanum chrysotrichum also show potential but require further research. It's worth noting that essential fatty acids and specific vitamins have been suggested for treatment, but robust evidence supporting their effectiveness is lacking. Lastly, a small study on homeopathic remedies indicates that certain combinations could improve symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Overall, while various natural treatments exist, further research is necessary to fully understand their efficacy.
Natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis
Definition: Treatment of inflammation of the upper layers of the skin.
Principal proposed natural treatment: Aloe
Other proposed natural treatments: Folate, tea tree oil, vitamin B6
Introduction
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin that causes scales on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. When it affects newborns, it is called cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis starts gradually. In adults, it often first appears as a condition similar to dandruff but involves more inflammation of the scalp; itching, burning, or hair loss may occur. Seborrhea may also affect the skin behind the ears, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, or on the trunk.
Besides inflammation of the scalp, newborns with cradle cap might get red bumps on their faces, scaling behind the ears, or a persistent diaper rash. Older children with seborrheic dermatitis may develop a thick, flaky rash.
Seborrhea tends to run in families and often worsens during cold weather. Researchers do not know what causes the condition, and they have not found a cure. There are, however, ways to control the condition. Special shampoos containing selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tar may be helpful for adult dandruff associated with seborrhea.
Corticosteroids may be used for intensely inflammatory lesions. Milder treatments, such as salicylic acid in mineral oil or medicated baby shampoo, are used to treat young children and infants who have scalp rashes.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
There is some evidence that the herb aloe might offer some relief to people with seborrheic dermatitis.
Aloe. The gel inside the cactus-like leaves of the aloe plant (aloe vera) has traditionally been used to treat burns and cuts. While it may not be effective for this purpose, one late study indicates that aloe may help relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, forty-four adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied either an aloe ointment or a placebo cream to affected areas two times daily for four to six weeks. Compared to the placebo group, those who used aloe reported that their symptoms improved significantly (62 versus 25 percent). Doctors who examined the participants also concluded that those using aloe had a significant decrease in scaliness, itching, and number of affected areas.
Seborrheamedis face cream is another tested natural treatment that has shown few adverse impacts. This cream is a barrier-based, nonsteroidal cream that provided participants in one study relief from desquamation, pruritus, erythema, ISGA, and induration. While it was successful with few side effects in this trial, other studies are needed as the sample size was very small.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
In a four-week, placebo-controlled study of 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff, the use of 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff symptoms. This study, however, was not double-blind: The researchers knew which participants were receiving tea tree oil and which were receiving placebo. For this reason, the test’s results cannot be taken as completely reliable.
One small double-blind study found benefit for dandruff with an extract made from the traditional Mexican herb Solanum chrysotrichum. Essential fatty acids, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, and B2 have also been suggested as treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, but there is no real evidence that these treatments work.
Homeopathic Remedies
In a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the oral use of a low-dilution homeopathic remedy containing potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulfate, and sodium chloride significantly improved symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.
Bibliography
Barak-Shinar, Deganit, et al. “Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis Using a Novel Herbal-based Cream.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 10, no. 4, 2017, pp. 17-23.
"Diagnosis." Mayo Clinic, 27 Sept. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352714. Accessed 15 Aug. 2023.
Herrera-Arellano, A., et al. “Clinical and Mycological Evaluation of Therapeutic Effectiveness of Solanum chrysotrichum Standardized Extract on Patients with Pityriasis Capitis (Dandruff): A Double Blind and Randomized Clinical Trial Controlled with Ketoconazole.” Planta Medica, vol. 70, 2004, pp. 483-488.
Satchell, A. C., et al. “Treatment of Dandruff with 5 Percent Tea Tree Oil Shampoo.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 47, 2002, pp. 852-855.
Smith, S. A., et al. “Effective Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis Using a Low Dose, Oral Homeopathic Medication Consisting of Potassium Bromide, Sodium Bromide, Nickel Sulfate, and Sodium Chloride in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 7, 2002, pp. 59-67.