I Have Seborrheic Dermatitis and This Is How Derms Counsel Treating It

To get an correct prognosis, it would be best to go to a dermatologist. The time you carve out to see one is properly 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 may imply extra flare-ups and in the end extra trial and error. It’s a vicious cycle and one which seemingly might be skipped with an hour-long appointment.

Learn how to deal with seborrheic dermatitis

You visited your dermatologist to verify you might have it, proper? Nice. With that out of the best way, listed here are some expert-recommended methods and over-the-counter treatments you’ll be able to attempt at dwelling.

For scalp-related seborrheic dermatitis

To your scalp, the primary line of protection needs to 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 occasions per week, depart the shampoo in for five to 10 minutes, after which observe it with their common shampoo and conditioner,” Dr. Elrashidy says.

When looking for over-the-counter shampoos, search for antifungal substances like zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide to fight malassezia overgrowth. Dr. Elrashidy recommends DermaZinc Shampoo, which comprises zinc pyrithione. I swear by my dermatologist’s advice, 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 fantastically with out leaving my hair feeling too dry.

However keep away from utilizing prescription and over-the-counter dandruff shampoos concurrently. “If you happen to’re utilizing the ciclopirox shampoo, you don’t wish to additionally use Head & Shoulders as a result of that’s going to be too drying in your scalp,” Dr. Elrashidy says.

Exfoliating substances like salicylic acid may assist take away scales, however it may possibly’t be the first therapy, says Dr. Gohara. She recommends Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp Construct-Up Management Therapeutic Shampoo, which comprises 3% salicylic acid and relieves flaking with out irritation. Attract editors additionally just like the Briogeo MegaStrength+ Dandruff Reduction Shampoo, which may depart 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, ensure to use it to scrub, dry pores and skin earlier than layering on different skin-care merchandise. Dr. Elrashidy recommends maintaining the remainder of your routine easy as a result of too many merchandise can intervene along with your treatment’s effectiveness and irritate your already delicate pores and skin. She suggests limiting your routine to only your prescriptions, cleanser, moisturizer, and an SPF each two hours. “When issues aren’t flaring, then you could possibly attempt different merchandise, however I don’t assume you want a 15-step skin-care routine.”

What merchandise ought to I keep away from?

Before everything, 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 wish to do something to skinny the pores and skin or promote zits,” Dr. Kundu says. Your dermatologist will prescribe a efficiency and the period of use for any treatment that’s particular to your wants, so it’s essential to observe their therapy directions.