Managing natural hair and scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis

29/11/2012

Please note that I am not a doctor (my husband is) but all the below information is from credible sources (listed at the end of this blog).

What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
A rash or inflammation of skin that usually comes up in areas rich in sebaceous glands e.g. the face, scalp and centre of the chest.

How common is it?
Pretty common: 3-5% of people globally are affected by it.

Is it more prone in certain age groups?
Yes: young adults, the elderly and infants

What causes it?
This isn't fully understood. What is know is that a yeast called Malassezia (present in skin) plays a part in its development. Other possible causes include:

Neurological or immunodeficiency diseases, e.g. Parkinson's disease or HIV
Tiredness
Stress
Cold weather

What does NOT cause it?

What you eat, i.e. diet
Genetics

What are the symptoms of scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Soreness
Itchiness
Flaky skin

What does seborrhoeic dermatitis look like on the scalp?
Bumpy, red (if you're light skinned) with greasy-looking white or yellowish scales. The rash may weep.

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor should be able to tell, however, it can be difficult for doctors to distinguish seborrhoeic dermatitis from psoriasis.

Can it be cured?
No, it can only be managed. This means you might have to take a treatment continuously or on and off for many months or years.

How is scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis treated?
Your doctor might prescribe:

Medicated (anti-fungal / anti-yeast) shampoos with one or more of the following active agents: zinc pyrithione, coal tar, selenium sulphide or ketoconazole
To help reduce itchiness/soreness: a cream with a strong steroid might be prescribed to be used occasionally and sparingly
For severe inflammation: pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment
A salicylic acid-based ointment can be rubbed in at night and washed off in the morning
A scale softener, e.g. you might need to soak the scalp in warm olive oil
For a stubborn rash: oral anti-fungal / anti-yeast medication.

To avoid repetition, please read the second half of the blog on psoriasis for a few more dos and donts unique to those with natural hair.

You might also like:
Managing scalp psoriasis and your natural black hair
13 Top Tips for Keeping Natural Black Hair Moisturised - No More Dry Hair!
Solutions for a burnt scalp e.g. due to hot water or direct application of essential oils

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (BAD)
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Seborrhoeic Dermatitis of Adults
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References:
The British Association of Dermatologists
NHS Clinical Knowledge Summary

I have a mild preference for British over US medical sources because the UK system is not-for-profit so the sources won't have a money-making motive in them.

Ayanna

18/12/2013 10:57:57 am

Is it still considered seborrhoeic dermatitis if the bumps are scattered?

In my case, it doesn't matter if I have long hair or none, I'd wash my hair (sulfate/paraben-free shampoos and conditioners), moisturize with different organic oils and natural creams. I always think maybe I wait too long too moisturize again (day 4) but if I do it earlier, say day 2 or 3, there's a "gunky" build-up that accumulates under my fingernails when I scratch it. At some point, the scalp has a severe flaky spot, as if it cropped out of nowhere. I'd scratch it out, peel it off (yes, there seems to be a layer of dead skin the size of an average person's pinky nailbed - no blood) but all that activity leads to sores most times, scalp feeling on fire. However, there are times I'm rubbing my scalp and I cringe from a stinging sensation, which may or may not be followed by a bump. Most recently these bumps have lingered, they seem to have dissipated after washing hair or applying tea tree oil, and develop scabs in which I pick and they grow back--they're way more tenacious than before!

I'm sorry, I realize this is now a novel but I have scoured the internet, as dermatologists have been useless and only prescribe chemical-medication and of course whenever I make an appt the flare-ups are on hiatus, looking to see if there is a name, a diagnosis, cause, treatment, preferably natural and to no avail. I've tried neem, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus, coconut, jojoba, vitamin E oils, apple cider vinegar/baking soda. I take turmeric, vitamin D, biotin, probiotics at times. There may seem like there is a reprieve but it's false.

I try to eat organic when possible though not always but have just about eliminated all overly processed unhealthy foods. My skin is dry in the winter but in summer a little coconut oil will suffice. It may be stress-related but there still has to be some relief! My God, I want to rip my scalp off!

Thank you for reading thus far...

Heather @ Neno Natural

18/12/2013 09:30:43 pm

Wow Ayanna - it seems that you've had a horrid experience!

I'm not a doctor but it sounds to me that your scalp produces more sebum than the average plus you have an itchy scalp. I don't want to recommend medical solutions here (I think that is what you need) but you should perhaps look for products that have ingredients that reduce sebum production - if you speak to a pharmacy they will tell you what those are.

I wish you luck!

Heather xx

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Managing natural hair and scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis

By Heather Katsonga-Woodward

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