The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mj (Tx) on 03/13/2017
This may help shed some light on why ACV needs to be organic (seems people have experimented with both organic and non on this site) to properly heal Seb Derm. I actually just learned this the other day... it really made sense to me. I thought eating organic was just about avoiding all the chemicals/pesticides sprayed on foods - and that is part of it, of course - but it's also that fruits/vegetables grown organically, in an environment without pesticides, must produce their own defense system against fungus, bacteria, "pests". You then ingest this immune boosting, parasite fighting mechanism when you eat organic. Or in this case, place it on a skin infection. WOW. Maybe this is common knowledge to some on this site but I don't think that point is communicated enough. Organic ACV probably has better properties to fight whatever is the root cause of SD.
I've had SD for decades btw and very excited to try something new. But while understanding the organic part, I don't get why ACV would work to treat Seb Derm in the first place. I totally agree with the poster who questioned why vinegar would work on what is considered a yeast infection??? I also went on the anti candida diet to try and help my skin and it definitely recommended avoiding vinegar because it "feeds yeast".
Just a thought... why not throw it out there given traditional medicine can't seem to figure any of this out: maybe it's not actually a yeast based infection? Or are there different "strains" of yeast, just like there are different strains of bacteria? And just like probiotics replace "bad" bacteria in the gut with "good" bacteria... could ACV be replacing or fighting off "bad" or inflammatory yeast strain with a "good" strain? Just thinking outloud...
Egg Whites
Posted by Gracee (Ca) on 12/18/2016
★★★★★
I had itchy, flaky, scaly eyebrows. I also had this condition above my eyebrows too. I found a natural cure. I tried several things, nothing worked. I read in Chinese Medicine they use egg oil. I could not find a source for it. So, I decided to cracked open an organic egg and rubbed the egg whites on my eyebrows area and let it dry and just put a towel on my pillow and just go to sleep dried on my eyebrows then I would wash it off in the shower in the morning I did this every day for week I was cured. But to be on the safe side I decided to do it for little over two weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Irina (New Jersey) on 12/13/2016
Hi, I rinse with regular vinegar and water 50/50 and leave it on. By the time I dry my hair the smell is gone.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Brett (California) on 12/09/2016
I have been suffering from SD for almost 15 years now and have not found a single cure that has worked for me yet. I have recently (within the past 2 years) been diagnosed with Discoid Lupus and was taking prescription drugs and using Clobetasol creams to try to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, the situation has continued to get worse and now all my hair is starting to fall out on the top of my scalp. I desperately have been searching for the correct answer to cure this awful flakey, dry, red infected skin that is all across my scalp, ears and upper lip. I am going to try this Grapefruit Seed Application that you have tried to see if I can get some turnaround on my scalp soon. At this rate, I am scared I won't be able to grow my hair back ever again and I am only 32 years old. I am trying to be conscious of the water I drink after learning about all the problems with Fluoride and all the skin conditions it causes, but what are the right types of bottled water to buy? Do I need a filter on my shower head to prevent further damage to my scalp and skin?
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Faith (Seattle) on 11/25/2016
My Chinese medicine doctor told me if it is on your skin the cause is inside your body. I'm a vegetarian I went on a anti fungal diet stopped all stopped sugar, and started taking zinc, nicinamide and the GSE that is for external. The original GSE for internal use has changed but due to some red tape regulation for the major co the external use one is the original GSE do your homework on this one which kills fungus. Chinese herbs. Increased probiotic and drank lactose free kefir ate daily lots of picked smoked garlic. I work from home so I'm not around people much and alkalized two or three times a day and finally it went away.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deidra (Ill) on 10/20/2016
Hi. Can you use this iodine on your scalp?
Probiotic Wipes
Posted by HÃ¥kan (Sweden) on 10/14/2016
Hi, what do you mean by probiotic wipes? How do you apply it? Thansk
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (San Diego) on 10/08/2016
★★★★★
I've had sebohorreic dermatitis/little acne off and on for years now on my face. I tried literally everything to varying degrees of success, but it would always come back. I've been using ACV for about 2 months now on my face and it has completely cleared up my face. It was something that always made me insecure and I'm so thrilled to have it removed from my life. If you're suffering from it, give it a try.
Glycerin Soap
Posted by Sueb (Old Bridge, Nj) on 09/27/2016
★★★★★
My son has had SD on his scalp for many years. He has tried all the shampoos and lotions, etc., recommended from various web sites and nothing worked. It spread to his entire face, and he looked like he had a really bad sunburn with flakes. He switched to unscented glycerin soap and his head and face has healed. Simply amazing : )
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lavanya (India) on 08/25/2016
★★★★★
I am from India and was prescribed typical creams by dermatologists for SD as mentioned by few of you here. The problem was so bad I had flakes in my chin, around the nose, between my eyebrows and ear lobe. The itchiness was so bad and redness all over. These creams gave me only temporary relief as they were steroids and I started having side effects like facial hair.
I was so worried since I have already changed around 8 dermatologists in last 3 years. I stumbled upon this website and wanted to use Braggs, However one of the online store said it will take 8 days for the delivery, I was so restless that I couldn't wait for 8 days so I bought "Amercian Gargen" ACV from the local super market. Its been a week that I am using diluted solution (1 ACV:1 boiled and cooled water)for application on the skin with cotton ball and drink about 10 ml with warm water as soon as I wake up. First day I had the redness and burning sensation, However it reduced after 3-4 days of application. Its now reduced more than 75% on my face. Though I dont see any flakes in the scalp, I still apply it like I apply oil and wash it with shampoo after 30 min which gives a nice shine. I would suggest not to use Almond/Coconut oil on the face since it increased flakes for me.
I also realized dryness increased when I tried a brand of foundation cream on the face, So I stopped using that as well.
ACV is a great solution to SD without any side effects. Good Luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nevada (Bethlehem, Pa) on 08/18/2016
So am I correct that you drank this concoction rather than applying it topically?
EC: It appears that the original poster used 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with honey internally three times daily. And also used it topically once a day as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeff (Qc) on 07/30/2016
Liz, would you suggest using this cream near the eyes? I have SD beside my nose, in the upper cheek area and also along my nose moving upwards beside my eyes. I'm using protopic as prescribed by my dermatologist for the SD on the sides of my nose but I've just recently had it spread. Any advice would be appreciated.
Baking Soda and Water
Posted by Julie (Alabama) on 07/08/2016
Did you drink it or put it On affected area?
EC: Hi Julie,
You drink it.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Susie (New York) on 07/07/2016
I had the same experience with coconut oil, and actually all oils because they feed the yeast, but I recently had a breakthrough. I've been using straight caprylic acid, isolated from coconut oil. The yeast can't eat it because it's too acidic. It restores the skin's acid mantle. I use it instead of soap. Soap of any kind will make things worse because it strips your skin's natural defenses and the yeast prefer the alkaline environment. Caprylic acid is much more cleansing and less irritating. I use it to remove makeup, shave, and even wash my hair instead of shampoo and conditioner, rubbing it directly into my scalp. It will leave your hair soft, frizz-free, and strangely not oily. Any other oils I've put in my hair have bogged it down and made it impossible to dry, causing humidity that only made the problem worse. I've tried everything else and it wasn't until I ditched the soap and adopted nothing but caprylic acid that I was able to sleep without itching. Seriously. I tried apple cider vinegar, baking soda, witch hazel, calendula, dead sea salt, various clays, manuka honey, tea tree oil, oregano oil, olive leaf, various herbal tinctures (NEVER put an alcohol tincture on it. The yeast will start furiously feeding on the alcohol and you will have the worst flare up of your life! ), a paleo diet, a candida diet, an autoimmune diet, various top shelf probiotics, etc. You name it; I tried it. I was desperate to avoid corticosteroids, but I was forced to resort to them when I was losing sleep to itching. I would get really strung out. Nothing has worked like caprylic acid.
Silver Solution
Posted by Chris (Palm Springs, California) on 06/18/2016
★★★★★
Jan. 2016 after many years suffering from stress; abuse ; injuries, (terrible care at nursing home ) ended up with very sever sebborhia scalp & facial dermatitis . I tried every thing spending days and hours searching websites. My best results is using silver solution. apply on face where it's needed after cleaning with gentle cleaner Not soap and NO OILS of any kind.I even need to apply to lips (which were peeling and turning a purple color) re-apply when needed (lips more often if you have that problem. Before I found silver solution was breaking out with pustules (gross) and had the typical redness on chin and nasals folds and behind ears, I use oreganol oil WITHOUT any olive oil added. With q-tips it burns the pustules off and leaves no scars. Used it on scalp too, scratch and combed out dandruff daily over black t-shirt (time consuming but worth the effort. because my dandruff stuck around hair follicles like glue. then shampoo with the only shampoo that worked (I tried so many) nizoral, DHF. etc: etc; everyone at drug stores. the one thats working for me is veterinary formula clinical care, (antiseborrheic medicated shampoo (don't laugh (for dogs) it's anti fungal 100% safe NO paraben dye, soap and oil free. I leave it on overnite (with a terry cloth head cover)find head cover at dollar store and Big Lots stores.
when hair drys can't tell you left shampoo on. no hair falls out even though you brush and fine tooth comb out vigorously. And hair is so soft. I was doing this daily. Now every other day. What an improvement! I'm also cutting out oils and fats from my diet except for 1% milk and looking or vitamins to help my immune system. I read it's a chronic condition but I want to cure it or at least have control over remission. GOOD LUCK to you.
PS….also make sure your body is not acidic
Jojoba Oil
Posted by Eric S (Ma) on 06/11/2016
I don't know where you get the idea that jojoba oil is high in oleic acid. It's one of the oils lowest in oleic acid though it does contain some.
It's hard to find oils low in oleic acid. Do you know of an oil that has none or almost none that you recommend?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dennis (Michigan, Usa) on 06/10/2016
You might try diluting it with some water to where it won't burn anymore and then as you begin not to burn anymore try to slowly work up to higher strength of ACV. The only thing with this cure is you will smell of vinegar when in public perhaps. It works though and I've tried everything from prescription creams to coconut oil and more. Good luck!
Ivermectin
Posted by Boricuahm (Las Vegas ) on 05/16/2016
How much of the ivermectin paste did u apply daily?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/01/2016
Look for a brand of apple cider vinegar that is organic and raw, "with the mother."
You might also try avoiding shampoos and toothpastes with SLS. (Sodium Laureth Sulphate.)
You can use baking soda to wash your hair and even to brush your teeth.
Many years ago I had dermatitis on my eyelids. It was caused by make up. You might check your health food store for for a natural mineral make up.
Don't use straight vinegar on your eyelids. dilute it a lot. Maybe 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per cup of water.
~Mama to Many~
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Yessica (Fresno, California ) on 04/01/2016
Where can I get lugol's?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Fresno, California ) on 03/31/2016
I'm 27, and I've suffered with SD for as long as I can remember. I always thought it was just itchy scalp but then it spread to my eyelids (not too much) but then to my nose and that is HORRIBLE. There is no way to hide it. Make up makes it even worse. What exactly do I look for what it comes to the ACV?! Any brand? Organic? I'm new to this and so eager to try it out.
Sea Salt
Posted by Lisa (San Francisco, Ca) on 03/26/2016 11 posts
In response to Valentine on Sea Salt Helping Seb Derm...
My dog has seborrheic dermatitis on his lower back and I've tried a lot of things for it - as you said moisturizers are not what's needed. I found applying salt water with a cloth helpful, but you might also try epsom salts. Another option that I've found helpful was Ted's borax and peroxide mange cure, which is very drying.
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Tt (Brooklyn, Ny ) on 03/23/2016
★★★★★
When I was a teenager I use to get this rash on my face the doctor would give me a cream and after a while it went away. Now at 44 yrs old it came back! Its really stubborn this time. I went to the dermatologist and he said it was Seborrheic Dermatitis. Yes, he prescribe a shampoo and some antibiotics. I ended up in the ER with hives. I was allergic to the antibiotics . The shampoo made my scalp worse. I have tried just about everything, I had some relief with neem oil but the smell! Wow it made me sick! The apple cider helped my scalp but burned my face. I read up on iodine and decided to try it both orally and topically what do you know its drying up the rash on my face. I didn't try the iodine on my scalp but my scalp seems better.
I hope this helps someone. I know how frustrating and embarrassing this condition is.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Valentine (Portland Or) on 03/21/2016
★☆☆☆☆
Coconut oil made my seborrheic dermatitis worse. It actually spread it from around my nose and chin up to the corners of my eyes. After a little research, I am convinced that adding oil is the wrong move for SD. The area needs to be dried out. See my cure under sea salt.
Sea Salt
Posted by Valentine (Portland, Or) on 03/21/2016
★★★★★
I had seborrheic dermatitis on my chin and around my nose. I tried to clear it up with coconut oil but that ended up spreading it around my eyes. Raw apple cider vinegar diluted with water helped some, but I had to keep applying it daily.
Sea salt diluted with water cleared my SD up almost immediately and the effect has been lasting. I either add a half teaspoon to a pint of warm water and splash it on my fave or I put some onto my fingertips and gently rub it on my face while showering.
Since SD is related to oil glands, it makes sense that oil made it worse and salt cleared it up.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 03/04/2016
I read that Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother is the only vinegar that is 'alkaline'. The other vinegars are acidic.
Probiotic Wipes
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 02/16/2016
Watermark (Buffalo, NY): Where are the probiotic wipes you used available? Thanks. Larry
Probiotic Wipes
Posted by Watermark (Buffalo, Ny) on 02/15/2016
★★★★★
Hello,
I was recently diagnosed with SD on my face. Like most, I tried everything without success. It then dawned on me to try probiotic wipes seeing as how this appears to be a yeast problem and I wanted to report that I have had great success with this treatment and my problem has completely resolved after about a week and my skin is nice and soft. I have been doing this 2-3 times per day. It may take longer for some. I hope this is helpful.
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Sarah (Chicago, Il) on 01/19/2016
2 year Update on lugol's iodine for seborrheic dermatitis - success!
I am sorry it took me so long to update my post on using lugol's iodine for seb dermatitis. I don't know why I could find my post before today!
After applying the lugol's daily for approximately 7 days, and then every 3-4 days after that for another 2 weeks, I am pleased to say that the seb derm on my face never returned. I can confidently say that lugol's was a COMPLETE CURE for me.
I hope this helps many others who struggle with this condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Liz (Chicago, Il) on 01/19/2016
I don't suggest apple cider vinegar for Seb Derm. It will only help temporarily. I tried it over the years for my seb derm on my face, both internally and externally.
Try 3% lugol's iodine applied topically for a week. I have written about this on Earth Clinic previously. I will try to find my post.
My seb derm has not returned 2 years after trying lugol's iodine.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/19/2016
Linda, how about moisturizing with coconut oil after the ACV?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Linda (Alpharetta, Ga) on 01/19/2016
I have SD on my face (around my nose) and tried ACV diluted 50:50. While it is good to remove the flakes, I find that it dries around my nose which causes cracking and peeling. Has anyone had this issue. I am back to using cortisone on my face and know this can't be a long term solution.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/07/2016
Leslie, coconut oil hasn't seemed to clog me any pores. I only use the least amount that will extend all over the face and neck.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Leslie (Oak Park, Il) on 01/06/2016
★★★★★
For occasional reoccurring seborrhea dermatitis behind my ears, one day realizing that coconut oil had anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, I put some on the effected scalp. Hadn't had any dermatitis since and it has been over a year.
As for my mild roseaca, I keep out of the sun, using a 50 sunblock and stay away from very spicy hot foods as both exposures seem to cause a flair up.
Coconut oil on the face I no longer do because I was told the large molecule can clog pores. I heard (very expensive) manuka honey from the continent down under is anti-viral, but you have to watch out for fake stuff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nick (Long Island) on 01/01/2016
Was wondering what kind of shampoo you use afterwards?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Naddy (Canada) on 12/20/2015
How do you use the ACV? Do you rub it on your areas or you just drink it?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Andrew (Mo) on 12/17/2015
Does MSM have any side effects?? Im confused on the dosage. Two teaspoons but at how many miligrams? I think I may be overdosing using two teaspoons as this is 1000 mg per small half teaspoon container inside of bottle.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katy (San Diego) on 11/16/2015
Try taking magnesium for the constipation. maybe the ACV is affecting how you absorb minerals. Worth a try.
Fish Oil
Posted by George (of the Jungle) on 11/02/2015
★★★★★
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Fish oil supplements if taken daily will drastically reduce redness, inflammation, and the rash associated with this condition. For myself, it took about 4 weeks for a 90% reduction in redness, with results noticeable after about 1-2 weeks.
Fish Oil
Posted by George (Northern Oregon) on 11/02/2015
★★★★★
I recommend treating seborrheic dermatitis with daily fish oil supplements. It dramatically reduces inflammation and redness caused by seborrheic dermatitis (approx 80-90%) within 4 weeks of daily doses; however, you start to see improvements in the 1-2 week range. It worked better for me than trying to pour vinegar around my eyes and mouth. Since inflammation and the redness is the hardest thing to fix, once you take care of that with the fish oil (and a diet high in vitamins a/k, ex. kale, spinach) you can then experiment with what works for you when it comes to any remaining dryness/flakes associated with this condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by George (Jungle) on 11/01/2015
Hello,
I have something that won't exactly cure seborrheic dermatitis (bc there is no permanent cure), but it will help keep it in check. I have it too but I started taking fish oil supplements and it helped a TON. It takes about 3-4 weeks for full effect but you definitely see improvement after a week or so. It doesn't get rid of the flakes that comes from the dryness but in my case it reduced the rash/inflammation by 80-90%. So to get rid of the dry skin I just use some A&D ointment or I suppose an extremely mild hypoallergenic facial lotion would be ok but my skin is too sensitive for that so I use the a&d ointment... just make sure the grease is gone after you apply it. I've had it for a long time and this is the only thing that has helped me. It's a much healthier and effective way to deal with this problem than anything else I've tried.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Seborrhea Guy (Nyc) on 10/27/2015
Use of an antifungal may actually worsen the condition at first, due to a variant of the herkheimer reaction, or die off of fungal cells, going into an initial " overload " state. If you can persist past one or two treatments, you may find relief for your grief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shay (Arlington, Va) on 09/26/2015
Does anyone rinse their face off after using ACV with the mother in it? If so how long do you keep the ACV on your face? Also, is it natural to burn when applying after a few days?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cw (Southwest Missouri) on 06/30/2015
★★★★★
Amazing results.
I found this website on June 23, just 1 week ago. The same day I started regiment of 2 tablespoons of organic ACV with "The Mother", 1 teaspoon of raw un filtered honey and 8-10 oz of water 3 times a day and once a day rubbing straight ACV right on my problem areas, mostly on my face and in my ears. The results are increarable, in just 3 days my SD that I have been dealing with for 8 years is completely gone!
If anyone is sitting on the fence, please do not wait any longer, start using this today and get your life back.
Thank you all very much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Thushara Tom (Nj) on 06/09/2015
★★★★★
I am 37 yr old female using cortisone creams from 15 yr old on my scalp and face and underarms for SD. Indian and US doctors recommended the same kind of medications for me.
After reading this article, I tried organic ACV for last 5 days and the results are great. My face, behind my ear, underarms are showing much improvement.also my scalp is getting much better and I am keep using it.
I suggest this to all who have SD which is a mental nuisance to all.
Avoid Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Posted by Prince Zankli (Washington Dc ) on 06/05/2015
You re definitely right I noticed that Dead Sea Salt helps me tremendously. I'm stopping all shampoos
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cd (Manchester) on 05/25/2015
Also, I have found that using e45 dermatological emollient face wash is excellent and helped the cause a LOT! Thanks all, good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephanie (Oregon) on 05/19/2015
I get the eliminating yeast part, but doesn't ACV contain yeast? In yeast elimination diets, vinegar is one of the first things to go. Interested as I too am looking for a natural remedy for facial SD
Ivermectin
Posted by Steve (Wv, Usa) on 04/08/2015
★★★★★
I had a very flakey, red rash on my face, and I pretty much tried all the remedies on this site. Finally bought some Ivermectin, the paste they give to horses, you can buy it on the internet or in a farm supply store. I applied it topically for over 10 days and the dermatitis went away. This was a permanent solution.
