Seborrheic Dermatitis

[R.C.]

Hello:

Does anyone know of a home/natural remedy or references for good doctors for Seborrheic Dermatitis?

I have tried some of the prescription medicated shampoos and such, none of them have been of any help so far.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

[blahblah]

I don't know your age,infected area or the shampoos you used.

I had the same condition some years back and this is what you have to do:

See that there is no dust accumulation on the face or hair.If you are riding a two wheeler ,wear a helmet.

Do not decrease shampooing even if you think the dandruff is caused by dry skin.I t is caused by the increase in no. of a fungal organism called pityrosporum ovale.

1.Apply a corticosteroid cream[1%][Cortizone] twice daily on the infected part.Leave it for 10 minutes and then wash clean.

2.Apply ketoconazole[1%] shampoo which comes by the brand names 'Nizral' or Nizoral.Rince only after 5-10 minutes.

3.Apply the cream " uv-avo" which is available over the counter in India before you go out in the sun.

Repeat this treatment for 3-5 days and then on alternate days.After 1-2 weeks reduce the medication to twice a week.

Let me know the progress please.

Note:If you are using shampoos like Head and shoulders,continue it once you stop the Nizral/Nizoral shampoo.

These creams and shampoo may cost you around Rs.700-800.Please don't go the chemist with a five hundred rupee note safe in your hand.

[blahblah]

Forgot to tell you.If you are used to taking bath in the morn only,try twice or make it in the evening and don't sleep with accumulated dust on your body.

[R.C.]

Blahblah:

Thank you for your immediate response. Only the scalp seems to be affected currently. I'm currently in my early 30s. The shampoo I use for daily use is Head & Shoulders and the medicated one was Ciclopirox 1%(Brand name: Loprox - available by prescription only) obviously which was of no use.

I was doing some research on the internet and a lot of sites were suggesting Nizoral. I was thinking about trying it out to see if it'll work for me, because I understand that the medicated shampoos don't work alike for everyone.

Which area was affected in your case? If it was the scalp isn't it hard to apply the cortisone ointment/cream in that area? Reply at your convenience.

[nirosha sen]

Hi guys! I was wondering if dandruff condition is due to dry scalp, woudn't it be prudent to try conditioning the scalp often???

RC - Why don't you try doing a routine oiling of the scalp with warmed olive oil and leaving it on to soak for a while like 20 - 30 min. before you wash with a good shampoo??? Ever tried using a brush instead of a comb? Might help Pa!

Brushing helps to stimulate the sebaceous glands to secrete natural oils that lubricates the hair shafts better.

[R.C.]

But Nirosha, In my case it is already excessively oily....that is the actual problem which has been diagnosed as Seborrheic Dermatitis.

[blahblah]

Nirosha,it is not the ordinary dry skin dandruff.This fungus like organism called pityrosporum ivale is present in all.But when the number multiplies several times it may case excessive dandruff and disintegration of skin.

R.C.,In my cause the scalp and eyelids were affected though not seriously.There was some itching and reddening of the eyelids.

In your case it would be advisable to use Nizral/Nizoral. I don't know corticosteroids are available in lotion form or whether they can be used on the scalp.But I get a very strong feeling that the ketoconazole shampoo will work.

[nirosha sen]

Crumbs!! It's not Psoriasis, is it????? Boy, if it is, you certainly have my sympathies Pa!!

[Roshan]

R.C.

Have you consulted a doctor - a skin specialist ? That would be the most advisable thing in your case. As long as the shampoos are concerned Head & Shoulders works very well !! But you've got to use it continuously without lapses - at least for a couple of years.