To get an correct prognosis, you’ll want to go to a dermatologist. The time you carve out to see one is nicely well worth the stress the appointment will prevent in the long term. Give it some thought: Misdiagnosing seborrheic dermatitis could make it worse and result in much more stress as I skilled, which might imply extra flare-ups and finally extra trial and error. It’s a vicious cycle and one which possible could be skipped with an hour-long appointment.
Tips on how to deal with seborrheic dermatitis
You visited your dermatologist to verify you’ve gotten it, proper? Nice. With that out of the way in which, listed below are some expert-recommended methods and over-the-counter treatments you may strive at dwelling.
For scalp-related seborrheic dermatitis
In your scalp, the primary line of protection must be anti-yeast or antifungal medicines like ciclopirox or ketoconazole shampoo, which your dermatologist can prescribe at your appointment. “I normally inform my sufferers to scrub their scalp with the prescription shampoo two to 3 instances per week, go away the shampoo in for five to 10 minutes, after which observe it with their common shampoo and conditioner,” Dr. Elrashidy says.
When purchasing for over-the-counter shampoos, search for antifungal components like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide to fight malassezia overgrowth. Dr. Elrashidy recommends DermaZinc Shampoo, which incorporates zinc pyrithione. I swear by my dermatologist’s suggestion, Selsun Blue Day by day Care, for its potent mixture of zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid—the last word trifecta. Plus, it lathers superbly with out leaving my hair feeling too dry.
However keep away from utilizing prescription and over-the-counter dandruff shampoos concurrently. “For those who’re utilizing the ciclopirox shampoo, you don’t need to additionally use Head & Shoulders as a result of that’s going to be too drying in your scalp,” Dr. Elrashidy says.
Exfoliating components like salicylic acid may also assist take away scales, however it may’t be the first remedy, says Dr. Gohara. She recommends Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Construct-Up Management Therapeutic Shampoo, which incorporates 3% salicylic acid and relieves flaking with out irritation. Attract editors additionally just like the Briogeo MegaStrength+ Dandruff Aid Shampoo, which might go away the scalp feeling squeaky clear. Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, who has seborrheic dermatitis, makes use of it when her scalp flares up and is additional flaky.
For facial seborrheic dermatitis
If you’re prescribed a topical treatment for facial seborrheic dermatitis, like ketoconazole or steroid cream, make sure that to use it to wash, dry pores and skin earlier than layering on different skin-care merchandise. Dr. Elrashidy recommends protecting the remainder of your routine easy as a result of too many merchandise can intrude together with your treatment’s effectiveness and irritate your already delicate pores and skin. She suggests limiting your routine to simply your prescriptions, cleanser, moisturizer, and an SPF each two hours. “When issues aren’t flaring, then you might strive different merchandise, however I don’t suppose you want a 15-step skin-care routine.”
What merchandise ought to I keep away from?
Initially, resist the urge to seize simply any steroid cream you might need in your medication cupboard. You shouldn’t be utilizing previous prescriptions to deal with your present pores and skin situation. “We don’t need to do something to skinny the pores and skin or promote acne,” Dr. Kundu says. Your dermatologist will prescribe a efficiency and the length of use for any treatment that’s particular to your wants, so it’s vital to observe their remedy directions.
