Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder affecting the oil glands in the skin and resulting in scaly, itchy skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is derived from the term seborrhea, which means flow of oil. It most commonly affects the scalp, making it extremely scaly and, needless to say, full of dandruff. However, seborrheic dermatitis can also be seen on a person’s face, upper chest, back and other commonly oily parts of the body. Though it is harmless and non-contagious, the seborrheic dermatitis can be quite unsightly due to the scales on the skin.
There are number of medications sold over the counter that help you fight this affliction. However, most of them can be pretty expensive. The good news is that seborrheic dermatitis is a condition you can treat yourself, from the comfort of your living room, using a few simple home remedies and saving yourself a fortune.
Seborrheic dermatitis is actually an indication of the presence of toxic substances in your body that wreak havoc on the oil glands of the skin. Hence, the first step is to flush out these toxins and clean your system. This involves a change in diet. The saturated fats and processed sugars in your diet should be reduced as these only aggravate the condition. Replace them with fiber. Fiber helps eliminate candida (a form of fungal yeast) that causes the dermatitis in the first place. Also increase your intake of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. These nutrients help your skin to retain moisture thus greatly reducing the itching sensation and resultant scales on the skin. This means consuming a lot of safflower oil, green leafy vegetables, carrots, and the like. Broccoli and spinach are other rich sources of fiber and carotene, both vital in the fight against seborrheic dermatitis.
If the affliction has affected your scalp, it is imperative to keep your scalp clean. Regularly shampoo and condition your scalp and hair using gentle products, preferably herbal ones. Look for products that contain selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole. Also, while bathing, avoid using harsh soaps and detergents, and always rinse the soap thoroughly off your body before drying. Massage your skin with coconut oil twice each day to moisturize your skin. Scratching the itchy parts is the worst thing you can do, no matter how much it irritates. To avoid constant scratching, cover the itchy areas with dressing. Additionally, always wear clothing made out of soft cotton and make sure your attire is sufficiently loose. Harsh fabrics and tight clothing will only irritate the skin even more and aggravate seborrheic dermatitis.