Having an itchy, red scalp can be annoying, and in extreme cases, can cause social anxiety in the sufferer. This skin condition is known as seborrheic dermatitis. But what is seborrheic dermatitis? And, is there a seborrheic dermatitis natural treatment?
Seborrheic dermatitis (also known as seborrheic eczema) is a skin condition that usually occurs on the scalp area and face. It usually exhibits itself as red, itchy, and scaly skin similar to psoriasis or eczema. It has multiple causes like stress, cold weather, genetics, or yeast that lives on your skin.
But, are there natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis? Yes, there are. In fact, there are numerous seborrheic dermatitis natural remedies that you can use to help relieve the itching, and repair the skin around it.
In this article, we’ll tell you how to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis with some of our favorite seborrheic dermatitis remedies.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Natural Treatment
As with any natural remedy, there are a few things to remember before beginning treatment. Everyone’s body is different, so some of these treatments for seborrheic dermatitis may work for some people but may not work for others. So, if the first one you try doesn’t work, you should try another.
Secondly, due to the ingredients involved in these seborrheic dermatitis treatments, an allergic reaction is always a possibility. If you find that you are getting an allergic reaction from one of the remedies, stop using it and try a different one.
Here are some of the best home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis.
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has numerous antibiotic and healing properties that treat many skin ailments including seborrheic dermatitis. You can take it orally through supplements, or combine aloe vera gel with other ingredients to make a scalp treatment shampoo.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that many people use for various skin conditions. You can use it to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
Tea tree oil is very strong, so we suggest mixing approximately eight drops of tea tree oil with water. Massage the solution into your scalp, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it out with a mild shampoo.
Another similar version of this treatment has the same steps, but change the mixture to 20 drops of tea tree oil mixed with two tablespoons of aloe vera gel.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy that you can use on everything from skin tags to heartburn, and it may also be able to help your seborrheic dermatitis.
For this remedy, it’s best to wash your hair with shampoo first. Then mix up a solution of apple cider vinegar diluted with water (try 10 parts water to one part apple cider vinegar to start) and apply that to the scalp. Let the mixture sit in your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help soothe the itching that comes with this condition.
Take approximately a half teaspoon of coconut oil and warm it up by rubbing it in your hands, much like you would with massage oils. Massage the oil into the affected area. Leave it over night and wash out the oil in the morning with a mild shampoo (you may want to put on a shower cap of some sort or towel to help lock in the heat and allow the oil to do its work).
This method works best if your scalp is clean before using the coconut oil, but it will still work if it isn’t.
5. Lime or Lemon Juice
Fresh lime or lemon juice isn’t the most effective home remedy on this list, but it can help differently. A number of these home remedies will leave a less than pleasant odor if not washed out right away, and even then, you still may get a whiff of it now and then.
The acid in a lime or lemon will not only help as a seborrheic dermatitis scalp natural treatment, but it will also cut out the smell and some of the oiliness of most of the other treatments. Simply massage the lime juice into your scalp, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, and then wash it out.
6. Olive Oil
Much like coconut oil, olive oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help out with seborrheic dermatitis.
Warm the olive oil in your hands and massage into your scalp. Then, wrap a towel or cap around your head and leave the olive oil to work overnight while you sleep. In the morning, wash out the olive oil with warm water and a mild shampoo.
7. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to help clean out the debris and scaly skin that seborrheic dermatitis causes.
First, rinse your hair with warm water. Then, take two tablespoons of baking soda and it into your scalp for approximately five minutes. Rinse out the baking soda with warm water.
Repeating this treatment two or three times a week should help greatly. This remedy also has the added bonus of being able to clean your scalp and hair.
8. Honey
Natural honey can help heal your scalp and clean out seborrheic dermatitis due to its antiseptic properties.
Mix one tablespoon of raw, natural honey with two tablespoons of water. Massage the mixture into the affected area and allow it to sit for around three hours. Rince the mixture out with warm water and repeat this method three times a week.
9. Raspberry Leaves
Raspberry leaves are a good source of tannins and antibacterial agents that can help your scalp heal and get rid of your seborrheic dermatitis condition.
Take five tablespoons of dried raspberry leaves and boil them in one liter of water. Let the leaves steep for 15 minutes before taking the mixture off the heat and allowing it to cool. Then wash your hair with a mild shampoo, followed by the raspberry leaf mixture. Do not wash your hair any further. Repeat this twice a week for a noticeable difference.
10. Garlic
Garlic has long been used as a home remedy for all sort of skin issues.
Take one clove of garlic and crush it. Mix in two tablespoons of water and mix it well. After letting it sit for a moment, strain out the garlic pulp. Then warm the garlic water mixture and apply it with your hands or a cotton pad and leave it overnight. Wash it out the next morning with warm water. Repeat at least twice a week.
11. Aspirin
While not entirely natural, this is an easy home remedy to make yourself as you more than likely have aspirin in the house.
Crush two aspirin tablets into a fine powder. Add that powder into your shampoo as you are washing your hair, making sure to massage the shampoo aspirin mixture into the scalp. Then rinse out the mixture and wash your hair with normal shampoo. This remedy should ease the itching and flaking of seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Can Be Easily Taken Care Of
Seborrheic dermatitis can make your scalp itchy, and the flaking can not only be annoying, but it may also even make you a little self-conscious. There are a few medicated shampoos that your doctor or pharmacist may recommend to you, but the instructions above on how to treat seborrheic dermatitis should give you plenty of options to treat your scalp naturally without any harmful chemicals.
Related Articles:
Scabs on Scalp: Causes, Signs, Symptoms, and How to Treat Them
Itchy Eyebrows: Common Causes and Treatments
Sources:
Rajapet, M., “26 Effective Treatments For Seborrheic Dermatitis Hair Loss,” Stylecraze, June 20, 2017; http://www.stylecraze.com/members/meenal-rajapet/, last accessed July 13, 2017.
Sarcone, M., “Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis: What Works?” Healthline, March 15, 2017; http://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/seborrheic-dermatitis-natural-treatment#overview1, last accessed July 12, 2017.
“6 Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis,” Find Home Remedy; http://www.findhomeremedy.com/home-remedies-for-seborrheic-dermatitis/, last accessed July 12, 2017.
Michael, A., “5 Proven Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Scalp,” Skin Drone, June 6, 2014; http://www.skindrone.com/2014/06/5-proven-home-remedies-seborrheic-dermatitis-on-the-scalp/, last accessed July 12, 2017.