Honey
★★★★★
I found what worked the best for me to relieve pain and itch was raw honey - but this is what I've read works best and has kept me on the mend -
Use ACV to break the fungal biofilm first - you can also use xylitol or colloidal silver topically.
Slather the face in honey for 3 hours per day - can also use another anti fungal.
Don't moisturize with any oil other than MTC oil, mineral or these products:
- Aloe vera
- Urea
- Sorbitol
- Hyaluronic acid
- Squalane oil
Other oils such as coconut feed the fungus and cause more heat, itch, redness and burning sensation.
Honey, Peroxide, Zinc Pyrithione
★★★★★
Read the study: http://www.pgbeautyscience.com/defining-issues.html
Good Luck!
(La, Usa)
02/05/2012
★★★★★
For years I tried everything to cure my scalp SD, including borax, ACV, oils. Nothing worked. Digging deeper as now it started to translate into the beginnings of hair loss, I found it had to be Malassezia and that the only promising treatment for that was zinc pyrothione. Bought some on ebay (hard to find, but I wanted the pure version, without alcohol), diluted it down to about 1%, and put it in my hair for a few minutes before rinsing. It actually works. When I comb my hear with my hands, I would always have strands of hair in them - 'normal', as the hair tends to grow back - but now, I can barely pull a single hair. It's pretty amazing. They tell you it's normal to shed hundreds of hair every day.
(L.a., Usa)
02/05/2012
(Small Town, Ia, Usa)
07/16/2012
Sesame oil. Sesame oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. If you have tried everything else for the red, flaky skin, apply a non-processed golden color sesame seed oil topically for a few days. It will take a while. You can also try antibacterial hand sanitizer, not a cure, but easy and cheap and may help. If you think you have areas of pimples, like white dots, then see my posting in rosacea. You'll need to try ivermectin. Condider trying lactoferrin, digestive enzymes, and probiotics to heal the gut and fight whatever mycoplasma you have that may be causing an imbalance.
This posting is for all of you who have tried a number of remedies, including the Z care/ zinc pyrithione.
Good Luck Everyone.
Honey, Zinc Pyrithione
★★★★★
If your skin is very sensitive and burns when anything is applied to it, you may wish to try honey. Honey is antimicrobial and anti-fungal. You must use only the non-pasturized honey, not the honey you find in the grocery store. Topically applied honey will also kill a staph infection of the skin.
My 8 year old son had a very bad case of seborrheic dermatitis and a portion of the area became secondarily infected with staph. Very scary. His face was a mess, and it was spreading. His skin was super sensitive and everything I tried caused great burning and pain. The doctor offered nothing except an immunosurpressing cream that turned out to have a black box label on it,(deaths associated with it's use, Elidel). We finally started using unpasturized natural honey. No burning, no pain and not only the rash but the staph infection went away, and has never returned.
I cleansed the area with 3% Hydrogen peroxide, smeared honey on all the areas, and he would wear it to bed. Later I started using a zinc pyritione 1% spray (Z care by supplement spot)on his skin while he was in school. Both have worked beautifully, and believe me I tried everything.
(Ottumwa, Ia, Usa)
01/10/2012
Skin Update. Fatty Acid Metabolism Disorder.
Supplement with Borage, or Evening Promrose and Flax Seed Oil and Carnitine.
Totally Cured.
Sorry. Didn't know where to post this. Seemed simpler to update a previous post for seborrhea.
Symptoms: red, flaky skin, lifting off in very large flakes with white pustules like small cysts, forming rapidly under the skin. I did not have just the redness and broken veins that some people have. We need to be very specific about the symptoms here, since the symptoms can be easily mis-diagnosed.
It was diagnosed by my Dr. As "perioral dermatitis". Drs should be embarrassed to even say this to patients, I mean we all know we have a rash around our mouths, right? It was a mess, and I had it for approximately 8-9 months before I figured out what it was.
This is for people who have tried everything. Believe me. I tried everything listed on this website and more.
I treated it as: a pathogen (like a bacteria like strep or staph), a fungus, mites, (yes, I drank the damn borax), scabies, leishmania, malessezzia, (seborrhea), acne, I tried three different antibiotic gels from the Dr, (metrogel, ciclopirox, clyndamyacin). I would get excited, because some things seemed to work for a few days, then the condition always returned and got progressively worse. A fatty acid metabolism disorder will mimic the symptoms of Dermatitis with few other noticeable symptoms. My only clue came after I took a big dosage of Cod Liver Oil and I saw what looked like chicken skin under my eyes the next day. I knew something was really wrong.
Started Flax, and Borage Oil capsules the next day. Took L-Carnitine on an empty stomach, (just happened to have it, and knew it was good for fatty acid metabolism disorder from a study I saw on the web regarding Acidura and Carnitine). The Acidura, (a condition of acidity in the body) interferes with fatty acid metabolism processes in the body. This combined with a genetic predisposion called kryptopyluria and six cups of coffee a day meant I was not able to process fish oil of any type. This also explains why some of the other remedies like vinegar and baking soda, alkinalizing the body, and the liver cleanses, and the digestive enzymes seem to work for some people also. You will know within three days if this will work for you.
I saw healing within one day, the flakes stopped in three days and the redness went away in a week. My skin is perfectly clear and has been for two months. I still continue with the Carnitine, Flax and Borage only because I'm afraid to stop. Please note: I did topical applications of Sulfur, (sublimed pwder mixed into mayonese as a carrier) and bought MMS, (chlorine dioxide) just before trying the Flax, Carnitine and Borage. The sulfur may have lessened the white pustules, but I still had the red, flaky skin. If the pustules don't go away, you made want to try the sulfur or the MMS.
Best Wishes.
Hydrogen Peroxide
★★★★★
I have gotten rid of the seb. completely in my face and still working on the scalp. The H2O2 does not burn skin unaffected by the yeast although I have found that some areas infected by the yeast can be unaffected by it. I can not recommend this aggressive treatment for others because it is painful and can burn badly (like a bad sunburn) on spots where the yeast is dense. But I offer it as an example that H2O2 is good against seborrheic dermatitis caused by malessazia yeast.
First it attacks the yeast only, not surrounding skin and secondly, the byproducts are H2O, O2 and heat...sometimes very hot indeed! So maybe in smaller doses preventatively and apparently not in combination with vinegar either (see post above in the acv and h202 section)! Furthermore, I do not use anything else on my skin to moisturize it, no oils or creams. I wash with sea salt water and Resdan shampoo occasionally. I expect to move to a maintenance program involving diminished H2O2 combined with the same cleansing regime.
(Baltimore, US)
08/03/2014
Don't you mean 3%? My understanding is that a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide burns the skin and is very dangerous. Seems like there is not much difference between 30% and 35%.
Ivermectin
★★★★★
(Las Vegas)
05/16/2016
How much of the ivermectin paste did u apply daily?
Jojoba Oil
★★★★★
(Us)
07/30/2014
(Ma)
06/11/2016
I don't know where you get the idea that jojoba oil is high in oleic acid. It's one of the oils lowest in oleic acid though it does contain some.
It's hard to find oils low in oleic acid. Do you know of an oil that has none or almost none that you recommend?
Juicing, ACV, Acidophilus, Onion Juice, Homeopathy
★★★★★
I juice carrots, celery, garlic, and dark green lettuce daily (12 oz)
2 TBSP of Apple Cider Vinegar before each meal
I take acidophilus
1 juice an onion and add it to my shampoo then apply to hair for 3-5 mins. then follow up with another wash
1 take homeopathic sulphur 30 c according to the directions.
This has helped me so much that I wanted to share. SD is very painful, irritating, and embarrassing.
Kefir
★★★★★
Kimchi & Other Remedies
In addition to causing scalp issues, it can infect the melanocytes of the skin (sometimes causing white hypopigmentation spots, burning, or itching), the ears (hearing issues), and the eyes (blurry vision).
Overgrowth occurs when conditions favor Malassezia growth over its microbial competitors. Such conditions include prolonged use of antibiotics, use of antifungals to which it is not susceptible, steroids or other immunosuppressants, medications which increase blood lipids; diets high in vegetable oils & animal fats, alcohol (with the possible exceptions of dry red wine and beer).
The best way to get it under control is to take both topics and internal measures that inhibit its growth and add "good flora" that keeps it in check. And to avoid the things that help it grow, when you can.
Some ideas include:
- Kimchi: kimchi is a fermented vegetable product full of "good bacteria" like lactobacilli. Buy the medium spicy kind (available at Whole Foods or elsewhere). Strain it and spray the juice on your scalp. Leave on for several hours or overnight. Repeat for several days or as needed. Eat the remaining part of the kimchi, some each day. This helps build competing flora.
- Increase your intake of veggies that are high in sulfur (so long as you tolerate them ok). These include: onions, garlic, asparagus, hoarseradish (esp. potent), broccoli & other brassica veggies. Also include ginger (antifungal properties).
- Minimize vegetable oils in your diet, including olive oil. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy to minimize animal fats.
- Sourdough is possibly the best choice in the bread category, because it contains lactobacilli in add'n to some bread yeast. The lactobacilli ("good bacteria") are what give it the sour taste. Get it fresh from a bakery that doesn't use additives and keep it in the freezer.
- If possible, buy your food at farmer's markets rather than supermarkets. Food at the supermarket is almost by definition lacking in good flora. They use additives and irradiation to extend the shelf life. Fresh food from the farmer's market is more nutritious, and it contains live enzymes and more flora. Be sure to choose meat/dairy that were not given antibiotics or homones, as these promote the growth of fungi.
- Include some seafood and seaweed in your diet.
- Eat more fresh herbs and spices ... packed full of good stuff for you, delicious and flavorful, AND they help inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Topical measures like shampoos can provide temporary relief of symptoms but since they don't affect Malassezia organisms that can be underneath the surface of the skin or scalp, they aren't getting at the root of the problem.
(Vermont)
06/02/2018
(Kansas)
09/02/2022
BTW... Everything they said about it affecting inside of your body is correct. Also everything you put on your skin is absorbed into your body through your skin. It can cause the yeast to spread and/or get worse. The fatty acids, weakened immune system, toxic chemicals in your skin care, hair care, makeup and dish soap, body wash and clothes soap feed the yeast and make it worse. You have to change everything you put in or around your body. If you're interested there is a place online where someone has done a lot of research. You can go to Google and look up 1500 fungals acne and you should be able to find the link. It is a great big conundrum and I know that the people in the government and health departments know about it because they have papers about it all over the place. Just like you can go to infectious disease doctor and tell them that you have an overgrowth of candida and they say that's an old wives tale but then they're treating their cancer patients for it. Just my opinion.
(England)
03/01/2022
I eat sauerkraut and I seen benefits with hives but not seborrea yet.
I thought olive oil is healthy oil, I have big suprise. Can I use coconut oil instead, I try ton conceive, my body needs some oil. My scalp is so bad, can I use coconut oil orally and also add mct oil for my scalp, what is your thoughts please
(New York)
03/05/2022
If you have yeast. Mct is the only oil to use, and Demi squalane. For yeast on scalp. Make spray 50 50 Apple cider vinegar. Spray before shower and after shampoo. If it's too stinky, get citric acid one teaspoon to one cup distilled water and use. I have also used pet md beonzoyl peroxide and Sulphur shampoo for dogs. It has no odor and gets deep into hair follicles.
(Idaho)
03/02/2022
I would try taking 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder twice a day. Someone else posted here on earth clinic that they resolved their scalp issues using this method.
Lemon Juice
★★★★★
A kind suggestion:
DO NOT DRINK VINEGAR! Daily consumption of a fair amount of a highly acidic substance is anything but safe!
THE ORAL CONSUMPTION OF VINEGAR DOES NOT HELP TREAT SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS, ITS THE DIRECT APPLICATION TO THE SKIN THAT DOES ALL THE WORK!!!
A recent article suggested that the daily consumption of slightly acidic water can prove HIGHLY TOXIC in the long run. Imagine what would be the case with vinegar which is highly acidic! Plus, on a daily basis, it would probably HARM YOUR TEETH as well. Highly acidic food softens the outer layer of enamel in your teeth, so doing that on a daily basis certainly doesn't help retain strong and healthy teeth.
I would also suggest to use freshly squeezed LEMON JUICE instead of vinegar for the removal of the sebum, since it DOESN'T SMELL, plus it DOES JUST AS GOOD in preventing flare-ups and keeping seborrheic dermatitis under control!!! Again, i am NOT talking about drinking lemon juice, but rather applying a few drops of lemon juice mixed with equally few drops of water on your face, leave it for a few seconds and rinsing it with water, and try to avoid contact with your eyes. It is most effective during bathing. Try to do that on a daily basis. If you have high amounts of accumulated sebum on your skin, you might need to repeat this "apply and rinse" process 2 or 3 times. Remember not to exaggerate on doing that. YOUR SKIN NEEDS A THIN LAYER OF SEBUM to remain moisturized, healthy and protected.
Lemon juice (or vinegar) do NOT help heal inflammation, they simply help prevent it, and they usually do that really well. If you already have inflammation on your face, be patient. It will take a few days for the inflammation to go away. Lemon juice and vinegar really sting in inflammated areas and in this case you should consider dissolving it with just enough water so as not to sting bad. Just experiment...
You might be wondering what do lemon juice and vinegar have in common that makes them effective against seborrheic dermatitis. It is quit simple, they have approximately equal pH factor (actually lemon juice is slightly better). They dissolve the sebum making it easy to remove through rinsing, and provide a hostile environment for the fungi to populate. The remaining sebum on your face is homogeneous (not flaky) and oily.
If by any chance you find the odor of lemons annoying, just peel their skin before squeezing them. The juice of a lemon is odorless, its the skin that has all the odors. Most people like it though. Note that just one lemon would normally take you for weeks, when stored in a fridge. You only need a few drops at a time for your face, so a thin slice would do the work.
Lime and Himalayan Salt
★★★★★
Drink a glass of water with a whole (or half) lime + teaspoon of Himalayan salt every morning on an empty stomach.
Background:
I had severe SD on my face and chest. I was very discouraged when ACV didn't work for me as it has worked for so many others. I was able to combat my SD originally through an incredibly strict diet (no wheat, sugar, dairy etc.). Over time I relaxed my diet and started to notice the symptoms returning. At the recommendation of a friend I started doing lime + Himalayan salt mixed in the mornings and it's been a game changer. I'm no longer on a restrictive diet but am symptom free with the addition of lime+salt.
Hope this can help someone out there - good luck!
Lithia Water, Amlactin Lotion
★★★★★
Look for What Is Causing the Imbalance
★★★★★
(Laguna Beach, CA)
08/13/2008
★★★★★
After trying everything listed on this site, I decided to get tested for food allergies. I was skeptical, but after two weeks of avoiding foods I was allergic to, my scalp was 90% better. I am hoping the seborrheic dermatitis completely goes away in a few more weeks. I highly recommend getting the blood test for food allergies / delayed food allergies. Is is worth every penny. Everything else works temporarily.
(Tonasket, WA.)
08/18/2008
While a blood test for a skin allergy is at least going to work, why not try a muscle test, then just get it cured instead of having to avoid it. Better yet, treat the allergy, using NAET practitioners, and then avoid the lousy soaps anyways, and use a vinegar rinse to boot. Your scalp and hair, not to mention body, will love you for it.
Lotrimin
★★★★★
In researching the condition on the internet, I believed I had sebhorrheic dermatitis. I read that this can be caused by a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale. I had a old tube of clotrimazole left over from a treatment of a vaginal yeast infection. I began to use it immediately, rubbing it into my skin, particularly between the eyebrows.
To my surprise, the rough skin and scaly patches were gone by morning. I picked up a generic version of Lotrimin the next day because the tube was nearly empty. I intend to continue this treatment for at least 2 or 3 weeks. I want to make sure that this yeast is dead.
Even if this cure is not permanent (although I hope that it is), at least I have something to fight this with!
Lugol's Iodine
★★★★★
I hope this helps someone. I know how frustrating and embarrassing this condition is.
