Effective Natural Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief

Borage Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Pine Tar Shampoo

Posted by John (New York, New York) on 06/15/2012
★★★★★

I take Borage oil daily, wash my hair with Pine Tar shampoo every few days, and apply Rose Hip oil to my scalp. Amazing results.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Fifi (Gold Coast, Qld, Australia) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★

Hi everyone, I'm 28 and had been searching for a remedy to treat seborrheic dermatitis on my face for about 3 years. Finally, this year it has cleared up and I believe that raw apple cider vinegar with the mother helped a lot. I do not really suffer from SD on my scalp, it only appears there in small patches in winter which clears with shampoo. The sides of my nose were the main problem area. I had constant pink patches on the skin there, which would sometimes burn. I had hardly any flaky skin, just the pink, sometimes red irritated patches.

Anyway, it was diagnosed by a dermatologist as SD and after a couple of years of on and off again treatments prescribed by him and my family doctor, I decided to change my diet and my skin care routine.

Ten months ago, I cut virtually all yeast from my diet. I stopped using prescribed medications on my SD. There was an initial flare up as my skin was addicted to the steroid cream I had been using. I began to use a face wash which is very calming. I used filtered water to dilute raw Apple Cider Vinegar with mother in a small spray bottle. After cleansing and whenever I thought of it during the day, I would soak my face with the spray. I would keep my eyes closed with a folded tissue held over them. At first the smell was bad but it does not last long. I did this intense soaking everyday for about 2 months and then as the SD improved I cut back to doing it morning and night. I stopped spraying and just used a soaked cotton ball.

I also use the Apple Cider Vinegar as a salad dressing and mixed into tuna. Ten months on my SD has not returned and my skin has never looked better. I still avoid eating yeast but I am not as strict. I stopped using the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face, but I think I will start to use it again as a toner after reading everyone's great reviews here. I am also going to try the baking soda face scrub. I think it is important to dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar if you are going to apply it to your face and avoid getting it in your eyes.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Ed (London, Hornsey) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★

At 24 I had my first experience of seborrheic dermatitis, and had it for about 2 years. I can honestly remember one girl commenting 'it looks like his nose is turning green', to be honest I couldn't care less what she said, but there were times when i felt so low I didn't want to leave the house. I might have been exaggerating, but my nose was going from small red marks, to be inflamed burn marks, to a yellow gewy substance which would eventually harden.

I tried so many things. At first the steroid cream I used did the job in the short term. But it was no long term cure I was comfortable with. If I stopped using it it was back in a week. Maybe less. So I stopped using that pretty early. I also used aveeno yeast cream, aloe vera (from a bottle and from a plant), going on a yeast free and sugar free diet (to be honest this lasted about a month and a half, and don't think I went completely all out. But tried to cut the main stuff out), and garlic- none of these things worked.

Funnily enough, when I went to the states, it practically seemed to go on its own.

Then I decided to use coconut oil. externally (100% coconut oil- the brand is pukka). I applied it about once every day, not very much was needed as it is a very oily product. Actually I started by using this and taking it internally, eating crushed coconut from a jar with a spoon. but now I just apply it externally. I've been doing this for about 4 to 5 months now, and it is already feeling like a miracle cure, so I hope it carries on like this! I only had one major flare up since, whereas before I was getting one every other week. I hope I'm not speaking to soon, but it's really helped my confidence, and probably changed my life for the better. And something so simple! Just gotta thank the people on this website (and this website for this).

Of course a downside could be seen as it coming back if I stop using it. But who knows, it might even go for good!

Honey, Zinc Pyrithione

Posted by Diane (Ottumwa, Ia, Usa) on 01/10/2012

Skin Update. Fatty Acid Metabolism Disorder.

Supplement with Borage, or Evening Promrose and Flax Seed Oil and Carnitine.

Totally Cured.

Sorry. Didn't know where to post this. Seemed simpler to update a previous post for seborrhea.

Symptoms: red, flaky skin, lifting off in very large flakes with white pustules like small cysts, forming rapidly under the skin. I did not have just the redness and broken veins that some people have. We need to be very specific about the symptoms here, since the symptoms can be easily mis-diagnosed.

It was diagnosed by my Dr. As "perioral dermatitis". Drs should be embarrassed to even say this to patients, I mean we all know we have a rash around our mouths, right? It was a mess, and I had it for approximately 8-9 months before I figured out what it was.

This is for people who have tried everything. Believe me. I tried everything listed on this website and more.

I treated it as: a pathogen (like a bacteria like strep or staph), a fungus, mites, (yes, I drank the damn borax), scabies, leishmania, malessezzia, (seborrhea), acne, I tried three different antibiotic gels from the Dr, (metrogel, ciclopirox, clyndamyacin). I would get excited, because some things seemed to work for a few days, then the condition always returned and got progressively worse. A fatty acid metabolism disorder will mimic the symptoms of Dermatitis with few other noticeable symptoms. My only clue came after I took a big dosage of Cod Liver Oil and I saw what looked like chicken skin under my eyes the next day. I knew something was really wrong.

Started Flax, and Borage Oil capsules the next day. Took L-Carnitine on an empty stomach, (just happened to have it, and knew it was good for fatty acid metabolism disorder from a study I saw on the web regarding Acidura and Carnitine). The Acidura, (a condition of acidity in the body) interferes with fatty acid metabolism processes in the body. This combined with a genetic predisposion called kryptopyluria and six cups of coffee a day meant I was not able to process fish oil of any type. This also explains why some of the other remedies like vinegar and baking soda, alkinalizing the body, and the liver cleanses, and the digestive enzymes seem to work for some people also. You will know within three days if this will work for you.

I saw healing within one day, the flakes stopped in three days and the redness went away in a week. My skin is perfectly clear and has been for two months. I still continue with the Carnitine, Flax and Borage only because I'm afraid to stop. Please note: I did topical applications of Sulfur, (sublimed pwder mixed into mayonese as a carrier) and bought MMS, (chlorine dioxide) just before trying the Flax, Carnitine and Borage. The sulfur may have lessened the white pustules, but I still had the red, flaky skin. If the pustules don't go away, you made want to try the sulfur or the MMS.

Best Wishes.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Posted by DL (Atl, GA) on 09/14/2008
★★★★☆

I've had seborrheic dermatitis around my nose for at least 10 years now. Humidity helps a lot in the summer - my nose merely looks red around the edges, but in the winter it peels and flakes non stop. Milk and chocolate always inflame the condition. After doing a fair amount of research, and having no luck with topical prescription drugs or home remedies, I decided I needed to try and internal approach to the problem. One of the articles I came across said that a certain type of yeast contributes to Seb Derm. Putting two and two together (the foods that inflame it and the fact that it never goes away with any topical application for very long) I decided I needed to treat this condition like candida and get rid of the yeast. So I started on grapefruit seed extract about 5 days ago. I did 10 drops in water the first day (-- uggh! Not recommended. Use juice). The next morning I woke up with headache. I figured the headache was a good sign, a yeast die-off, and continued my grapefruit seed extract - 2 more dosages at 15 drops each dose. The next day I awoke to find that my headache was exactly the same as the day before. . Day 3, headache was gone and my seb derm had improved by about 50%.

I am continuing to use the gse 3x a day -- and will continue to for at least another month or more. I am trying to cut back on sugar and dairy to help the gse do its thing.

Look for What Is Causing the Imbalance

Posted by Monique (Laguna Beach, CA) on 08/13/2008
★★★★★

After trying everything listed on this site, I decided to get tested for food allergies. I was skeptical, but after two weeks of avoiding foods I was allergic to, my scalp was 90% better. I am hoping the seborrheic dermatitis completely goes away in a few more weeks. I highly recommend getting the blood test for food allergies / delayed food allergies. Is is worth every penny. Everything else works temporarily.

Antifungal Shampoo +

Posted by noel (California) on 08/17/2023
★★★★★

I've been battling persistent seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp even in my beard for over a couple years. I think I finally got it under control. I try to eat healthy (no processed foods, fast food, sodas etc) But I dont think the diet did much for seborrheic dermatitis, only the medications helped. I also recommend avoiding Coffee & greasy food as it might feed seborrheic dermatitis through creating unwanted oily skin. The routine that helped me:

1. shaving head so you can apply the medicine on the scalp.

2. ketokonazole shampoo 2% (you can get 1% at the store its called Nizoral). I put the shampoo in DRY for and let it stay half to most the day.

3. selsun blue shampoo. (the kind made with Selenium sulfide). When I get in the shower to rinse the Ketokonazole off I put the Selsun Blue in and leave 5-10 minutes.

4. Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Lotion. 1% (You might need prescription for this one, not sure if you can get online)

i did all 4 of the above, and it seems to be in remission. the true test is when the hair gets longer.

DMSO, Colloidal Silver +

Posted by Nikola (Croatia) on 03/17/2023
★★★★★

Napravio sam DMSO sa 30% srebrne vode od 25 ppm. 10 ml tinktura od Gaveza I nešto malo Aloa Vere. Pomoglo, odnosno izliječilo mi je dugogodišnju seboreju I masnu kožu glave.

I made DMSO with 30% silver water at 25 ppm plus 10 ml of comfrey tincture and some Aloe Vera. It helped, that is, it cured my long-standing seborrhea and oily scalp.

Honey

Posted by Pame (Minneapolis MN) on 01/05/2023
★★★★★

Seborrheic dermatitis

I found what worked the best for me to relieve pain and itch was raw honey - but this is what I've read works best and has kept me on the mend -

Use ACV to break the fungal biofilm first - you can also use xylitol or colloidal silver topically.

Slather the face in honey for 3 hours per day - can also use another anti fungal.

Don't moisturize with any oil other than MTC oil, mineral or these products:

Aloe vera
Urea
Sorbitol
Hyaluronic acid
Squalane oil

Other oils such as coconut feed the fungus and cause more heat, itch, redness and burning sensation.

Essential Oils

Posted by Teresa (Tucson, AZ) on 05/22/2019
★★★★★

I struggled for months with SD on my forehead, eyebrows and upper eyelids. My forehead was the worst and I had to exfoliate twice a day to keep the flakes at bay. I tried applying ACV 3 times a day for a week to no avail. Knowing that yeast can't stand oregano oil and that tea tree is a major ingredient in most dandruff shampoo's, I decided to make my own remedy. In a 10ml glass roller bottle I mixed 3 drops of oregano oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil and filled the rest of the bottle with argan oil. Before bed, I rolled the oil on my forehead and rubbed it the area while working it down to my eyebrows and a tiny amount to my upper eyelids (do not get this in your eyes!) I did this for 3 nights and it was completely gone. I decided to do it for 2 more nights just to be sure. I haven't even seen a hint of flakes for 3 months but still have almost a full bottle left just in case.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Deidra (Ill) on 10/20/2016

Hi. Can you use this iodine on your scalp?

Ivermectin

Posted by Boricuahm (Las Vegas ) on 05/16/2016

How much of the ivermectin paste did u apply daily?

Borage Oil

Posted by D (Az, US) on 04/06/2015

Vitamin B6 and Tryptophan deficiencies can also be indicated in cases of SD, and also should be investigated.

Lotrimin

Posted by Victoria (Philadelphia, US) on 02/03/2015
★★★★★

I recently developed rough scaly patches on my skin. Mostly between my eyebrows, in my eyebrows, in my ears, and behind my ears. I tried lotions and apple cider vinegar to no avail.

In researching the condition on the internet, I believed I had sebhorrheic dermatitis. I read that this can be caused by a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale. I had a old tube of clotrimazole left over from a treatment of a vaginal yeast infection. I began to use it immediately, rubbing it into my skin, particularly between the eyebrows.

To my surprise, the rough skin and scaly patches were gone by morning. I picked up a generic version of Lotrimin the next day because the tube was nearly empty. I intend to continue this treatment for at least 2 or 3 weeks. I want to make sure that this yeast is dead.

Even if this cure is not permanent (although I hope that it is), at least I have something to fight this with!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Niamh Healy (Dublin, Ireland) on 03/15/2015

Hi, what do you mean by 'the mother'? I have ACV.

Thanks in anticipation.

EC: Hi, you'll find information about Apple Cider Vinegar with the 'mother' here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/acvinegar.html

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Marcela (Crawley, Uk) on 11/01/2017

you guys use ACV too much concentrated.. even in most bottles 'with the mother' is written that u should use it 2 tea spoons with a plenty of water, at least 200ml..

of course if you use 50:50 or 1:1 it'is too strong for a sensitive face

Kimchi & Other Remedies

Posted by Joru (Northeast, US) on 12/14/2014

Sebhorreic dermatitis is often caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast called Malassezia. Malassezia is different from candida and many other common yeasts in that it feeds on lipids (fats) rather than sugar/starch. Also it is a slow-growing, melanin-seeking yeast (melanin is the pigment in our skins which protects us from UV radiation).

In addition to causing scalp issues, it can infect the melanocytes of the skin (sometimes causing white hypopigmentation spots, burning, or itching), the ears (hearing issues), and the eyes (blurry vision).

Overgrowth occurs when conditions favor Malassezia growth over its microbial competitors. Such conditions include prolonged use of antibiotics, use of antifungals to which it is not susceptible, steroids or other immunosuppressants, medications which increase blood lipids; diets high in vegetable oils & animal fats, alcohol (with the possible exceptions of dry red wine and beer).

The best way to get it under control is to take both topics and internal measures that inhibit its growth and add "good flora" that keeps it in check. And to avoid the things that help it grow, when you can.

Some ideas include:

- Kimchi: kimchi is a fermented vegetable product full of "good bacteria" like lactobacilli. Buy the medium spicy kind (available at Whole Foods or elsewhere). Strain it and spray the juice on your scalp. Leave on for several hours or overnight. Repeat for several days or as needed. Eat the remaining part of the kimchi, some each day. This helps build competing flora.

- Increase your intake of veggies that are high in sulfur (so long as you tolerate them ok). These include: onions, garlic, asparagus, hoarseradish (esp. potent), broccoli & other brassica veggies. Also include ginger (antifungal properties).

- Minimize vegetable oils in your diet, including olive oil. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy to minimize animal fats.

- Sourdough is possibly the best choice in the bread category, because it contains lactobacilli in add'n to some bread yeast. The lactobacilli ("good bacteria") are what give it the sour taste. Get it fresh from a bakery that doesn't use additives and keep it in the freezer.

- If possible, buy your food at farmer's markets rather than supermarkets. Food at the supermarket is almost by definition lacking in good flora. They use additives and irradiation to extend the shelf life. Fresh food from the farmer's market is more nutritious, and it contains live enzymes and more flora. Be sure to choose meat/dairy that were not given antibiotics or homones, as these promote the growth of fungi.

- Include some seafood and seaweed in your diet.

- Eat more fresh herbs and spices ... packed full of good stuff for you, delicious and flavorful, AND they help inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Topical measures like shampoos can provide temporary relief of symptoms but since they don't affect Malassezia organisms that can be underneath the surface of the skin or scalp, they aren't getting at the root of the problem.

Kimchi & Other Remedies

Posted by Liz (Kansas) on 09/02/2022

BTW... Everything they said about it affecting inside of your body is correct. Also everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body through your skin. It can cause the yeast to spread and/or get worse. The fatty acids, weakened immune system, toxic chemicals in your skin care, hair care, makeup and dish soap, body wash and clothes soap feed the yeast and make it worse. You have to change everything you put in or around your body. If you're interested there is a place online where someone has done a lot of research. You can go to Google and look up 1500 fungals acne and you should be able to find the link. It is a great big conundrum and I know that the people in the government and health departments know about it because they have papers about it all over the place. Just like you can go to infectious disease doctor and tell them that you have an overgrowth of candida and they say that's an old wives tale but then they're treating their cancer patients for it. Just my opinion.

Kimchi & Other Remedies

Posted by MissM (New York) on 03/05/2022

If you have yeast. Mct is the only oil to use, and Demi squalane. For yeast on scalp. Make spray 50 50 Apple cider vinegar. Spray before shower and after shampoo. If it's too stinky, get citric acid one teaspoon to one cup distilled water and use. I have also used pet md beonzoyl peroxide and Sulphur shampoo for dogs. It has no odor and gets deep into hair follicles.

Kimchi & Other Remedies

Posted by Madelyn (Idaho) on 03/02/2022

I would try taking 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder twice a day. Someone else posted here on earth clinic that they resolved their scalp issues using this method.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 10/26/2020

Lindsey, he said he applied "nothing else but Bragg directly to the skin and drank it twice a day minimum."

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 07/22/2023

To all Readers:

You don't need to buy ACV with "the mother". There are multiple studies on Pubmed that show it's the acetic acid in the vinegar which is killing the fungus or other microbes and causing the dermatitis -- or other types of wounds -- to heal. So you can buy plain ol' vinegar and get the same results -- maybe even better. Or just buy acetic acid, and dilute it to 1-2% in water.

Fish, Sunshine and Vitamins

Posted by Ttt (Hungary) on 08/25/2014

For Seborrheic Dermatitis, try A and D vitamins. Take beta-karotin (cook 3 carrots every day, mix it with orange juice - you get a very tasty juice)

D vitamin: from sunshine (20 minutes every day is enough) or from tablets 10.000 IU per day.

Eat lots of fish.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Cd (Manchester) on 08/10/2014
★★★★★

Hi all,

Thanks for all your posts as it has helped me a lot! :)

I have been suffering from severe Seborrheic Dermatitis on my face for over a year. Nizoral cream (anti fungal) from the doctor has helped but not as much as I would like.

I tried ACV 1:1 with water last week. I apply it at night with a cotton pad after washing my face with warm water and leave it on. The following morning I wash my face with water again and reapply ACV.

Results have been fantastic, no more flaking, very little redness and normal skin. It does smell for around 5 minutes after application, however this is a very small trade off for clear skin.

Thanks all and good luck!

Seborrheic Dermatitis Remedies

Posted by Jillery (North America) on 02/16/2014 84 posts
★★★★★

Hi Connie-- I had rosacea about 3 months ago for the past 3 years. I went through all the remedies posted on Earthclinic (and other places) and made a long, long list of them. After about a month and a half I found what worked for my skin. The rosacea I have is very light now and my boyfriend said how great my skin is looking now. I will note what I did just in case you find any of these remedies working for you: Hydrogen Peroxide (wipe down face), Sulphur gel (OTC stuff for rosacea), then I used almond oil with rose in it, and an OTC oatmeal based lotion on top of THAT. I also take 4-6 1000 mg of MSM a day too. That was the final key that helped everything. My skin is combo and sensitive at the same time. (I did try ACV, Borax, collidoil silver, copper etc etc but this worked the best for me) Start making your list. Everyone's issues are just a bit different and look for what speaks to you. Good luck. ~jillery!!!