With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic is a skin disorder that affects the scalp and makes it itchy, scaly with some red patches. This is basically stubborn dandruff which can be seen in infants and are known as cradle scalp. In rare cases you may see them on the face, back, chest and upper chest and other oily places of the body.
Although the condition isn't that harmful but at times this can really get difficult and uncomfortable. Nonetheless, you can treat this condition especially the milder ones at home following some home remedies for Seborrheic dermatitis.
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
The condition is a type of eczema which is known to affect the oil glands of the skin. The prime cause of this is not known till date but some suggests that yeast which often lives on the skin can be a factor for such skin problem.
- Yeast like fungus usually grows in the oily regions of the skin along with some bacteria such as the ketoconazole
- Stress and fatigue can be other factors for the skin problem
- This can occur when there is a change of season and during the winter season this can get worse
- People suffering from neurological condition such as the Parkinson's disease can suffer from seborrheic dermatitis
- Also there is a greater risk for people infected by HIV or AIDS to get this skin condition
Symptoms for seborrheic dermatitis
This skin condition is said to affect millions of Americans! The common signs and symptoms that are noticed in people suffering from it are listed below:
- A thick crust on the scalp with some patchy scaling
- You may also observe some yellow and white scales that are attached to the hair shaft
- Itching and soreness
- Red and greasy skin that are covered with white flakes and yellow scales
This though predominately affects the scalp but you can see them in between the skin folds and oily skin. You may observe them between the eyebrows and the sides of the nose or behind the ears.
Seborrheic is common in babies who are less than 3 months of age. In adults, it occurs between the ages of 30 years to 60 years. You may find that the condition affects men more than women.
The tests and diagnosis can be made by the doctor by doing some physical examination and skin biopsy tests.
There is no treatment that will guarantee you to stop the problem but can reduce the symptoms and signs. Depending on the skin type you can opt for one of the following home based remedies:
- Aloe vera gel can be used on the affected area. This can help you greatly to reduce the flaking of the scalp.
- Another very simple method you can try out is to apply some diluted solution of lemon juice on the affected area. This will reduce the symptoms considerably.
- Margosa leaves can too work well on seborrheic dermatitis. All you need to apply the juice on the affected area. This will reduce the itching and also the chances of getting any sort of infection.
- The paste of fenugreek seeds is also effective for the skin problem. The paste of these seeds can be applied directly on to the affected area.
- Another very simple method you can try out is to prepare a tea from fenugreek seeds. All you got to do is add two teaspoons of the seeds in a liter of water. Now boil this for about 15-20 minutes. After the tea is cooled use this to wash on the affected area of the skin. You can prepare tea for washing the skin with other herbs such as goldenseal, burdock, rosemary, hawthorn, red clover and dandelion.
Other common methods that you can try at home are:
- A good and natural cream for the skin can be prepared at home by crushing some couple of cucumber in a blender. Mash this properly and spread this on the skin. This will soothe the skin and also give a soothing effect. Keep this for about 15-20 minutes before you wash them off.
- Herbs like plantain leaves are also perfect for healing purposes. These leaves have the property to disinfectant and speed up the healing process. This enables the growth of skin cells and then replaces them with the damaged cells.
- Raspberry too can work well on any skin related problem, this is because these plants have some astringent properties and contain the healing properties of benzoic, ascorbic and caffeic acids. You can prepare a decoction of these leaves preferably dried leaves and use it to wash the affected area.
- If you face a lot of itching due to seborrheic dermatitis then use a cold compress prepared of oat water. For this you need half a cup of oats in one liter of water, after this you squeeze the mixture and remove the liquid.
Preventive measures and tips for seborrheic dermatitis:
- Clean your hair regularly with a good shampoo regularly. Go for shampoos that contain coal tar, sulfur and salicylic which are known to best for such skin related problems.
- Use some antifungal cream on daily basis that can prove to be very helpful.
- Avoid using harsh soap and detergents that can make your condition worse.
- Wearing cotton clothes can help avoid irritation
- If this is a common problem and you have beard or a moustache, then simply shave them off as this can make the condition worse.
- If you are in the habit of scratching and cannot stop doing it, then you simply need to bandage or dress the affected area.
The above mentioned home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis can be a very useful method in the treatment. However do consult the dermatologist if the condition persists.
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