Seborrheic dermatitis natural treatment

Seborrheic dermatitis: an overview

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disorder that usually affects the scalp. It is characterized by scaly, itchy, red skin and dandruff — and while dandruff alone doesn't necessarily mean that you have seborrheic dermatitis, this condition is indeed one of the most common causes of dandruff.

However, seborrheic dermatitis can also affect the face, the ears, the back, the upper chest, and other parts of the body. When it affects infants, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap.

The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is still unknown, but several factors appear to play a role in causing this condition. These factors commonly thought to be responsible for seborrheic dermatitis include:

• A type of yeast called malassezia; which usually lives in the sebum. 
• Head injury.
• Certain neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’sdisease, a stroke, etc.)
• Stress, fatigue, change of season (outbreaks arecommon in the winter season), etc
• HIV and other medical conditions that weaken the immune system.

The most common symptoms seborrheic dermatitis include dandruff, yellow or white scales on the skin, red, greasy skin, soreness, skin lesions,hair loss, itching, and oily areas of skin.

Natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis isn't usually harmful (unless the affected areas of your skin become infected), but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and unsightly. It can cause great irritation and embarrassment to the person suffering from it. Some people with seborrheic dermatitis find that their lives are so greatly affected that they develop anxiety, and insomnia (because the itching keeps them up at night).  

Some people may be able to treat the seborrheic dermatitis they're suffering from just by recognizing its signs and symptoms and by using a combination of self-care steps. Some natural remedies are proven to be quite effective when it comes to dealing with sebprrheic dermatitis. The best natural remedies include:

• Apple cider vinegar. For the best treatment, one should mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, and then massage the scalp and the hair with this mixture and leave it on for twenty minutes. After that, wash off with a mild shampoo. This treatment should be repeated on alternate days.
• Tea tree oil. The treatment recommended includes mixing tea tree oil with aloe vera gel. This mixture should be applied on the affected area, left on the scalp or other affected area for half an hour, and then washed off. Applying tea tree oil directly on the head on its neat form may cause a burning sensation. If you use only tea tree oil, dilute it with water.
• Fenugreek seeds. One should soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a bowl of water for about six hours, and then grind the seeds and make a paste out of them. Add around two teaspoons of lemon juice to the paste, and apply this mixture on the scalp and leave it on for half an hour. Afterwards, one should wash it off with luke-warm water.
• Neem leaves. The best treatment concerning neem leaves, one should take a couple of neem leaves and boil them in water, and after it has cooled down, filter it. This mixture should be used at the last rinse every time one washes their hair.

Other natural "remedies" for seborrheic dermatitis are more about what you don't do — don't use aggressive cosmetic hair styling products or shampoos. Don't scratch. If that's hard for you while sleeping, consider wearing gloves or a protective beanie on your scalp. Never wear synthetic fibers on areas of your skin affected by the condition. 

Not everyone would consider shampoos natural remedies, but those containing ingredients such as pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide may also alleviate your seborrheic dermatitis. 

If natural remedies do not help you, however, absolutely check back in with your doctor if you were already diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis. If you weren't and you only suspect you have it, seek a diagnosis, because other skin conditions like psoriasis are easily confused with seborrheic dermatitis.