How to Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and flaky patches, can be uncomfortable and often recurring. However, several effective treatments can help manage and alleviate its symptoms. This article explores various therapeutic approaches for seborrheic dermatitis.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
A range of over-the-counter products can be beneficial:
- Medicated Shampoos: These often contain ingredients like pyrithione zinc, tar, or salicylic acid, which can help reduce dandruff and skin flakiness.
- Topical Antifungals: Creams or lotions containing antifungal agents can help combat the yeast often associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: This can alleviate inflammation and itching but should be used sparingly due to potential side effects.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Red patches of skin.
- Yellowish or white scales that can flake off, often described as dandruff when on the scalp.
- Skin that feels oily or greasy.
- Itchiness.
- Mild redness.
- Hair loss (in severe cases or if scratched frequently).
I extensively reviewed the most widely used creams, serums, and shampoos to narrow the list down to 7 most effective products for dealing with Seborrheic Dermatitis. I took into account the level of effectiveness, how long the relief lasted, and if there were any negative reactions.
What to look for in a Seborrheic Dermatitis product?
For me, I was looking a product that would reduce itchiness, redness, and peeling. I also needed a product that I could use long term, so steroids and harsh ingredients were a big no-no.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is caused by a fungal yeast, which lives on the skin and causes the irritation. The yeast has a protective layer called biofilm, which make many products ineffective or their effectiveness wears off over time.
I was looking for a product that could remove the yeast's biofilm, get rid of the yeast, and repair my skin barrier. Read on to see the 7 products I tried, and which product did exactly all three of those things.
- Emma W. (Research Editor)
Updated July 2, 2022
#1 Dermgentle Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief Cream
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Long Lasting: 9/10
- Gentle on Skin: 10/10
The itchy red flakes on my skin started to clear within 4 days of trying this cream. This cream uses 3 main ingredients to fight off the yeast which causes Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Xylitol - neutralizes the yeast's biofilm, making it vulnerable to anti-fungals.
- Medium Triglycerides - Anti-fungal that reduces the yeast after the biofilm is weakened.
- Squalane - one of the best moisturizers to repair the skin barrier and it does not feed the yeast.
Best of all, these ingredients are suitable for long term use because the yeast does not build tolerance to them.
If you've tried countless products and had little to no results, you need to try this cream. When I purchased this cream, they had a 60 days refund guarantee, so there's nothing to lose.
Long Term Solution? Yes, the ingredients will continue to be effective long term
Conclusion: Many readers have asked me which product made the biggest difference. I have to say this one, and it worked extremely fast. Jump on this cream if you want a long term solution against Seb Derm.
Pros
- Effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis
- May start clearing skin in less than a week
- Active ingredient lose effectiveness over time (long term solution)
- 60-day guarantee or refund
- Repairs skin barrier for healthier skin
- Does not require additional moisturizers or serums
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance or parabens
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Company offers free expedited shipping
Cons
- Only available on the company’s website.
- The product is often out of stock and takes a while to restock.
#2 Nizoral Shampoo
Nizoral Shampoo
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 7/10
- Gentle on Skin: 8/10
To my dismay, my Seborrheic Dermatitis occurred on my scalp, face, and eyebrows. It was a real nightmare to deal with.
The first thing I tried was Nizoral, which was recommended to me by a friend. The primary ingredient has been shown to be effective in reducing Seborrheic Dermatitis causing yeast; however, it does not work on the face, and I wouldn't recommend anyone applying shampoo over their face. Yeast may also grow resilient against the active ingredient, so it is not a long term solutionLong Term Solution? No
Conclusion: Nizoral works if you have mild symptoms and they only occur on the scalp. It is not a long term solution.
Pros
- From a brand founded by a board-certified dermatologist
- Effective against scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Free of parabens
- From a cruelty-free brand
- Easy to purchase online from authorized retailers
Cons
- Does not work on face
- May lose effectiveness over time
#3 Noble Formula Soap
Noble Formula Soap
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 4/10
2% Zinc has been shown to be effective against the yeast that causes Seb Derm. This bar of soap is too harsh for cleaning the face, but it is a great soap for the body. I use this daily and it has kept the Seb Derm off my body for the most part. Again, do not use this on your face, it will dry you up without fixing the issue. If you need this for the scalp, use is a 2% zinc shampoo.
Long Term Solution? Yes, for the body only
Conclusion: Works well for the body, not for the face. Zinc is a viable long term solution.
Pros
- Great for the body (not the face or scalp)
- Effective ingredients
- Long lasting relief
Cons
- Do not use on your face
- Only sold on Amazon
Head & Shoulders Dandruff Defense
- Effectiveness: 4/10
- Long Lasting: 4/10
- Gentle on Skin: 7/10
The active ingredient is also zinc, but this shampoo only uses 1% zinc. I did not find this shampoo to be effective in reducing irritation.
I also noticed it had a strong scent, which I did not like.
Long Term Solution? Yes
Conclusion: Does not have much effect, but the active ingredient is effective.
Pros
- Effective ingredients
- Long lasting relief
Cons
- Do not use on your face
- Strong fragrance
- Not very effective
Selsun Blue
- Effectiveness: 8/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 2/10
Another shampoo, but the active ingredient is 1% sulfide. Studies have shown that this works against Seb Derm causing yeast, however, it is very harsh on the skin. When I tried it, my skin broke out. There are also concerns about hair loss. I would stick to a Zinc shampoo instead.
Long Term Solution? No
Conclusion: Too harsh on the skin, however it does work in reducing Seb Derm on the scalp.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Clears scalp (do not use on your face)
Cons
- Harsh on the face
- Scalp only
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Effectiveness: 7/10
- Long Lasting: 1/10
- Gentle on Skin: 1/10
This is one of the best selling seb derm creams on Amazon. If you take a look at the ratings, you'll realize why there are so many complaints. This is a steroid. That means it is just a temporary solution. You never want to apply steroids to your skin for prolonged periods of time. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.
Long Term Solution? No, it contains steroids
Conclusion: It is a steroid and should not be used long term.
Pros
- Contains steroids which are effective for first few days
- Temporary relief
Cons
- Contains steroids
- Not for long term use
- Irritation may come back stronger
- Only sold on Amazon
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Effectiveness: 2/10
- Long Lasting: 8/10
- Gentle on Skin: 6/10
Another very popular product on Amazon with many poor reviews. I tried the cream, and it didn't seem to do anything. My itchiness remained, but it didn't get worse. There are some very mix results. Some people found that it worked, and others had worsened symptoms. It seems the manuka honey can be a hit or a miss, but this is unlikely to be a long term solution because there isn't anything in the ingredients that actually works against the yeast that causes Seb Derm.
Long Term Solution? No
Conclusion: It does not actually get rid of the yeast that causes Seb Derm.
Pros
- Moisturizes skin
Cons
- Not effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Manuka honey may irritate skin
- Poor packaging (arrived opened)
- Only available on Amazon
#1 Dermgentle Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief Cream
- Effectiveness: 10/10
- Long Lasting: 9/10
- Gentle on Skin: 10/10
The itchy red flakes on my skin started to clear within 4 days of trying this cream. This cream uses 3 main ingredients to fight off the yeast which causes Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Xylitol - neutralizes the yeast's biofilm, making it vulnerable to anti-fungals.
- Medium Triglycerides - Anti-fungal that reduces the yeast after the biofilm is weakened.
- Squalane - one of the best moisturizers to repair the skin barrier and it does not feed the yeast.
Best of all, these ingredients are suitable for long term use because the yeast does not build tolerance to them.
If you've tried countless products and had little to no results, you need to try this cream. When I purchased this cream, they had a 60 days refund guarantee, so there's nothing to lose.
Long Term Solution? Yes, the ingredients will continue to be effective long term
Conclusion: Many readers have asked me which product made the biggest difference. I have to say this one, and it worked extremely fast. Jump on this cream if you want a long term solution against Seb Derm.
Pros
- Effective against Seborrheic Dermatitis
- May start clearing skin in less than a week
- Active ingredient lose effectiveness over time (long term solution)
- 60-day guarantee or refund
- Repairs skin barrier for healthier skin
- Does not require additional moisturizers or serums
- Formulated without synthetic fragrance or parabens
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-free and vegan formula
- Company offers free expedited shipping
Cons
- Only available on the company’s website.
- The product is often out of stock and takes a while to restock.