How Seborrheic Dermatitis Is Treated

Seborrheic dermatitis causes red patches with overlying yellowish, greasy-appearing scales that form on oily parts of the skin like the scalp, face, upper chest and back, armpits, and genitals. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in infants often resolves on its own. In adults, it is often a chronic, relapsing condition that requires long-term treatment with antifungal shampoo or, if on areas other than the scalp, with topical steroids or antifungal creams.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are usually the first step in treating seborrheic dermatitis in both infants and adults.

Infants

Seborrheic dermatitis manifests most commonly on an infant's scalp and is known as "cradle cap." For most infants, the good news is that the rash will disappear over time on its own without any treatment (usually by the time the baby is six months to one year of age). However, if treatment is needed, an over-counter-treatment regimen usually suffices.

This regimen consists of first shampooing the baby's scalp gently with a baby shampoo along with using an emollient like mineral oil, baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly to soften and loosen the scales.

Once softened, the scales can be gently removed with a cloth, infant hairbrush, soft toothbrush, or cradle cap comb. After the scale removal, baby shampoo can be used daily to prevent a recurrence.

If an infant's cradle cap does not improve with the over-the-counter treatment regimen, or if an infant's rash extends beyond the scalp, an over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone (steroid) cream may be recommended by your child's pediatrician or dermatologist.

Adults

Mild seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in adults (called dandruff) can generally be treated with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos, such as the following:

• Selsun and Exelderm (selenium sulfide)
• Head and Shoulders and Zincon ( Zinc pyrithione)
• Nizoral 1% (ketoconazole)
• T-Gel extra strength and DHS tar (Tar)

The shampoo should be applied to damp skin and left in place for five minutes before rinsing off completely. Once-daily use of the shampoo can be used initially, and then as symptoms improve, you can progress to two to three times weekly, and then once weekly to prevent relapses.

Prescriptions

Sometimes a prescription medication recommended by a primary care physician or dermatologist is needed to treat seborrheic dermatitis—this is more often the case in adults, especially if the rash involves the face or body.

Infants

If an infant's cradle cap does not improve or is extensive, an antifungal cream, such as ketoconazole 2%, may be prescribed.

Adults

For some cases of scalp seborrheic dermatitis, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antiyeast shampoo, such as Nizoral 2% (ketoconazole) or Loprox (ciclopirox 1%). These shampoos are generally used three times a week for two to four weeks. Once a week or once every two-week use may be used to prevent a relapse. It's important to let the shampoo stay on the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes before washing off. For more severe cases, a prescription antifungal shampoo in combination with a prescribed topical steroid may be required. The prescription steroid is available in different forms, such as a lotion, foam, solution, or shampoo.

For seborrheic dermatitis of the face or body in adults, a topical steroid cream (either over-the-counter or prescription, depending on the location and severity of the rash), a topical antifungal cream (e.g., ketoconazole 2% or ciclopirox 1%), or a combination of the two is usually recommended.

Sometimes, for facial seborrheic dermatitis, in lieu of a topical steroid, a topical calcineurin inhibitor like Protopic (tacrolimus 0.1%) is recommended.

Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Tea tree oil is perhaps the most common naturopathic agent used to treat scalp seborrheic dermatitis, and its use is backed up (albeit limitedly) by scientific research.

According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 126 men and women (ages 14 and older) with dandruff were randomly assigned to use a 5% tea tree oil shampoo or placebo every day for four weeks.

Results revealed that those who used the tea tree oil shampoo had a 41% improvement in the severity of the scalp rash compared to the placebo group, which had an 11% improvement.

The tea tree oil group also showed had significantly more improvement in rash itchiness and greasiness compared to the placebo group.

A Word From Verywell

If you think you may have symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, please make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Properly treating seborrheic dermatitis can not only improve the rash's visible appearance, but also soothe any associated itching, redness, and swelling. Treatment can also prevent a skin infection from occurring on top of the rash.