In addition to the medical treatment that the specialist prescribes, we can use home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of this condition, such as itching or peeling.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not the same as dandruff, although this is one of its most visible consequences. In addition to being very unsightly, it is not good for health to keep this problem for a long time on the scalp.
Learn in the following article the effective treatments for seborrheic dermatitis.
What to know about seborrheic dermatitis?
Doctors claim that this problem is a combination of two factors.
On the one hand, an overproduction of fat or sebum on the person’s skin and on the other, a fungus, called Malassezia.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition, at times we can think that it “disappears” and there may be periods where it increases.
It can be transmitted from parents to children and there are some risk factors that aggravate the condition, such as: stress, shampoo used, fatigue, external climates, skin cleansing, use of lotions with alcohol, or disorders of the dermis such as acne among others.
Many of these factors can be avoided, so it is advisable to take them into account to control seborrheic dermatitis.
Although in most cases it affects only the scalp, it can also manifest itself in other parts of the body, such as the face, legs or arms. A consultation with the dermatologist may be the beginning to treat this problem.
Natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis
To treat the symptoms or increase the effect of the products recommended by doctors, the benefits of certain home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis can be used.
Essential oils
Mix (in equal parts) lavender oil, chamomile oil, and eucalyptus oil. Add a little warm water and massage the scalp. It is ideal for when it is itchy.
Olive oil and almonds
Mix a tablespoon or two of each of these oils and massage the scalp well, especially in times when it itches a lot.
Rosemary
Boil a handful of finely chopped rosemary with three bags of chamomile tea (or its equivalent in strands). Let cool and filter. Then use it as a hair rinse after bathing.
Lemon
Cut a lemon in half and rub all over the scalp. Leave to work for about ten minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
Peppermint oil
Add two drops of peppermint oil to a cup of warm water. Use this mixture to massage the scalp affected by this problem. Let it act for a few minutes and then wash it off with water.
Apple vinager
Mix four parts warm water and one part vinegar in a bowl. Use to massage the scalp when itchy. It will also serve to give more shine to the hair.
Sodium bicarbonate
Make a paste with water and baking soda. Add a few drops of olive oil, massage into the scalp and leave to work for half an hour. Rinse with warm to hot water.
Tea tree oil
Dilute half a teaspoon of this oil in 100 ml of aloe vera gel. Apply to the scalp and leave on for 30 minutes before washing with plenty of water.
Fenugreek seeds
Soak two tablespoons of Fenugreek or Fenugreek seeds in a bowl of water overnight. Grind to a paste, with which you will rub the scalp and leave half an hour before rinsing with water.
Thyme
Boil two cups of water with four tablespoons of dried thyme for ten minutes. Strain the mixture and let it warm. Add to the shampoo you use frequently. Gently massage hair and skin. Do not rinse it as much as possible.
Clay
A green clay mask is used to treat many skin problems, not only seborrheic dermatitis (it is recommended for acne, oily skin, blackheads or blackheads). Apply once or twice a week, forming a paste with water. It will absorb excess fat, dead cells and impurities.
Dandelion
Three times a week, wash 60 grams of this plant and a liter of water, boil for 10 minutes, cover, cool, strain and wet the scalp as the last rinse.
Sea baths
During the summer we can take advantage to eliminate seborrheic dermatitis if we go to the sea. Saltwater and the effect of the sun on the scalp will decrease symptoms and itching.
Laurel
Friction with a handful of bay leaf crushed with water on the scalp before sleeping and in the morning when you wake up. If not, you can also boil the same amount of both ingredients for a few minutes, let cool, strain and use to massage your head after bathing.
Licorice
It is used to reduce hair fat secretions and control seborrheic dermatitis. Make an infusion of the dried plant, then mix with vinegar and rinse after 15 minutes.
Rosemary and egg:
Use a tablespoon of neutral or children’s shampoo, mix with an egg yolk and four drops of rosemary essence. Use to wash as usual.
In addition, it is recommended to follow a diet that treats or prevents the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis, consisting of foods with large contributions of vitamin B7 (corn, barley, oats and soy), selenium (apple, pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage and garlic) and zinc (borage, asparagus and celery).
Images courtesy of Managobinda Srichandan, Doctor’s defense, lilyoreo, adaenn.