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.
Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid
Posted by Chris (Chicago, Illinois) on 03/15/2007
★★★★★
The only thing that helped me with my Seborrheic Dermatitis is tea tree oil and the Scalpicin with salicylic acid, but then started using Rite Aid Brand of Scalpicin which I had better results. I don't have that many flakes, but the itching is unbearable. What's funny is when I tried the tea tree oil by itself it did not do much. And when I tried the salicylic acid by itself I only receive temporary relief. But when I alternated the tea tree oil and the salicylic acid every other day I received tremendous results. What I do is one night I put on Scalpicin and leave it in all night and take a shower in the morning, and the next night I apply the tea tree oil. I had a really bad case, so I put on a lot (almost half the bottle per application). The tea tree oil has a strong odor that could smell up the house, just to warn you. Also note that there are two Scalpicin's. One contains hydrocortisone and one contains salicylic acid. So if you try my method make sure you get the right one. For me, the hydrocortisone only temporary relieved my itching. I would by the Rite Aid brand or the CVS brand that says Scalp Relief of Scalp Itch and Dandruff Relief, as I received good results with these. Again I tried almost all of the products on the market, also Apple Cider Vinegar and Lemon Juice, and this is the only thing that has helped me. Another thing to note is your itching might occur on the day after the night you used the tea tree oil, but it will go away the next day when you take a shower the day after you put on the salicylic acid. I used to have a rough scalp and this has truly helping my scalp return back to normal.
Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) 392 posts
Salicylic acid is a power chemical that causes skin peeling or possibly scalp damages in some cases depending on the concentration but it does kill certain fungus causing the condition. Dermatologist used the salicylic acid, likely in higher concentrations to remove scarring tissue too. I however prefer a milder solution if given a chance such as using acetyl salicylic acid, which is actually a plain aspirin dissolved in water and apply to the scalp, plus some epsom salt for example and alternate that with tea tree oil. I would probably also try a saturated borax in 1% hydrogen peroxide that was not considered also, since borax seems to be most effective against the fungus, without damaging the scalp.
Jojoba Oil
Posted by Steve (Solon Springs, WI) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
I'm 39 years old and have been struggling with severe seborreheic dermatitis since the age of 14. apple cider vinegar was a BIG NO for me. I recently started using pure simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil.Leave in for an hour or so,than lightly rinse. My scalp, forehead, and eyebrows have been my problem areas. This seems to be working great for me.
Jojoba Oil
Posted by Eric S (Ma) on 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?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lara (Boonton, NJ) on 01/07/2007
★★★★★
When my brother tried to commit suicide in Feb. 2006, my scalp suddenly became extremely sore & huge pieces of it began to slough off. This wasn't like little bits of dandruff here & there. The pieces were sizeable square inches of skin. Because the pieces were so large, they wouldn't fall off because several hundred hairs were still threaded through them. The pieces looked like off-white tissue paper hovering about 1/2 inch above my scalp. It was a very alarming sight (though not as alarming as the condition of my brother). I first tried Scalpicin from the hospital pharmacy, but that only provided a very brief, cooling sensation. I looked on the internet & read about apple cider vinegar. The recommendation for scalp problems was to dilute the acv with water. I was in a state of extreme anxiety due to long hours in the ICU, & just wanted very fast relief. So I poured several cap-fulls of acv on my scalp & massaged it in a bit. The only thing I noticed was the vinegary smell & a very slight tingling sensation. I sat for an hour or so, & then rinsed my hair & scalp. It's hard to believe, but after that one treatment, the horrible huge pieces of skin stopped rising up from my scalp immediately. I repeated the same treatment one week later, just as a preventative measure. The problem never returned, despite several months of equally stressful hospital experiences.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Katy (San Diego) on 11/16/2015
Try taking magnesium for the constipation. maybe the ACV is affecting how you absorb minerals. Worth a try.
Chamomile Tea
Posted by Becky (Port Townsend, WA) on 01/22/2006
★★★★★
I used the acv and it works but I have a hint for people with winter scalp (flaky tight scalp). Steep 2 bags of chamomile tea in 2 cups warm water for 10 minutes. Add a dash of lemon juice and 15 drops of calendula (marigold) extract then pour onto scalp and let sit for 10 minutes and shampoo and condition as normal. I have done this 2x a week wince winter set in and it is perfect. No more flaking or redness.
Lithia Water, Amlactin Lotion
Posted by Karl (New York) on 10/30/2023
★★★★★
I was looking for a solution for eczema / dermatitis on my face, and found research indicating that "lithium salts", when applied topically, could reduce sebum production which feeds the yeasts that can be a part of this condition. I found "Baar Lithia Water", which is a solution of Lithium Chloride. I apply a little to a damp pad made of paper towel, (cotton pad would work too), and swab the effected area after showering, etc. Well, it seems to have helped quite a bit! I had a crusty patch too, and in addition to the lithia water, I applied "Amlactin", which is a Lactic Acid containing lotion, to the spot twice a day. You know what? The thing is gone! Took 1 week. Gone. Wohoo!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 07/21/2023
★★★★★
Silver Solution
Posted by Didi (New York) on 08/02/2018
Which exact brand dog shampoo did you use? There are several with different ingredients.
Sea Salt
Posted by Lisa (San Francisco, Ca) on 03/26/2016 11 posts
In response to Valentine on Sea Salt Helping Seb Derm...
My dog has seborrheic dermatitis on his lower back and I've tried a lot of things for it - as you said moisturizers are not what's needed. I found applying salt water with a cloth helpful, but you might also try epsom salts. Another option that I've found helpful was Ted's borax and peroxide mange cure, which is very drying.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Leslie (Oak Park, Il) on 01/06/2016
★★★★★
For occasional reoccurring seborrhea dermatitis behind my ears, one day realizing that coconut oil had anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, I put some on the effected scalp. Hadn't had any dermatitis since and it has been over a year.
As for my mild roseaca, I keep out of the sun, using a 50 sunblock and stay away from very spicy hot foods as both exposures seem to cause a flair up.
Coconut oil on the face I no longer do because I was told the large molecule can clog pores. I heard (very expensive) manuka honey from the continent down under is anti-viral, but you have to watch out for fake stuff.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shay (Arlington, Va) on 09/26/2015
Does anyone rinse their face off after using ACV with the mother in it? If so how long do you keep the ACV on your face? Also, is it natural to burn when applying after a few days?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nevada (Bethlehem, Pa) on 08/18/2016
So am I correct that you drank this concoction rather than applying it topically?
EC: It appears that the original poster used 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with honey internally three times daily. And also used it topically once a day as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Naddy (Canada) on 12/20/2015
How do you use the ACV? Do you rub it on your areas or you just drink it?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Linda (Alpharetta, Ga) on 01/19/2016
I have SD on my face (around my nose) and tried ACV diluted 50:50. While it is good to remove the flakes, I find that it dries around my nose which causes cracking and peeling. Has anyone had this issue. I am back to using cortisone on my face and know this can't be a long term solution.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/19/2016
Linda, how about moisturizing with coconut oil after the ACV?
Salt, Heat, Essential Oils, DMSO
Posted by G (Ct, Usa) on 04/08/2015
★★★★★
If you have tried everything else, and if you think your Seborrheic Dermatitis may be caused by dermatophytes, or especially if someone has athletes feet in your household, Salt and Heat and essential oils may kill the dermatophytes and is a good thing to try. Based on a few pub med articles about salt and heat on Trychophton Dermatophytes, I used a solution of salt water and heat. Then I applied oils of Oregano and Thyme diluted in a carrier oil, and you can add a little DMSO if you have it. The combination of salt water, heat and the essential oils really reduces scaling.
It's only been two days, but I'll update this post in a few days.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Feathers (Louisville, Ky) on 01/09/2015
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hello,
to make a story short, been with S/D for more than 10 years. Tried a lot of things to get rid of it.
I will post a more detailed entry later. After reading this site, I bought ACV with the mother and applied 20 mn ago with a 1:1 ratio (ACV / bottled water). The results seem to be here already concerning the flaking, but when I finished applying it I realized parts of my face were red. The excess mixture of ACV and water ran down my face for a while, while I was applying it on my hair.
My face feels hot on the red parts. Any ideas what may have caused this, and will it last?
Those two links are pics of the red zones on my face right now.
http://tinypic.com/r/2yuy29y/8
http://tinypic.com/r/1yoh9j/8
I will post a more detailed history and results later.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbiefudge (East Sussex, UK) on 01/10/2015
The best solution is to stop it from running down your face.
Put a towel on, tip your head back. You may be allergic, it sounds as though it is 'burning' you.
You, MAY get better results with distilled, WHITE vinegar, instead of ACV.
Kimchi & Other Remedies
Posted by Lilac (Vermont) on 06/02/2018
Excellent advice. I knew that malassezia likes fats/oils, but it never occurred to me that fats/oils I take as food could affect this too. Thank you!
Kimchi & Other Remedies
Posted by KADI (England) on 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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lindsey (Annapolis, Md) on 08/15/2020
Did you dilute the ACV before putting it on your skin? Or just straight up?
Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Melissa (Oakland, Ca) on 10/24/2014
★★★★★
I have struggled with on-going seborrheic dermatitis and perioral dermatitis on my face and had tried many topicals prior to finding this natural, "miracle" treatment of: 1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water (with a few drops of tea tree oil). I tell you- improvement with this remedy is noticeably quick!
In the past, I had tried sulfur soaps, anti-fungal creams, antibiotic rounds of minocycline (2 rounds of 6 months! Prescribed by my dermatologist! ) before finding the earth clinic's suggestion. Nothing has worked better! And, nothing has been cheaper and done less harm to my body!
My seborrheic dermatitis and perioral dermatitis is best managed (notice: I did not say cured) by keeping what I put on my face to a minimum- eliminating most makeup, cleansers, lotions, sunscreens. I only use what I absolutely need. My routine is to wash my face in the morning and at night with a mild cleanser (currently "Desert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser") and then splash the ACV/water/tea tree oil combo on after. I don't use a moisturizer every day but when my face feels dry, I lightly pat my face with a drop of extra virgin organic olive oil (from Trader Joes).
For me, this treatment has worked like a charm. I notice my skin gets triggered/I get a flare up with sweaty skin (after a workout), too much sun, or when I use too many products on my face. So, I keep this in mind and know what to do to keep my symptoms at Bay and what to do when I get a flare up!
I hope this helps people reading this because when my flare ups were at their worst, I didn't think anything was going to help.
Remember: Less is MORE!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cd (Manchester) on 05/25/2015
Also, I have found that using e45 dermatological emollient face wash is excellent and helped the cause a LOT! Thanks all, good luck.
Scalp Cure Remedies
Posted by Kay (FL, US) on 08/13/2014
Bravp for your courage and fortitude; I hope this works for you!
You may also want to consider adding some lavendar oil to your scalp treatment (1 part lavender oil to 4 parts tea tree oil) to aid in disinfecting, healing, hair growth, and calming itching. And also eat/ingest a few teaspoons of coconut oil per day, it really helps to get it working from the inside out as well!
And just in case you need extra help; a topical nutrient "Selenium sulfate" (doctor perscribed in the USA) often works like a miracle! Good Luck!
Hydrogen Peroxide
Posted by F Van (The Netherlands) on 08/03/2014
★★★★★
I have used 30% (thirty) H2O2 on my face and scalp regularly for three months now and have gotten very good, if painful results. The yeast, malessazia, carries the protein catalase which catalyzes with hydrogen peroxide to decompose it in to water and oxygen. It also creates some heat which can be very painful but I like so many others here have tried so many remedies with limited succes and was desperate.
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.
Flowers of Sulphur, Cream of Tarter, Honey
Posted by Mgh (England) on 04/23/2014
★★★★★
My husband has had terrible seborrheic dermatitis for over 20 years This is what cleared it up, equal parts of flowers of sulphur and cream of tartar bound together with honey until it forms a smooth paste, depending on honey used the paste may solidify after a few days this does not matter. Take one teaspoon per day it tastes lemony.For the first few days you pass very smelly wind but this wears of, my husband said he could feel it working after just 24hrs. I hope this helps. By the way you get cream of tartar in the baking isle, flowers of sulphur I get online not expensive.
Flowers of Sulphur, Cream of Tarter, Honey
Posted by Lise (Washington, US) on 08/14/2014
Do you have a more exact recipe Mgh? thanks
Flowers of Sulphur, Cream of Tarter, Honey
Posted by Mgh (UK) on 08/16/2014
I don't have an exact recipe , I use equal volumes by filling the same container with the flowers of sulphur, put that in a bowl, then the cream of tartar. Then I add enough honey to make a thick paste, depending on the honey sometimes after a few weeks it goes rock hard, then I have to add more honey just to be able to get the spoon in, it's still as effective, It's still working very well for him, the only side effects are occasional smelly wind, no pain or stomach upset, just the wind, I hope this helps. Best wishes
Seborrheic Dermatitis Remedies
Posted by Connie (Winnipeg, Mb, Canada) on 02/15/2014
Hi there,
I have seborrheic dermatitis very badly on my face as well as cystic acne. I'm sure the cause was having used a topical 1% Clindamycin solution (in an 8% glycolic acid toning solution) on my face for 15 years. Although I have stopped using the solution for 3 years now, my face is still a mess. Also, I have dandruff. What would you recommend as being the best natural solution for me to try and remedy this problem?
I look forward to your reply, Connie
Seborrheic Dermatitis Remedies
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 02/15/2014
Dear Connie,
Raw apple cider vinegar has helped a lot of people with this. That is where I would start. Mix the vinegar 1:1 with filtered or distilled water and apply to face a few times a day. You can also use it on your scalp. Many people are using baking soda to wash their hair and apple cider vinegar to rinse. These would be some options, too. I found baking soda with a couple of drops of tea tree essential oil, massaged into the scalp to cure my toddler of seborrheic dermatitis very quickly.
Do read the pages on seborrheic dermatitis here at Earth Clinic, if you haven't already. It may be that you need to try several things to cure it.
Some other things to try for it and the cystic acne would be turmeric, 4 capsules twice a day, plenty of water, and more fruits and vegetables.
The vinegar may dry out your face. Castor Oil or extra virgin coconut oil might be helpful used at night on your face. (It seems contrary to put oil on a face, but it has helped many people with oily skin.)
I hope these things will help, or perhaps some other remedies people are sharing. Let us know how it goes!
~Mama to Many~
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Yessica (Fresno, California ) on 04/01/2016
Where can I get lugol's?
Salicylic Acid
Posted by Mch (Spokane) on 09/23/2013
★★★★☆
I've had seborrheic dermatitis for over 6 years now - My entire face would be covered in scaly patches. There is no cure but you can treat it and keep it minimized in its intensity.
By far and away the most helpful thing I've found in my battle against SD is salicylic acid - The strongest over the counter percentage is 3 percent - this helped me but was not enough. My doctor prescribed salicylic acid at 6 percent prescription strength and that applied twice a day keeps it mostly under wraps. Once or twice a year it flares up despite the salicylic acid cream, usually at the beginning of summer and winter - at these times I use a lot of apple cider vinegar and sulfure masks in addition to the prescription strength salicylic acid cream.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Zinc Oxide Cream
Posted by Paul P. (Perth, Wa, Australia) on 05/09/2013
★★★★★
Hi everyone, I want to share this information with as many people as possible because I find it very helpful. Recently I had really bad seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp and face. I read this forum and decided to try ACV. I applied it undiluted and let it dry on my face. It made the rash look worse (bright red), but I still kept applying it for another 2 days. I also washed my hair with head and shoulders anti dandruff shampoo once a day during this time. After 2 days I started applying zinc oxide cream. This stuff makes the skin look very white and it's hard to goout in public.
I think the ACV is good as the first treatment because it must kill the bacteria (also irritates the skin), and then the zincoxide helps the skin repair.
3 days is sufficient for completely healed skin.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Abc (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 03/28/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Hi BILL, I am having severe scalp psoriasis with seborrheic dermatitis for the last 6 years. I came across this website and I have tried all the below TED remedies for 4 weeks but I am not seeing much sign of improvement.
1. Applied borax on my scalp and then rinse with diluted with ACV.
2. Took extra virgin coconut oil, borax with water
3. Alkalized body using ACV and baking soda.
4. Cut down all yeast diet.
The itching has been subsized to some extent but the flaking hasn't gone at all. Big clumps of skin is still coming out along with my hair. Should I continue the above treatment further or switch to different treatment? Please advice. I have really lost all patitience and I don't know what else should I do. Nothing is working for me. Neither medicated shampoo nor natural remedies. If I apply tea tree oil my scalp become more scaly and more flaking happens.
PLEASE PLEASE HELP BILL with my issue!!!!
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Ella (Chicago, Il) on 03/28/2013
Hello, the best treatment for psoriasis is grapefruit seed extract. You should put un diluted extract on your scalp for a few hours, then wash your hair as usually( don't allow GSE to get to your eyes). You should also drink GSE according directions on the bottle( always in a full glass of water or juice). GSE is very bitter and strong. Do it as long as you have symptoms of psoriasis.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Ejules (Woodbridge, Va, Us) on 03/28/2013
I'm not Bill, but suggest you try oil of oregano in a carrier oil, such as olive, sesame, coconut, etc. Don't use OofO straight.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Barbara (Yerington, Nevada) on 03/28/2013
I cured mine with a mixture of Apple Cider Vinegar and beer. Put it on like shampoo. The itching instantly stopped. I had been going to the DR. And it only got worse. Worth a try!!
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West, South Africa) on 03/29/2013
Hi Abc, Best ever remedy for psoriasis is your own urine, just put it on, leave a while & then rinse, costs nothing & works.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Abc (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 03/29/2013
Thanks a ton Bill for replying back!!
When I use Borax, I keep it for around 20 min and then wash it off with ACV. However, like you have suggested I will try to apply it overnight and then will wash it of next day in the morning so that it remains on the scalp for more time. Will keep you posted with my results.
You have mentioned that you also add few drops of hydrogen peroxide with borax and keep it overnight. Is it safe to do that? I came across one article in this forum where somebody has mentioned that keeping hydrogen peroxide overnight has lead to serious hairfall.
Also, I don't have great success with the oil application remedy (mixing tea tree oil or other oil with carrier oil). It's not like I am sensitive towards oil but I have seen from past 6 years (From the time I have the scalp problems) that whenever I have applied oil it created lots of problem for me. Itching, scaling and hair fall has increased to many fold. Not sure why that happens. Is it due to some kind of allergy or deficiency?
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 03/30/2013
I'm not Bill but I have some recommendations for you. Massage coconut oil into your scalp. Also, rinse your scalp with a cup of white vinegar under the shower. Also consider tea tree oil and neem oil as topical treatment (add to a carrier oil), you'd be surprised what's in those bumps sometimes. I'd alternate these, doing one of these daily.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Abc (Jakarta, Indonesia) on 04/22/2013
Thanks Bill and everybody for their valuble comments.
Dear Bill - As suggested, I tried applying borax overnight then washing the hair in the morning using ACV H202 (1%) combination for almost 20 days. I have seen that my itching has been reduced but my scaling has increased and it's not getting cleared from my scalp. Also hair fall hasn't been stopped. I also tried to applied the tea tree oil lavendar oil along with coconut oil on my scalp. My flakes have become more sticky and greasy and it doesn't loosen up and come out easily during washing. I have to pick them manually which causes more hair loss.
I don't know why application of oil makes me more uncomfortable though these oils are antifungal in nature. Also, borax is giving me a relief in my itching but is not clearing up my greasy flakes.
One thing that helped me a bit is my new medical shampoo that I apply twice in a week (having Ciclopirox (1%), Zinc Pyrithione (ZPTO) (1%)). This lifts up my greasy scales and reduce flaking to some extent on the day of the application but the symptoms comes back next day.
Please let me know what should I do know. Should I continue using this medical shampoo for my scaling and flakes since application of borax and oil application isn't helping me out ? Please advice
If you have any other remedy for my problem please do suggest. Thanks again for your help in advance.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West, South Africa) on 04/24/2013
Hi ABC, best solution to your problem that I know of is to put urine on your head, leave for a while then wash it. All else has failed so try it.
