Seborrheic Dermatitis is a form of eczema that normally shows up on your scalp. According to the National Eczema Association, it is most common in infants and adults aged 30 to 60. In infants, the condition is called cradle cap and normally clears up, but for adults it can be troublesome.
What is the root cause? Excess Malassezia yeast. The overgrowth causes the immune system to overact, resulting in an inflammatory response, aka itchy scalp.
How to Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis
The best way to control this is through your diet! Avoiding foods that promote yeast growth such as dairy, bread, sugar, beer, and meat. Yes, meat! Another great way to kill the yeast is to make sure your scalp is clean and to use natural products that do not dry out your scalp. This can be a little tricky because the yeast forms from oil glands. You want to create an environment of balance. If you use products that overly dry out your scalp, then your glands will start pumping more oil; if you over oil, then the itching will become worse. Creating a balanced pH on your scalp is the goal. And yes, this can be difficult, but it is not impossible.
Having experienced this condition and having children with eczema, the remedies I use include soaking the scalp with Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) consistently, along with a non-yeast forming diet. ACV helps to reduce the inflammation in the flare-up area. Follow-up with a zinc or tea tree oil-based shampoo, and rinse with cool water. When cool water dries on your scalp it does not dry out your scalp because cool water does not penetrate your pores like hot water. Hot water opens your pores, cool water does not. I learned this cool water remedy from a nurse at my children’s primary care doctor. She also suffers from this condition.
What Not To Do
Now, let’s get to the most difficult part of this condition – scratching and picking. DO NOT scratch and pick. With that being said, I understand that scratching feels good, but it can be extremely damaging. Picking your flaky scalp can lead to infections, most commonly staph infections. Picking the flakes from the scalp can leave raw skin exposed. Our skin has layers of protection. The first couple layers prevent bad bacteria from entering our bodies. Do not pick it off, as ugly as it looks it is needed. Picking your scalp can also result in hair loss that may not grow back. The best way to remove the flaky skin is to wash your hair and let it organically fall out. You can also find a hair salon that specializes in this, and go there for a wash.
Moving Forward with Seborrheic Dermatitis
Patience is key. There is no quick fix to this condition, and it requires consistency. Each person is different so do your best to not compare your journey with others. Some remedies work faster for others. Just make sure you are being consistent, and you will see the results. Diet, diet, diet is major. I encourage you to give up those favorite yeast-forming foods because they do not favor you or the health of your scalp.
Photo Cred: Jelique Edward
Kandis “Maureen” May is a graduate of Florida State University and holds a Bachelor’s in Criminology, minor in Community Education, and an Associates in Paralegal Studies from Tallahassee Community College. As a certified Paralegal and Florida Public Notary for 10 years, Kandis holds the position as a Legal Research Assistant for the Florida Public Service Commission. In addition, Kandis is a Real Estate Investor and Realtor.