If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, like myself, you know that finding an effective treatment can be challenging, and you end up trying endless products to get some relief.
Many seborrheic dermatitis sufferers find relief with natural oils and lotions, but not all of them are created equally.
Do you want to know which seborrheic dermatitis oils to avoid? So, you can protect your skin from further discomfort and irritation? Keep on reading to find out which oils you should try and avoid at all costs, with similar skin conditions.
What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition characterized by red, scaly patches of skin.
It typically affects areas rich in oil glands such as the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose and other parts of the body that have folds or creases such as around the mouth or behind the ears.
The exact cause is not known, but an overgrowth of yeast on the skin may be to blame, as well as an inflammatory response within the immune system.
Seborrheic dermatitis is most often seen in babies within the first few months of life (known as cradle cap) but can also affect adults and teens. In adults, it is sometimes called dandruff and can appear even with normal hygiene practices.
Symptoms include scales, flaking, itching, redness and inflammation on affected areas.
Treatment usually involves topical medications such as steroid creams and antifungal shampoos to reduce symptoms and lessen recurrence.
However there are also some lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and provide relief from discomfort.
Avoiding too much exposure to heat sources like saunas or steam rooms may help reduce sweating, which could then worsen flare-ups.
Wearing lightweight clothes made from natural fibers that allow air circulation will help keep your skin cool throughout the day, which could diminish symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that affects people with oily skin, hair, and scalp. The symptoms can range from mild dandruff to severe scaly patches on the skin.
conditions like seborrheic dermatitis are believed to be caused by an overgrowth of the fungus called malassezia yeasts, which lives in sebum (the natural oil produced by our sebaceous glands).
People with seborrheic dermatitis will often experience red, itchy patches on their scalp or facial area. These areas may also become inflamed, scaling and crusting as the infection spreads, and can lead to hair loss issues.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis remains uncertain, but experts believe it could be due to the reaction between the excess production of sebum and a strain of fungal yeast that results in inflammation and irritation.
Seborrheic dermatitis can affect individuals of all ages, but is most common in adults aged 30-60.
Although treatable, there is no cure for this condition, as it tends to come back periodically when certain environmental or lifestyle factors are present.
How To Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Treating seborrheic dermatitis is an important step to maintaining a healthy scalp and skin. There are many treatment plan options and topical treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, and it’s important to choose the right one.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast found on the skin. It usually affects the face, scalp, and areas of the body with many oil glands.
It’s important to avoid synthetic ingredients in skincare products that can cause further irritation to the affected area.
Natural products like organic coconut oil and tea tree oil may be used on the affected area or scalp to help soothe the irritation.
It may also be helpful to reduce stress, as this can aggravate the condition. Medicines containing corticosteroids or antifungals can also be used for treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Regular use of over-the-counter products, such as hydrocortisone cream or miconazole nitrate lotion, can also help reduce symptoms and keep flare-ups under control.
Finally, gentle cleansing with non-irritating antifungal shampoo and hair products, plus a gentle face wash products specifically designed for seborrheic dermatitis of the hair follicles, can be beneficial.
It’s important to remember that treatment of seborrheic dermatitis on affected skin, usually requires patience and persistence – but with the right combination of treatments, you can get your scalp and skin back to looking its best.
How Beneficial Is Oil for Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Oil can be incredibly beneficial for treating seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching, and flaking.
It’s one of the most popular treatments, and oil has been used to treat this condition for centuries. Oil is full of anti-inflammatory properties, fatty acids, and minerals that can help soothe the symptoms of this condition.
One type of oil that’s recommended for seborrheic dermatitis is mineral oil. This oil is lightweight, non-irritating, and safe to use on all skin types.
It’s gentle enough to not make the condition worse, while still hydrating and protecting the skin from dryness and irritation. Mineral oil can help restore moisture balance to the scalp and reduce the severity of the symptoms.
Another type of oil that’s often recommended for seborrheic dermatitis is olive oil. It’s an antioxidant oil that helps fight inflammation and protect the skin from damage. It also contains fatty acids and minerals that can help restore moisture and nourish the scalp, reducing irritation and dryness.
There are many treatments for seborrheic dermatitis, but finding the best option for you can take trial-and-error.
Oil has been used to treat this condition for centuries, and while it may not work for everyone and their flaky skin.
It can be beneficial in reducing symptoms and relieving irritation. So if you’re struggling with this condition, consider trying out some of the oils mentioned above to find relief.
Do You Need A Carrier Oil When You Use Natural Oils For Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
If you suffer from Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, you may be wondering if you need to use carrier oils when you apply natural oils, regardless of your skin type.
The answer is yes. Natural oils are the best choice for treating this condition, but carrier oils must be avoided. This is because they can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, which can make Seborrhoeic Dermatitis worse.
When you apply any oil to the affected area, it is important to dilute the oil with a carrier oil. This will help ensure that your skin does not become further irritated.
Certain oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil are great carrier oils. They will help you to get the most out of your application of oil without causing additional skin irritation.
Which Seborrheic Dermatitis Oils To Avoid?
It is important to be aware of which essential oils are safe to use and which should be avoided when it comes to seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, and the treatment of this condition.
While the use of olive oil may provide some moisturizing benefits, applying it directly on the skin can propagate malassezia growth, potentially worsening symptoms associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Coconut oil may also promote malassezia growth, so people suffering from this skin disorder should avoid any oils for oil application on their skin or scalp.
When treating seborrheic dermatitis, instead of using any types of oils, it is best to seek out products that contain natural ingredients with antifungal properties.
Such ingredients might include tea tree oil or manuka honey, both of which are known for their antimicrobial effects and ability to reduce inflammation due to seborrheic dermatitis.
As a precautionary measure before using any oils or herbal treatments on your scalp or skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis, you should always do a patch test first to make sure that no adverse allergic reactions occur.
This means applying a small amount of the product onto an area unaffected by seborrheic dermatitis – usually behind the ear.
Then waiting 24–48 hours to see if anything changes in terms of redness or itching before continuing with applying oils on your skin, in case it causes seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
Summary
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition which can cause redness, scaling and itching around the scalp, forehead, and other areas of the body. Its exact causes are unknown, but it is thought to be linked to an overgrowth of yeast on the dry skin.
To help manage symptoms effectively, there are many treatments available such as prescription medicated shampoos or creams, light therapy and lifestyle changes.
Natural oils can also provide relief from seborrheic dermatitis symptoms by providing hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, reducing itching and keeping flare-ups under control. It’s important to avoid synthetic ingredients in skincare products that can further irritate skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis.