Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by admin
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that appears as red patches covered with greasy yellow scales that can cause symptoms such as itching, dandruff, and redness. Sometimes, people with seborrheic dermatitis have difficulty in looking for a shampoo that could fit what they need, so in this article, we’ll be discussing what you need to look for in shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis can possibly subside without treatment, or you may need to repeat the treatment a few times before symptoms subside, but they may recur later. Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as dandruff, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis. In babies, this condition, called cradle cap, causes dull, scaly patches to appear on the top of the head.
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Causes of seborrheic dermatitis
Like dandruff, it can be caused by an overgrowth of a yeast called “Malassezia”. However, it appears to be a mix of multiple causes and possible risk factors, which may include your genes, stress, weather, irregular responses to your immune system, and certain medical conditions or reactions to certain medications.
How to choose the right shampoo for you?
Depending on the severity, you can gauge which shampoo to use. You can end up using anti-dandruff shampoos with active ingredients to cleanse your scalp and get rid of annoying flaking and itching. These active ingredients may include, but are not limited to, charcoal, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and the like. If your condition is more severe, it is best to seek professional help so they can prescribe you a medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis that contains any of these ingredients. Shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis are available over-the-counter and by prescription. If you want to start with an OTC product, choose one with antifungal ingredients and follow the package directions.
If you’re looking for a shampoo specifically for seborrheic dermatitis, these are the ingredients you should look for:
- Paraben-free and sulfate-free
- Tea tree oil
- Pyrithione Zinc
- Salicylic acid
- Coconut oil
- Green tea extract
- Ketoconazole
- Selenium sulfide
Don’t forget to hydrate your scalp
Since seborrheic dermatitis itself can dry out your skin, your skin may need some extra moisture when you start your antifungal treatment. Choose a shampoo designed for everyday use so you don’t remove too much of your skin’s natural oils, or even a shampoo that contains a moisturizer to replenish some of the oil washed off during the cleansing treatment. Make sure to use a conditioner specifically for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. If you use regular conditioner, the active ingredients might get washed away when rinsed with water.
Once you realize that you may have seborrheic dermatitis, there is no reason to worry. Over-the-counter and medicated shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis are readily available. But, of course, sometimes, while we can treat these ailments ourselves at home, and in some cases it might be time to seek the advice of a doctor. If you feel your symptoms aren’t responding to these shampoos or other home remedies, it might be time to see your doctor for medical advice and recommendations.
