The over-the-counter treatments for seborrheic dermatitis in shampoos should include one of the following: coal tar, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione. Wash the scalp daily with the chosen product and warm (not hot) water so the skin is not damaged. Continue this for a couple of weeks. If the condition hasn’t improved, gotten worse, or you are otherwise concerned about the situation then you need to consult your doctor. Most therapeutic shampoos should be left on a minimum of five to 10 minutes before rinsing. Gently clean your eyelids by washing them each night with baby shampoo and wipe away scales with a cotton swab. Warm or hot compresses also may help to loosen the scales. This is usually the step to take for infants with “cradle cap” irritation.
Look for antifungal treatments, creams that fight rash, itching, and inflammation. Get skin moisturizing creams and gels. Find ones that are oil based (not water based) so they actually trap in moisture. Treat the affected area to regular washing with the cream/gel a couple of times per day. Continue this regular washing for a week or so. If there is no marked improvement, worsening of the condition, or you are worried about the condition then you should consult your doctor. For treating the chest, medicated shampoos may be used. Triamcinolone 0. 1% lotion can be applied twice a day until clear and then use once or twice a week.
You can try adding tea tree oil to your shampoo. Adding 10 to 12 drops could add some anti-fungal and astringent properties to the treatment. But there are studies suggesting that this substance has a high risk of inducing allergic reactions. Taking fish oil supplements can help reduce inflammation and accelerate processing of other vitamins which help with skin healing. Apply creams with aloe vera. Aloe has antibacterial and skin healing properties thanks to its improving of blood circulation. Taking probiotics, vitamin C, vitamin D can boost immunity and help with dermatitis.
You can help your doctor help you by preparing to answer questions about your symptoms, timing of your condition, treatments you’ve tried, what other medicines you are on, and any life changes or stress you might be experiencing.
Use a bland shampoo such as Johnson’s Baby Shampoo. Leave it on for two to three minutes while gently scrubbing the baby’s scalp with soft brush to remove scale and crust. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat this two to three times per week. Don’t move on to dandruff shampoos or other lotions without consulting a pediatrician. Apply a topical steroid lotion of low potency to the areas on the scalp, such as hydrocortisone lotion 1% twice a day for two weeks. To treat more extensive cradle cap, or in the milder cases in which medicated shampoo was not successful, treatment involves the removal of some of the scale prior to use of the medicated shampoo. Apply peanut or olive oil to the scalp at bedtime overnight to loosen scales, and then shampoo in the morning with one of the medicated shampoos. If none of these techniques work or you want to try other products then you must consult a pediatrician.
These shampoos and creams may include: hydrocortisone, fluocinolone, or desonide. They are easy to apply and effective for seborrheic dermatitis, but extended use for months can lead to thinning skin or streaking. Desonide (or sometimes DesOwen) is a corticosteroid applied to the scalp or skin.
For example you may have a shampoo with ketoconazole that you already are using regularly. But your doctor may then add a medicated scalp product such as clobetasol (Temovate) for you to apply twice a week.
A prescription used for this situation is sometimes terbinafine (Lamisil). This is not a common recommendation because of the higher risk of side effects from the drug including liver problems and allergic reactions.
Your doctor may prescribe creams, topical lotions, or similar medicines that contain a class of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors. They are usually tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). These topical drugs may be at least as effective as corticosteroids, and with fewer side effects. They do have an increased risk of cancer, higher purchase cost, and can’t be used by someone with an already weakened immune system.
Your doctor’s prescription may include metronidazole (MetroLotion, Metrogel) to use once or twice a day.
Clean off soap completely from your body and scalp. Don’t use abrasive soaps or harsh chemicals. Use moisturizers. Avoid harsh soaps and use a moisturizer. Use warm water — not hot.
If the skin of your eyelids becomes red or scaly then you can wash them nightly with baby shampoo. Use a cotton swab to wipe away scaly skin. Apply a warm compress to soothe the skin and wipe away scaly skin as well.
Apply a few drops of mineral oil or olive oil directly to your scalp. Leave the drops in for one hour. Comb or brush out your hair and wash it with warm water.
