The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Baking Soda and Water
Posted by Sharon (Houston, Tx) on 02/20/2012
★★★★★
I have had a severe case of Seborrheic Dermatitis for which I have been given steroid shots and topical steroid lotions. I have tried everything from Tea Tree Oil to ACV and everything in between. I would get some relief and then wham it was right back. After doing tons of reading I began to feel like this could be caused by the ph of body being to acidic. I drink a lot of diet coke and have a high carb diet. So I decided to try one of Teds alkalizing remedies. Baking soda and water and YUP you guessed it. IT'S GONE! After 3 days my scalp is almost back to normal and the itching is gone. I know that it is not posted as a remedy for SD but all I can say is it worked for me.
Honey, Peroxide, Zinc Pyrithione
Posted by R (L.a., Usa) on 02/05/2012
My last post didn't post as intended. It should say 'cured', not 'better but not cured'. I'm not aware that it is a contributing healing factor, but just in case, I'm also taking iodine supplements.
Honey, Peroxide, Zinc Pyrithione
Posted by R (La, Usa) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deb (Myerstown, Pennsylvania) on 01/27/2012
If you color your hair at home or in the salon don't use Hydrogen Peroxide in any strength. If you get it on your hair even from using it on your face and get a perm or relaxer you hair will melt. Vinegar is an acid.
Honey, Zinc Pyrithione
Posted by Diane (Ottumwa, Ia, Usa) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fifi (Gold Coast, Qld, Australia) on 12/31/2011
★★★★★
Hi everyone, I'm 28 and had been searching for a remedy to treat seborrheic dermatitis on my face for about 3 years. Finally, this year it has cleared up and I believe that raw apple cider vinegar with the mother helped a lot. I do not really suffer from SD on my scalp, it only appears there in small patches in winter which clears with shampoo. The sides of my nose were the main problem area. I had constant pink patches on the skin there, which would sometimes burn. I had hardly any flaky skin, just the pink, sometimes red irritated patches.
Anyway, it was diagnosed by a dermatologist as SD and after a couple of years of on and off again treatments prescribed by him and my family doctor, I decided to change my diet and my skin care routine.
Ten months ago, I cut virtually all yeast from my diet. I stopped using prescribed medications on my SD. There was an initial flare up as my skin was addicted to the steroid cream I had been using. I began to use a face wash which is very calming. I used filtered water to dilute raw Apple Cider Vinegar with mother in a small spray bottle. After cleansing and whenever I thought of it during the day, I would soak my face with the spray. I would keep my eyes closed with a folded tissue held over them. At first the smell was bad but it does not last long. I did this intense soaking everyday for about 2 months and then as the SD improved I cut back to doing it morning and night. I stopped spraying and just used a soaked cotton ball.
I also use the Apple Cider Vinegar as a salad dressing and mixed into tuna. Ten months on my SD has not returned and my skin has never looked better. I still avoid eating yeast but I am not as strict. I stopped using the Apple Cider Vinegar on my face, but I think I will start to use it again as a toner after reading everyone's great reviews here. I am also going to try the baking soda face scrub. I think it is important to dilute the Apple Cider Vinegar if you are going to apply it to your face and avoid getting it in your eyes.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Marvin Is (Out Of This World, Though He) on 12/08/2011
Any vinegar and baking soda will create CO2 gas. That's how a school kid's science fair experminent of making a model volcano works! Also pouring vinegar in a wine bottle and some baking soda in a tissue and putting the cork back in makes a cannon. Instead you should be separating the two. Take the ACV first then wait a few hours then take the BS. But that depends on when you eat. You'll want to take the ACV just before you eat as it aids digestion. BS would interfere with the acid in your stomach trying to digest. So if you don't eat breakfast first thing in the morning, you could get away with taking the BS first. Google around and learn how and when to take BS properly, you'll continue to interfere with your digestion as you have already demonstrated. Try incorporating some probiotics and fermented foods as well. Kombucha, Kefir, raw milk. Stay away from pasteurized dairy!!
Neem Oil
Posted by Elodie (Melbourne, Australia) on 10/03/2011
★★★★★
Seb Derm
Apple cider vinegar unfortunately did not work for me... But NEEM oil did. I have applied Neem twice now, using a mixture of 2:1 Neem to a carrier oil (i used oliver oil) and added a few drops of various aromatherapy oils, clove, tea tree, peppermint, lavender etc. I think it is important to get a correct diagnosis for what is troubling your scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, and so any treatment really needs to be potent in anti fungal properties. It has worked for me so far and no flakiness, reduced reddness, and much less itchy. Wonderful!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Dallas, Tx) on 09/24/2011
Courtney, I wanted to tell you what helped me with Seborheic Dermatitis... I lived with it for 15 years and just dealt with it or got used to it... I tried all the special medical shampoos like T Gel etc. , I also tried a healthy dieting with low carbs, I tried ACV, I tried taking Neem, Garlic and nothing got rid of it...
Then when I was 25 I decided to do a CRASH DIET to lose some weight fast! I read about the Master Cleanse and I decided to do it for 11 days... After the cleanse, I did lose weight mostly water weight which I gained back about six months later. But the greatest thing about it was my Seb Dermatitis disappeared and hasn't returned as of yet... Master Cleanse is not the best weight loss method, but it definitely clears out some toxins that could be causing rashes... Hope this helps anyone!
One more thing, I recently noticed my hair very dry... I read that you are not supposed to shampoo everyday because the shampoo will dry your hair and your scalp. Well, I tried to shampoo every other day but my hair just looked to oily and gross. So I decided to put about a half cup of melted coconut oil in my shampoo bottle. It has helped alot making my hair less dry and frizzy and with it being mixed with the shampoo, it doesn't make your hair look oily. Another thing that helps with dry hair is Shampooing every other day and on alternate days, only using Conditioner to wash your hair. The conditioner has fragrance and will mask the smelly, oily scent of your hair. I know it sounds gross, but my hair looks better, feels softer and styles better when I don't overuse shampoo and when I add a little coconut oil...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Dallas, Tx) on 09/24/2011
Courtney, I wanted to tell you what helped me with Seborheic Dermatitis... I lived with it for 15 years and just dealt with it or got used to it... I tried all the special medical shampoos like T Gel etc., I also tried a healthy dieting with low carbs, I tried ACV, I tried taking Neem, Garlic and nothing got rid of it...
Then when I was 25 I decided to do a CRASH DIET to lose some weight fast! I read about Beyonce's Lemonade Diet, "The Master Cleanse" and I decided to do it for 11 days... After the cleanse, I did lose weight mostly water weight which I gained back about six months later. But the greatest thing about it was my Seb Dermatitis disappeared and hasn't returned as of yet... Master Cleanse is not the best weight loss method, but it definitely clears out some toxins that could be causing rashes... Hope this helps anyone!
One more thing, I recently noticed my hair very dry... I read that you are not supposed to shampoo everyday because the shampoo will dry your hair and your scalp. Well, I tried to shampoo every other day but my hair just looked to oily and gross. So I decided to put about a half cup of melted coconut oil in my shampoo bottle. It has helped alot making my hair less dry and frizzy and with it being mixed with the shampoo, it doesn't make your hair look oily. Another thing that helps with dry hair is Shampooing every other day and on alternate days, only using Conditioner to wash your hair. The conditioner has fragrance and will mask the smelly, oily scent of your hair. I know it sounds gross, but my hair looks better, feels softer and styles better when I don't overuse shampoo and when I add a little coconut oil...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kara (Richmond, Virgina) on 09/21/2011
Courtney, don't use the peppermint oil. While it feels good it can cause burning and peeling of the skin and in some cases light sensitivity. Peppermint oil is very strong and needs to be used sparingly.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 09/20/2011
With such side effects, you have obviously started with much too high a dosage. Try a MUCH lower dosage.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Lt (Boston, Ma) on 09/20/2011
Hi:
I'm suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis and hair loss. I've been reading about alkalinizing your body to help with SD and started using (2 TBlspns) apple cider vinegar and baking soda( 1/4 spoon) along with 8 oz of water on an empty stomach for once daily( two days in a row). By the second day afternoon I started noticing stomach cramps and diarrhea. I have not taken it today, but I have a lot of stomach cramping and gas. I'm burping a lot of gas too.
Should I continue taking this or should I stop. What am I doing wrongly? Please Help! Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Elodie (Melbourne, Australia) on 09/10/2011
★☆☆☆☆
I have moderate scales on my scalp, going on 4 years, and I have just tried this method, unfortunately has not worked for me:( if seborrheic dermatitis is over production of sebum then it makes sense that the scalp may require moisturising... I know this sounds counter intuitive because the oil glands are over producing oil, but this is because the body thinks there isn't enough.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ayurvaid4all (Pune, India) on 08/27/2011
Hi
I suggest trying natural remedies. How about something like Ayurveda. You know I had a similar case and tried natural remedies at one of the good Indian hospitals AyurVAID. They have this dedicated team of doctors and variety of treatments that they are tehre at affordable prices. You know they also have an online system to solve patient queries. I reckon you should check out their website www.ayurvaid.com
Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda
Posted by Dilesh (New Malden, Surrey, United Kingdom) on 08/15/2011
★★★★★
Just want to say that I tried ACV mixed with Bicarbonate of Soda and water. Sprayed it on my face and my Seb Dermatitis has gone. From what ive read its a fungus. The ACV on its own didnt help the White, scaly marks that ultimately ended in skin flaking off. Since I started this mixture my face is clean. Now can someone help me with what I need to take to close all the wounds on my face. They get itchy, and even when I go outside the wind can hit the open wounds and make me itch.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Courtney (Lewisville, Tx) on 08/08/2011
Hello Christine and everyone else, So I have a question.... I have had a bad scalp for so long and a Doc said it was SD like so many other stories on here. I have tried literally everything under the son from shampoos to liquids etc. After reading this site I went out and bought ACV and a bottle to use to pour on the scalp. I mixed half ACV and half water and also added 2 drops of Peppermint Oil that I read about it's benefits in another site for the scalp and hair growth. I got in the shower and applied the mixture which actually felt good on my scalp! As I was allowing it to soak in as directed, the fumes from the ACV began to almost choke me! I could not breath and began to cough a lot, I opened the bathroom door to get more ventilation which seemed to help. I wanted to see if anyone else had this problem? Also, after my hair dried my sclap seemed to be peeling off very badly like the condition worsened. I want to give it a shot and try again as that maybe my scalp needed another treatment. What do you guys think? Thanks, Courtney
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tami (Maple Hts, Ohio) on 06/17/2011
I am also African American with the same issue. I am willing to try anything. I wanted to get braids just so I can apply the ACV to my scalp directly. This is a horrible condition, but I hope the ACV will work. I am taking it to my hair styist tomorrow to give it a try.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coregon (Medford, Or) on 03/08/2011
To Ana from Philadelphia who said:
"Realistically, it's probably a good idea to brush your teeth after consuming ACV in any manner."
Ana, you're correct and incorrect. Leaving the acid of orange juice and Apple Cider Vinegar on your teeth isn't good, but brushing your teeth while you have those acids on the teeth is hard on the enamel. Dentists recommend you rinse your mouth several times but don't brush teeth right after drinking acidic drinks.. wait until later.
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Billy72 (Devon, Uk) on 01/10/2011
Was that 3% hydrogen peroxide?! With no water? I want to get it right as I've just had a terrible experience with iodine and my face looks worse then ever! How often did you apply it? Thanks
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Christal (Kyle, Tx) on 01/09/2011
I found that mixing one half teaspoon Borax with two tablespoons of Hydrogen peroxide worked great for me! You want the borax to dissolve completely and you may have to add a half a teaspoon hydrogen peroxide until it disolves completely.
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Billy72 (Devon, Uk) on 01/09/2011
Thanks for that, and if I want to mix it with the borax do I just add the borax to that solution until it's a paste? how may times a day would I do that for? Thanks
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Oxygen Therapy (Miami, Florida, Usa) on 01/09/2011
Billy72, a 1% solution for your face is sufficient. Simply purchase the regular 3% from your grocer and mix it with 2 parts purified water. Splash on at will.
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Billy72 (Devon, Uk) on 01/08/2011
Hi, I can't find 1% hydrogen peroxide to apply topically to my face, only 3%, Is this okay? and can someone please explain to me very clearly how I make a mixture to apply to my face, how many times a day and for how long? I'm finding all the descriptions of topical amounts very confusing. Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heather (Cleveland, Oh) on 12/26/2010
Hi NC, could you tell us more about your ACV and hot cream oil mixture? I'm just wondering what exactly the hot cream oil is, so I can try it myself. Thank you!
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Self (Ny) on 12/17/2010
Hey there Bill, That's what Ted is saying, oral and topical borax-H2O2 are two popular remedies he suggests for various skin disorders like this (often caused by mites). Oral Borax & H2O2: 1/8 teaspoon borax and half cap (or 30 drops) of 3% H2O2 in one liter of water (drink this throughout the day). When it's done, drink plain water. Topical Borax-H2O2: Add enough 1 to 1. 5% H2O2 to borax to make a paste and apply it to the problem area. Repeat as needed. Borax can cause skin to get dry, so make sure to stay hydrated and use a good moisturizer (e.g. Jojoba oil) on dry skin.
Borax, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Billy72 ( Devon, Uk) on 12/16/2010
Hi, I just wondered Ted - are you saying to apply the borax/peroxide externally and drink internally in order to clear it long term?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melissa (Tucson, Az) on 11/24/2010
You posted this a few years ago, did it work? I have always had Seborrheic Dermatitis, but it is has been under control by using t-gel once a week for about 5 minutes. I think my hormones (peri-menopause) have got it out of whack. Nizoral works but it does dry my hair out and makes it brittle. I want to try the apple cider vinegar on my hair but I'm worried that it will make my hair fall out. Seems people mention it doesn't work and causes hair to fall out, but did they have dandruff that wasn't Seborrheic Dermatitis? There are many different types of 'dandruff' aren't there?
Caprylic Acid, Probiotics, Avoid Milk
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, Ga) on 11/10/2010
★★★★☆
It only took me about 20 years to make the discovery, thanks to effective muscle testing at a local herb store here in Atlanta, but seborrheic dermatitis on the face can be
managed by 3 things:
1. Taking Caprylic acid supplements (used to fight candida and fungal infections)
2. Taking a potent probiotic strain (mine contains l. acidophilus, l. rhamnosus, l. casei and b. longum)
3. Avoiding milk as much as possible
This is not a cure, but taking the above 2 supplements will make the rash disappear. 1-2 weeks to see results. It you have seb derm on the scalp, these 3 suggestions also may work for you too. Please let me know if it helps anyone!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ana (Philadelphia, Pa) on 09/29/2010
For those who said that taking a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar was too harsh - a simple remedy for that awful taste, I've found, is to mix it with a glass of orange juice. It just makes the OJ a bit tangy. I would, however, recommend brushing your teeth immediately afterward. The combined acidity of the ACV and the OJ could be pretty bad for your teeth. Realistically, it's probably a good idea to brush your teeth after consuming ACV in any manner.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Haci (Sivas, Turkey) on 07/12/2010
Dear Susan. I think ACV does work, but you must use it at least 3 months and you should be patient.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kjustice (Corpus Christi, Tx) on 05/18/2010
Janice -I know it's been awhile since you asked about the way to give your dogs the ACV. I add a couple of drops to my yorkies water (She's only 7 lbs) Adjust according to the size to your dogs.
I would not give more than 1 tsp. per day in their water bowl.
*****Side Note:******
I don't recommend giving them tap water.
Those water windmills are great, they filter out ALOT of chemicals. Another tip, I read that tap water isn't good for house plants, and what a difference when I started using the windmill water.
????WOW what is our city putting in our tap.????
***********Another side note:**********
If your dogs have allergies,
ACV is great for that, plus I add 2 drops of NEEM leaf oil. (also found at your health food store)
I hope this helps and you continue to use this website. I have been telling EVERYONE, even my Dr. about EarthClinic.com Very helpful. Thank you for all the wonderful information that your website provides.
KJustice (and mommy's baby- The yorkie)
Sauerkraut
Posted by Mike (San Mateo, Ca, Usa) on 04/10/2010
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Unfortunately the Sauerkraut didn't work permanently. Just had a huge flare-up yesterday. My plan of attack is to go back on a juice fast and possibly a week long water fast and colon/liver cleanse. Luckily, topical ACV still works for me and is my last line of defense at the moment.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yong Ha (Los Angeles, Ca) on 03/17/2010
Ken, apple cider vinegar is sold in South Korea. If you are inclined, even organic apple cider vinegar can be found in the basement department grocery shops and health food shops.
Sauerkraut
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 03/14/2010
Hi Mike, funny you talk about sauerkraut. I am not Germanic either but after having lived in Holland for many years I got to like sauerkraut quite a lot. Now I live in the Alsace I started craving sauerkraut. My husband doesn't like it so I add it to the dishes for myself. Nice to know that it can have a good effect on your health... I knew that it has a lot of good stuff in it. No idea why all of a sudden I crave it every day though. Maybe something my body is missing.....
Sauerkraut
Posted by Mike (San Mateo, Ca, Usa) on 03/10/2010
I was diagnosed w/ Seborrheic Dermatitis over 10 years now. I think I finally found a cure!
Profile:
Age: 36. Male. Had Acne Vulgaris as a teenager. Took Tetracycline (anti-bacterial) from 18 to 24. I believe this killed off all my good bacteria which caused a chronic SD infection. I subscribe to the theory that there are bacteria which feed on the SD yeast.
I've tried everything ... topical ACV was the winner for a long time, but the SD would always come back. I had been juice fasting for a whole month, had a colonic and the practitioner recommended fermented foods. I came across a posting that prescribed eating lots of sauerkraut for SD. Something in the fermentation that is balancing my system. My skin has totally cleared up! I pray this is permanent. I'm of Germanic descent, so maybe my gut just loves the sauerkraut.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ken (Seoul, South Korea) on 03/07/2010
I am writing because i would like to try the apple cider vinegar approach for my seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, but I am living temporarily in Seoul, Korea, and here they only have "brown rice vinegar". Can this be used as an adequate substitute for apple cider vinegar? Your help would be much appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Fort Worth, Tx) on 02/12/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Apple Cider Vinegar for Seborrheic Dermatitis: Nay
I was soooo hoping this would work after reading all the positive responses. I tried straight ACV on my face (around nose and mouth) twice daily for 2 weeks (not rinsed). Did not help at all. :(
I'll move on to some of the other ideas mentioned!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kevin (Portsmouth, England) on 02/02/2010
To Mr. B. from Binghamton U.S.A. reference seb. derm. use a selenium based shampoo like s/blue can be slightly smelly. Just as good with no smell is a ketaconazole based shampoo; ask your pharmacist if you can't locate it for ketaconazole based anti-dandruff shampoo will clear after two uses then maintain once every six weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mr. B (Binghamton, Usa) on 01/29/2010
I'm not sure if all cases of S/D start out like mine, but I remember feeling something pimple-like on my head when I was in middle school or or 9th grade. I scratched it off and didn't think anything of it. It came back, I scratched it. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. When I gave myself the usual buzzcut a few weeks later I noticed the hair in that spot had grouped together and at the base of that grouping their was a red skin lesion. I, to this day, nearly 5 or 6 years later, haven't told either of my parents and if/when I cut my hair short where my scalp is visible (at this point, and for the last couple of years, there are many, many lesions on my head) I'll wear a hat until my hair grows out and covers up the red, flaky scales. I even had hair down to my shoulders at one point because I was so afraid of cutting my hair short like I like it.
I tried T/Gel shampoos or whatever they are called. Some with Salasylic acid (sp?) and others with coal tar. Neither helped much, if it all. I'm contemplating trying Selsun Blue and/or Head and Shoulders, but I'm guessing they won't help either. My case is pretty severe, though I've been too scared to ever see a doctor about it.
I came on this site, and others, and apparently ACV is helping lots of people. Though I'm confused, do you drink the ACV (which I have no probably doing...I drank a shot of malt vinegar no problem just for laughs one time) or do you apply to the spots on your head that are red from S/D? Also, those claiming ACV works...is it simply ridding your head of dandruff and flakes? Or does it alleviate the reddening too? I am more concerned with having a scalp that is 100% the color of my skin rather than some flaking (which I don't notice when I cut hair short, but I don't because my scalp has lots of red patches).
I'll be trying the 1 part ACV to 1 part water mixture tomorrow regardless of how it affects the redness part of my S/D.
Looking forward to a response...
Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Abc123 (London, Uk) on 12/28/2009
hi all! can apple cider vinegar be left on indefinitely? i have a weave in that's not due to be taken out for another 4 weeks or so. is it safe to spray on the acv and forget about it? thanks in advance
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 12/22/2009 490 posts
Hi Frank from Centerton, Ar.,
Ain't it a bummer when you develop a worse problem when taking something to treat a milder one?
Recently read that wild cherry tree bark tea is great for treating asthma, and I suspect that it is much safer than what you are now taking. I do know that this same remedy has been used for coughs for a long time.
If you try it and it works, let us know on EC, Frank.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by Frank (Centerton, Ar) on 12/19/2009
WARNING!
A few months ago I tried this remedy for facial seborrheic dermatitis. I noticed when I did it that the fumes were pretty bad. I probably applied it 5 or 6 times. Since using it, not only has by seborrheic dermatitis not gone away, but the fumes scarred my lungs. I have developed asthma. I am on a bronchiodialator virtually every day. DON'T TRY THIS ONE ON YOUR FACE. BE CAREFUL WITH IT. USE AT YOUR LUNG'S RISK!!!
Juicing, ACV, Acidophilus, Onion Juice, Homeopathy
Posted by Suzanne (Dyer, In) on 12/15/2009
★★★★★
I have been plagued with seborrheic dermatitis for awhile but it is much worse right now. This regime has been helping tremendously.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, USA) on 12/08/2009 113 posts
This is Merryanne in FL, I am not sure what the answer is, if you try something for several days, and you have no good results, then that is not the answer, so try some thing else,,sometimes a combination of items helps bring results,,why not put hydrogen peroxide on dry hair and wrap in a towel for 15 min then rinse with water, then rinse with acv, wrap again in towel and wait 10 min, then shampoo and no cream rinse,, wait an hour let hair dry in the air,,,check results,,,if no good may be try treating for fungus,,try iodine clear,,,keep searching,, Merryanne
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jack (Knoxville, Tennessee) on 12/06/2009
I just stumbled upon this website the other day and after reading all the fantastic results ACV had when curing dandruff, I rushed out and grabbed a bottle. I started the treatment last night. I couldn't find a spray bottle, so I just poured a bit on my damp hair. I waited several minutes, then rinsed it out, then shampooed as usual. When I got out of the shower, my hair felt quite a bit cleaner, but once it dried it felt dirtier. Not greasy, really, but I dunno, like I could almost feel all the flakes when I touched my hair, and they started falling out way easier. I was a bit worried. Was this just another treatment that I would try and try and get no results? I held my ground and tried again tonight, except this time I used a spray bottle and diluted it with water. Same results. Are these results actually showing that my hair is improving getting rid of these annoying flakes? Is this how it is supposed to be?
Please help. I'm so sick of suffering from this. I've had it for a while now, but lately it's just been so much worse. About a year ago I had a tamer version of what I have got going on with my dandruff now, and I was able to get rid of it all by just using tea tree oil and t-gel shampoo. I tried this a couple months ago when I noticed problems again, but it only seemed to make things worse. I then tried nizoral, but that made things much, much worse. So, please, please help. I will be very grateful for any feedback. Thanks.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Bogeygolfer (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 12/01/2009
★★★★★
I have suffered from seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea (doctors couldn't decide). I never did take any prescription drugs for this, I try and "heal thy self" and have heard horror stories of steroids, etc. I tried changing soap, changing diet thinking it was a food allergy with no relief. So I started tracing the issue. This started a year ago after a bad sinus infection. I was out on antibiotics for 10 days. As soon as I came off the ATB, the skin issue started. Not sure of the relation to the ATB. I had redness and extreme dryness on bridge of nose, creases on nose and a spot on my eyebrow. Many lotions just made it worse, no matter how "pure" they were. So I found this site. I have read many, many posts regarding my condition and tried many remedies that worked for others. But I found information that seemed to trace this down to the trigger and find a remedy that works. ACV topically was very very aggravating, it made the redness and soreness BAD for days and dryed the skin a ton more than it already was. Honey didn't do anything, even unpasturized. I tried Z cure mentioned on here and it did help redness but still left the skin very dry. Washing my face with dandruff shampoo that contains zinc helped about 70%. I tried supplements and 50mg of zinc and 400mg of magnesium did help a great deal and I still take them along with B, D, C vitamins. But the thing that was the treasure find for me was posts that mentioned fluoride and Grapefruit Seed Extract. I was drinking a TON of water (tap) thinking that water is good for the skin. It's loaded with fluoride. I ALSO was on anti-depressants for years which contains fluorine. I switched to bottled water that doesn't have fluoride (there are only two brands that can claim this - filters do nothing). I also weaned off the anti-depressants and detoxed myself. But the real cure for me was the grapefruit seed extract. I mixed 10 drops with 1 tbsp of water and applied it with a cotton ball, left it on and let air dry and WOW! it is gone. I mean it was gone hours after the first application. Redness, dryness, flaking - GONE! So I am not sure which one did it (GSE or no fluoride or both) but I am continuing this path. I have been doing this for one month now. I apply GSE mixture once a day after showering. I use pure shea butter or pure castor oil as a nighttime moisturizer and I am symptom-free. My skin is back to normal 100%. Thanks to this site and the person who posted about Fluoride and the person who posted in great detail about GSE. I still drink 1 tbsp of ACV with 8oz of juice each day along with a kefir probiotic drink before bed just as an added benefit. I had h1n1 back in October and I truly feel this got me through it to boost immunity along with keeping my lungs strong with exercise. It's bad stuff, even with my so-called "mild" case. Thanks Earth Clinic!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jgmurphy (Skokie, Il, USA) on 11/22/2009
Good luck with the apple cider vinegar, but I had a similar problem which I thought was from a cheap costume ring I had been wearing. I broke out in a horrible itchy red rash with bloody bumpy blisters. Of course I had removed the ring immediately when the itching began (who wouldn't?) but instead of disappearing as it had in the past, this time it just kept getting worse and worse and my finger swelled up so badly I could not close my hand. I tried some aloe vera which was soothing but didn't seem to do much else. Finally in desperation I bought something called tea tree oil which i had heard was a good remedy for burns and other irritations. Whaddya know---my rash started clearing up immediately---the skin dried out quite a bit but I relieved that with ordinary cortisone cream. The infection and swelling went away in a few days. The stuff is not exactly cheap ($12.50) but not that expensive considering the rapid result.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Maya2141 (Cambridge, Ma, Usa) on 10/21/2009
★★★★★
I have been suffering from Seborrhea for most of my adult life and used all possible medicated and non-medicated shampoos, nothing seemed to help. The only thing that worked was steriod creams and after I stopped them, it came back. I turned to the internet and found the ACV cure on EC. I have used it religiously for two weeks and its working.
I read another user's remark and got myself a color applicator from a beauty store and poured half ACV and half water. I apply it everyday after shampooing, rub it into the scalp and leave it for 2 to 5 minutes. It stinks like vinegar when the hair is wet, but once dry, no smell. There is none to minimal scaling and absolutely no itching in the hair. Since its only a couple of weeks, I am going it give it more time to completely rid the scaling. Note: I use an organic shampoo, with all natural ingredients and no sulfates. And since using ACV, I have skipped using the conditioner, the ACV leaves hair soft, shiny and detangled.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eve (Concord, Nh) on 09/20/2009
I'm concerned by the question from Alicia from Madrid, Spain. She wondered about ingesting H2O2. I hope she has not done so. H2O2 is highly toxic when taken internally. It is a naturally occurring substance and is produced by many organisms to destroy other one-celled organisms. It damages cells and kills them. This is why it works for killing bacteria and fungi on the skin. Please Do Not take it internally!
Eve
Lemon Juice
Posted by Samuel ( Solatria, A S A) on 09/06/2009
★★★★★
Regarding Ted's ACV and H202 remedy for Seborrheic dermatitis --
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.
