Seborrheic dermatitis is medically referred to as a kind of eczema or skin condition where in the oil glands of the skin are affected and produce a reaction. It is a chronic skin disease associated with seborrhea and greasy scales on the scalp or eyelids or other parts of the skin. Under normal circumstances, our skin secretes an oily substance, which is beneficial in moisturizing the skin naturally and keeping the hair smoothed and silky. With seborrheic dermatitis, the secretion of the oil is substituted by a pus-like substance, which is yellowish in appearance. In many cases, seborrheic dermatitis is also known to be indicative of nutritional deficiencies in the body. Exposures to extreme weather, irregular shampooing, pollution, excessive fatigue, hair loss as well as stress are some of the primary reasons, which lead to the scalp being infected by conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis.
An accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential before any treatment is started. You can discuss natural options with your dermatologist who may prescribe medications if your condition is severe. To begin with, most doctors advise that patients with seborrheic dermatitis wash their hair on a regular basis with an antifungal shampoo preferably containing sulphur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide or ketoconazole. It is also recommended that the scalp be exposed to natural sun light for a few hours daily. This will be helpful in diminishing the possibility of yeast growing in the scalp.
Another effective option is to take a freshly cut onion and rub it into the scalp and hair, prior to washing it. You could alternatively, also apply some freshly squeezed juice of an onion on your scalp and massage it gently. Onion juice contains sulphuric compounds which are useful in inhibiting the growth of the yeast. Another home remedy, which is considered to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis, is to rub some cheese, which is a few days old or even some vinegar into the scalp. Research has shown that seborrheic dermatitis is directly connected to the growth of the Candida yeast in the body, which is why it is preferable that you avoid foods such as beer and wine as these have a high content of yeast. It is also beneficial to increase your consumption of foods with a high content of zinc such as egg yolks, fish, soya beans, flaxseed oils and cereals and legumes as these can be effective in regulating the activity of oil produced by the body. Increasing the consumption of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids present in foods found chiefly in fish and corn and soybean oil and safflower oil, sunflower seeds and whole grains, in order to improve the health of the skin on the whole.