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.
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 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.
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 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.
Kimchi & Other Remedies
Posted by Lilac (Vermont) on 06/02/2018
Excellent advice. I knew that malassezia likes fats/oils, but it never occurred to me that fats/oils I take as food could affect this too. Thank you!
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.
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!
CD
Seborrheic Dermatitis Remedies
Posted by Jillery (North America) on 02/16/2014 83 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!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Miselliej (Prescott, Az) on 11/02/2013
Folks, it must be ACV with the "mother". No other has the health benefits of this. Braggs is a good one.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Abc (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 03/28/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Hi BILL, I am having severe scalp psoriasis with seborrheic dermatitis for the last 6 years. I came across this website and I have tried all the below TED remedies for 4 weeks but I am not seeing much sign of improvement.
1. Applied borax on my scalp and then rinse with diluted with ACV.
2. Took extra virgin coconut oil, borax with water
3. Alkalized body using ACV and baking soda.
4. Cut down all yeast diet.
The itching has been subsized to some extent but the flaking hasn't gone at all. Big clumps of skin is still coming out along with my hair. Should I continue the above treatment further or switch to different treatment? Please advice. I have really lost all patitience and I don't know what else should I do. Nothing is working for me. Neither medicated shampoo nor natural remedies. If I apply tea tree oil my scalp become more scaly and more flaking happens.
PLEASE PLEASE HELP BILL with my issue!!!!
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 03/29/2013
Hi Abc... Whenever I use borax topically, I dissolve a few teaspoons in water with some hydrogen peroxide(a capful) and I put it in a simple garden sprayer. Sometimes I also add a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate as well. Then I just spray my whole body including my head with it. I usually do this after I have my shower at night and smply let this dry on my body before I go to bed. Then I just go to bed. Next morning I wash off the borax etc.
Just rinsing off the borax straight away after application will not allow enough time for the borax/hydrogen peroxide to kill the fungal/bacterial problems which may well be deeper under the skin.
You can also use the following essential oils(diluted in a carrier oil like coconut oil) during the day: Lavender oil, Sweet Orange oil, Pine Oil, Tea Tree Oil. Use 5 to 10 drops in a teaspoon of coconut oil is the way I do it-- just rub it into the scalp and leave it on.
Indonesia is quite a wet country -- it has high rainfall. Fungus and mold love these wet, humid conditions so human fungal problems can also therefore easily arise and abound because of mold or fungal infestations in the house or at your place of work. So your problems might have arisen for these reasons and if this is the case then either you must remove the fungus or mold from the walls/roof of your house(or move house) and/or remove the fungus from your place of work. The reason I say this is because your scalp problems may have arisen due to fungal/mold spores settling and infecting your skin and body from the fungus in your house or place of work.
I live in the Philippines and, in the wet season later in the year, I have noticed that Filipinos do not like going out into the rain. They believe that the wet season brings sickness like leptosporosis, malaria, dengue as well as fungal problems. Mosquitos are also a big problem in the wet season. My small shaded terrace was a haven for these mosquitos and I was always being bitten all the time which worried me. In order to deter these mosquitos from biting me, I bought a small Rose Geranium plant in a pot -- this is what some Filipino friends told me to do. That one small plant changed everything -- no more mosquitos anyhere near my garden or terrace. Unfortunately, the rose geranium plant died because it could not survive the lowland hot season (it's more of a mountain plant in the Philippines). So I bought Rose Geranium essential oil and mix drops of this with drops of essential pine oil and coconut oil(carrier oil) to keep the mosquitos off me. No mosquito ever bites me now when I go outside.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Phillipines) on 04/23/2013
Hi Abc... A greasy scalp and greasy skin may indicate a lack of Zinc in your diet. To remedy this you should supplement zinc gluconate on a daily basis to get rid of the scalp greasiness. Zinc also improves the immune system to help fight pathogens in your body.
When I had systemic candida, which is a fungal infection inside the body, I also had psoriasis as well as eczma and other skin problems. To me, psoriasis could well be a symptom which indicates a fungal infection from mold or candida deeper inside your body - an infection in your intestines and in the blood. And when I eventually got rid of my internal fungal candida problems -- all my skin problems just disappeared.
So if you are unable to cure your scalp problems with just topical skin or scalp remedies then this strongly suggests to me that your infection -- a candida or mold fungal infection -- must be a systemic one inside your body and in your blood. That may be why the topical remedies aren't working.
The specific protocols needed to get rid of candida or mold from the intestines and from the blood are shown at this link: Fungal Infection Treatment
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/23/2013
Hello, I just came across your post so I don't know if you have tried dietary changes yet? I have a feeling you would benefit from a liver detox, since I've read skin conditions indicate liver problems. There are many to choose from on this site. You may also like to try an alkalizing diet. Have you seen the documentaries "fat, sick and nearly dead" (very funny) or "the gerstein miracle". Both outline the benefits of raw vegetable juicing for skin or other more serious ailments.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Reginna (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 08/16/2012
I've been suffering for dermatitis seborrehic on my face for almost 15 years.. From having a flawless face to having a red, flaky, bumpy, itchy and unrecgognizable face! I never understood why and I tried to cover it with my makeup looking all red and cakey. I tried the expensive creams with cortisone and worked while I used it and trigger back when I did not have the cream. I know you understand me, It was a nightmare! So with out having the money and just trying to go to the natural alternative I tried aloe vera, olive oil, biotin, coconut oil; they did helped for awhile but it would still come and go without me doing nothing to the DS.
After all this years while trying diffrent diets it occur to me not to eat PORK! Yupiii this was a Bingo for my DS!! I do not know what this have to do but I really dont care!! I do not have those flakes and patches no more, I can eat whatever I want and even drink alcohol! Now that I have found this page thanks to Ted and others I think that I have this disease due to drinking alot and this may have caused me candida and can be seen in my DS. I have to address that since then I been DS free until a feel days I was in a severe stressful and nervous sitation my DS came back but in a mild way just with the clear bumps but left in 2 days when I was calm. I really hope this will help someone out there..
I am now following Ted in EC and have been doing the ACV, lemon with H20 and trying not to eat sugars and I am trying to give up that social, ocasional drinksss. So for me right now is NO PORK, ACV, LEMON, -moisturizers OLIVE oil or CASTOR oil, and trying to keep myself CALM in upset, nervous breaking situations.
Green Tea
Posted by Tammy (Vancouver, B.c Canada) on 05/15/2012
★★★★★
This is so simple, brew a strong cup of green tea, let cool use the tea bag to blot your scalp, repeat morning and night for 3 days, should help for up to 3mths then repeat.
Avoid Sodium Laurel Sulfate
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 03/24/2012
Pat, thanks SO much for this entry. I have the same facial problems and it really flared up last week after weeks of great looking skin and scalp. What did I do wrong, I wondered, viewing my ravaged, 1000 tiny bumps, flaking, itching skin in the mirror? Well, in a hurry, I had used my daughters regular toothpaste that she left on the sink. Mind you, I only used it once! My husband and I originally thought it was the great, California sweet oranges I ate. Then, thanks to your article I looked at her toothpaste and low and behold, the enemy, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) was present. I tell ya, vigilance is quite the necessity with man-made products. While I wait out the 4 days it will take my skin to get back to clearness, I will more dilligently stick to my natural mix: BS, peppermint oil & HP. Thanks for the heads up! Peace to ya as well.... CAT!
Baking Soda and Water
Posted by Traci (Virginia Beach, Virginia) on 01/30/2014
Neem Oil
Posted by Elodie (Melbourne, Australia) on 10/03/2011
★★★★★
Seb Derm
Apple cider vinegar unfortunately did not work for me... But NEEM oil did. I have applied Neem twice now, using a mixture of 2:1 Neem to a carrier oil (i used oliver oil) and added a few drops of various aromatherapy oils, clove, tea tree, peppermint, lavender etc. I think it is important to get a correct diagnosis for what is troubling your scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, and so any treatment really needs to be potent in anti fungal properties. It has worked for me so far and no flakiness, reduced reddness, and much less itchy. Wonderful!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Lt (Boston, Ma) on 09/20/2011
Hi:
I'm suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis and hair loss. I've been reading about alkalinizing your body to help with SD and started using (2 TBlspns) apple cider vinegar and baking soda( 1/4 spoon) along with 8 oz of water on an empty stomach for once daily( two days in a row). By the second day afternoon I started noticing stomach cramps and diarrhea. I have not taken it today, but I have a lot of stomach cramping and gas. I'm burping a lot of gas too.
Should I continue taking this or should I stop. What am I doing wrongly? Please Help! Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Dilesh (New Malden, Surrey, United Kingdom) on 08/15/2011
★★★★★
Just want to say that I tried ACV mixed with Bicarbonate of Soda and water. Sprayed it on my face and my Seb Dermatitis has gone. From what ive read its a fungus. The ACV on its own didnt help the White, scaly marks that ultimately ended in skin flaking off. Since I started this mixture my face is clean. Now can someone help me with what I need to take to close all the wounds on my face. They get itchy, and even when I go outside the wind can hit the open wounds and make me itch.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Mike (San Mateo, Ca, Usa) on 03/10/2010
I was diagnosed w/ Seborrheic Dermatitis over 10 years now. I think I finally found a cure!
Profile:
Age: 36. Male. Had Acne Vulgaris as a teenager. Took Tetracycline (anti-bacterial) from 18 to 24. I believe this killed off all my good bacteria which caused a chronic SD infection. I subscribe to the theory that there are bacteria which feed on the SD yeast.
I've tried everything ... topical ACV was the winner for a long time, but the SD would always come back. I had been juice fasting for a whole month, had a colonic and the practitioner recommended fermented foods. I came across a posting that prescribed eating lots of sauerkraut for SD. Something in the fermentation that is balancing my system. My skin has totally cleared up! I pray this is permanent. I'm of Germanic descent, so maybe my gut just loves the sauerkraut.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Mike (San Mateo, Ca, Usa) on 04/10/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Unfortunately the Sauerkraut didn't work permanently. Just had a huge flare-up yesterday. My plan of attack is to go back on a juice fast and possibly a week long water fast and colon/liver cleanse. Luckily, topical ACV still works for me and is my last line of defense at the moment.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Frank (Centerton, Ar) on 12/19/2009
WARNING!
A few months ago I tried this remedy for facial seborrheic dermatitis. I noticed when I did it that the fumes were pretty bad. I probably applied it 5 or 6 times. Since using it, not only has by seborrheic dermatitis not gone away, but the fumes scarred my lungs. I have developed asthma. I am on a bronchiodialator virtually every day. DON'T TRY THIS ONE ON YOUR FACE. BE CAREFUL WITH IT. USE AT YOUR LUNG'S RISK!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by David (Mn) on 10/29/2013
The direct combination of the two substances, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, produces a strong oxidizing agent known as peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid, or PAA). The reaction occurs when hydrogen peroxide reacts with the active component in vinegar, acetic acid.
The substance at high concentrations can be highly corrosive and cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Long-term exposures to the substance can cause permanent lung damage.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maya2141 (Cambridge, Ma, Usa) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★
I have been suffering from Seborrhea for most of my adult life and used all possible medicated and non-medicated shampoos, nothing seemed to help. The only thing that worked was steriod creams and after I stopped them, it came back. I turned to the internet and found the ACV cure on EC. I have used it religiously for two weeks and its working.
I read another user's remark and got myself a color applicator from a beauty store and poured half ACV and half water. I apply it everyday after shampooing, rub it into the scalp and leave it for 2 to 5 minutes. It stinks like vinegar when the hair is wet, but once dry, no smell. There is none to minimal scaling and absolutely no itching in the hair. Since its only a couple of weeks, I am going it give it more time to completely rid the scaling. Note: I use an organic shampoo, with all natural ingredients and no sulfates. And since using ACV, I have skipped using the conditioner, the ACV leaves hair soft, shiny and detangled.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kitchenwitch2 (Santa Ana, CA) on 07/31/2009
★★★★★
I have had seborrheic dermatitis for most of my life. The past few years it has gotten worse and worse. I saw the dermatologist and he gave me some shampoos that worked minimally. I have tried nearly every OTC remedy.
The plaques were so bad lately I began to seriously think about shaving head. Truly, I was at my wits end.
I found this website and read about the ACV treatment. I happened to have had some in the cabinet that day (for treating my dogs for fleas) so I mixed some ACV 50/50 with water and applied it to the worst area, put a shower cap on and left it for 30-45 minutes. Then shampooed and conditioned as usual.
There was a marked difference after ONE treatment! I couldn't believe it! I have continued the treatment 2-3x per week for the last 3 weeks ( now with a spray bottle). My scalp is now almost completely clear! I expect to be completely cleared up within 30 days of starting treatment.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!! ACV works!
Christine Hernandez
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Courtney (Lewisville, Tx) on 08/08/2011
Hello Christine and everyone else, So I have a question.... I have had a bad scalp for so long and a Doc said it was SD like so many other stories on here. I have tried literally everything under the son from shampoos to liquids etc. After reading this site I went out and bought ACV and a bottle to use to pour on the scalp. I mixed half ACV and half water and also added 2 drops of Peppermint Oil that I read about it's benefits in another site for the scalp and hair growth. I got in the shower and applied the mixture which actually felt good on my scalp! As I was allowing it to soak in as directed, the fumes from the ACV began to almost choke me! I could not breath and began to cough a lot, I opened the bathroom door to get more ventilation which seemed to help. I wanted to see if anyone else had this problem? Also, after my hair dried my sclap seemed to be peeling off very badly like the condition worsened. I want to give it a shot and try again as that maybe my scalp needed another treatment. What do you guys think? Thanks, Courtney
