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To get an accurate diagnosis, you will want to visit a dermatologist. The time you carve out to see one is well worth the stress the appointment will save you in the long run. Think about it: Misdiagnosing seborrheic dermatitis can make it worse and lead to even more stress as I experienced, which can mean more flare-ups and ultimately more trial and error. It’s a vicious cycle and one that likely can be skipped with an hour-long appointment.
How to treat seborrheic dermatitis
You visited your dermatologist to confirm you have it, right? Great. With that out of the way, here are some expert-recommended strategies and over-the-counter remedies you can try at home.
For scalp-related seborrheic dermatitis
For your scalp, the first line of defense should be anti-yeast or antifungal medications like ciclopirox or ketoconazole shampoo, which your dermatologist can prescribe at your appointment. “I usually tell my patients to wash their scalp with the prescription shampoo two to three times a week, leave the shampoo in for 5 to 10 minutes, and then follow it with their regular shampoo and conditioner,” Dr. Elrashidy says.
When shopping for over-the-counter shampoos, look for antifungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide to combat malassezia overgrowth. Dr. Elrashidy recommends DermaZinc Shampoo, which contains zinc pyrithione. I swear by my dermatologist’s recommendation, Selsun Blue Daily Care, for its potent combination of zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid—the ultimate trifecta. Plus, it lathers beautifully without leaving my hair feeling too dry.
But avoid using prescription and over-the-counter dandruff shampoos simultaneously. “If you’re using the ciclopirox shampoo, you don’t want to also use Head & Shoulders because that’s going to be too drying on your scalp,” Dr. Elrashidy says.
Exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid can also help remove scales, but it can’t be the primary treatment, says Dr. Gohara. She recommends Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Build-Up Control Therapeutic Shampoo, which contains 3% salicylic acid and relieves flaking without irritation. Allure editors also like the Briogeo MegaStrength+ Dandruff Relief Shampoo, which can leave the scalp feeling squeaky clean. Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, who has seborrheic dermatitis, uses it when her scalp flares up and is extra flaky.
For facial seborrheic dermatitis
If you are prescribed a topical medication for facial seborrheic dermatitis, like ketoconazole or steroid cream, make sure to apply it to clean, dry skin before layering on other skin-care products. Dr. Elrashidy recommends keeping the rest of your regimen simple because too many products can interfere with your medication’s effectiveness and irritate your already sensitive skin. She suggests limiting your routine to just your prescriptions, cleanser, moisturizer, and an SPF every two hours. “When things aren’t flaring, then you could try other products, but I don’t think you need a 15-step skin-care regimen.”
What products should I avoid?
First and foremost, resist the urge to grab just any steroid cream you might have in your medicine cabinet. You shouldn’t be using old prescriptions to treat your current skin condition. “We don’t want to do anything to thin the skin or promote acne,” Dr. Kundu says. Your dermatologist will prescribe a potency and the duration of use for any medication that’s specific to your needs, so it’s important to follow their treatment instructions.