seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, very common and often recurrent, which occurs in areas rich in sebaceous glands - that is, where the skin is more oily: scalp, eyebrows, nose wings, retroauricular area (behind the ears), chin, sternum, and sometimes even in the armpit or groin folds.

How it manifests itself

Typical symptoms include:

  • Diffuse or localized rosacea (erythema);
  • Thin or fatty, whitish or yellowish skin;
  • Pruritus (itching) variable in intensity;
  • Sometimes, mildcrusting or adherent scaling on the scalp ("oily dandruff").

In men, it is common in beard and mustache, and in women - around the nose and eyebrows.

(image generated by AI, for illustrative purposes)

Causes and mechanisms

It's not just "oily skin" or poor hygiene. In fact, the cause is complex, involving:

  1. Overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia furfur (a unicellular fungus that lives normally on the skin);
  2. Exaggerated inflammatory response of the body to this fungus;
  3. Genetic, hormonal and stress factors that increase sebum secretion and alter the skin microbiome.

This is why seborrheic dermatitis is chronic, with periods of remission and relapses, especially:

  • fall and winter (cold, dry air),
  • in times of stress,
  • after illness or lack of sleep.

Naturist protocol

In addition to the treatment recommended by your dermatologist, you can follow this herbal protocol:

Local treatment:

  • Tea tree oil - has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects;
  • Coconut oil - reduces Malassezia and soothes the skin;

Tea tree oil is always used diluted, never undiluted: to 1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil add 4-6 drops of tea tree oil (optionally 2 drops of lavender or chamomile oil for calming effect and pleasant smell), mix well and store in a dark glass bottle at room temperature.

It applies as follows:

On scalp: gently massage the mixture into your scalp, leave on for 30-60 minutes (or even overnight if you tolerate the smell), then wash with a mild antifungal or neutral shampoo.

On the face: apply a small amount (with clean fingers or a cotton disk), leave on for 20-30 minutes, then remove excess with a dry disk. If skin is sensitive, rinse gently with warm water.

You can repeat 3-4 times a week, and in periods of calm, just once a week for maintenance.

Important:

  • If burning, itching or intense redness occurs, reduce the concentration (e.g. just 2 drops of tea tree oil to 1 tablespoon of coconut oil).
  • Avoid eyes and lips.
  • You can first test the mixture on a small area of skin (behind the ear or on the forearm).

General treatment:

  • Maslin leaf extract - antifungal and immunity-regulating action;
  • Probiotics - to regulate the intestinal bacterial flora and, by extension, the skin;
  • Reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods, which can aggravate inflammation.
  • If dermatitis occurs during periods of tension, fatigue or lack of sleep, you can take Reishi, 1 capsule, in the morning and Ashwagandha, 1 capsule, in the evening.

Prognosis

Although not cured permanently, seborrheic dermatitis can be kept very well under control with correctly applied treatments and constant care. Many patients have complete remission for months.