Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis

It has generally been noticed that males suffer more than females from this disease. It is a skin disorder and there is no definite cause that can be assigned to it. However many researchers in the field of dermatology believe that it is mainly caused by fungus. Some researchers however relate this to hormone problems.

It is very common in kids below 3 years of age. Seborrheic dermatitis is generally known to affect the scalp of a person, but it occurs in other areas like the face, chest, creases of arm, legs and groin too. However, our prime concern out here is the treatment of this disease.

The most obvious treatment that comes to the mind of any person suffering from this problem, is an anti-dandruff shampoo. Anti-dandruff shampoos containing salicylic acid have been proved to be very useful for dandruff in adults. There are various other chemicals that are prescribed by medical practitioners that are believed to treat this problem well.

Shampoos or medicines containing selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione have been proved to be beneficial in reducing dandruff. In extreme cases when all these chemicals don't work for a person, then medical practitioners generally advice shampoos containing coal tar. There is a process of applying an anti-dandruff shampoo too.

Since it should be treated as a medicine and not merely as a hair washing agent, it should be applied to the hair and left for a minimum period of five minutes before rinsing off. The chemicals present in these shampoos possess good antifungal properties.

However these methods are good only for scalp problems in adults. If you are suffering from dandruff problems in some other parts, then you can apply a steroid lotion at least two times a day. But this should be done with a doctor's prescription. Cortisone lotion is also prescribed in many cases. This should again be applied at least twice everyday.

When dealing with seborrheic dermatitis in kids, due care should be taken because their skin is much more sensitive than adults. The treatment should generally be started with baby shampoos available in the market. In most cases they generally solve the purpose.

However if the problem persists, then with the advice of a dermatologist shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole can be used. It should be rubbed with a brush on the scalp of the baby smoothly and care should be taken that no damage is caused to the skin, which may make them susceptible to other infections.

For skin creases in children, a mild steroid can be used, but this should also be done with a doctor's prescription.

Now let's come down to some homemade remedies. The most widely used treatment of this disease is rubbing cut onion on the affected area. Other remedies include washing the affected parts with apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and cheese, that is at least four days old. Apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are often considered to remove the sources of skin problem.

There are some food restrictions too that are advised by dermatologists working in this field. Food rich in yeast like, bread, beer and wine should be avoided as they are considered a major source in the creation of fungus.

Grains, soybeans, egg yolk, bananas, avocados and nuts, which are considered as good sources of vitamin B should form a part of the regular diet. Since zinc is one important element in the treatment, so foods like fish and meat, which contain this element are also recommended.

Seborrheic dermatitis, if remained untreated for a long time may cause other skin problems and hair loss too. It is not a major reason of concern that can take a very bad shape, but then, why take a chance when you have got so many remedies to deal with it.