Natural treatments for seborrheic dermatitis

DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the upper layers of the skin.

• PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENT: Aloe
• OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Folate, tea tree oil, fish oil supplements, essential oils, probiotics, vitamin B₆

Introduction

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin that causes scales on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. When it affects newborns, it is called cradle cap.

Seborrheic dermatitis starts gradually. In adults, it often first appears as a condition similar to dandruff but involves more inflammation of the scalp; itching, burning, or hair loss may occur. Seborrhea may also affect the skin behind the ears, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, or on the trunk.

Besides inflammation of the scalp, newborns with cradle cap might get red bumps on their faces, scaling behind the ears, or a persistent diaper rash. Older children with seborrheic dermatitis may develop a thick, flaky rash.

Seborrhea tends to run in families and often worsens during cold weather. Researchers do not know what causes the condition, but an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, excess oil (sebum) production, immune system reactions, and hormonal factors are believed to play a role. There is no cure; however, there are ways to control it. Special shampoos containing selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, sulfur, or tar may be helpful for adult dandruff associated with seborrhea.

Corticosteroids may be used for intensely inflammatory lesions. Milder treatments, such as salicylic acid in mineral oil or medicated baby shampoo, are used to treat scalp rashes in young children and infants.

Principal Proposed Natural Treatments

There is some evidence that the herb aloe might offer some relief to people with seborrheic dermatitis.

Aloe. The gel inside the cactus-like leaves of the aloe plant (aloe vera) has traditionally been used to treat burns and cuts. While it may not be effective for this purpose, one study indicates that aloe may help relieve the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, forty-four adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied either an aloe ointment or a placebo cream to affected areas two times daily for four to six weeks. Compared to the placebo group, those who used aloe reported that their symptoms improved significantly (62 versus 25 percent). Doctors who examined the participants also concluded that using aloe significantly decreased scaliness, itching, and the number of affected areas.

Seborrheamedis face cream is another tested natural treatment with few adverse impacts. This barrier-based, nonsteroidal cream provided participants in one study relief from desquamation, pruritus, erythema, ISGA, and induration. While it was successful with few side effects in this trial, other studies are needed, as the sample size was very small.

Other Proposed Natural Treatments

In a four-week, placebo-controlled study of 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff, 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff symptoms. This study, however, was not double-blind: The researchers knew which participants were receiving tea tree oil and which were receiving a placebo. For this reason, the test’s results cannot be taken as entirely reliable.

One small double-blind study found benefits for dandruff with an extract made from the traditional Mexican herb Solanum chrysotrichum. Essential fatty acids, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, C, D, E, B₁, and B₂ have also been suggested as treatments for seborrheic dermatitis. Still, there is no real evidence that these treatments work.

Additional proposed treatments that require more scientific study include supplementation with fish oil, whose omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that taking probiotics is beneficial for gut bacteria, which may promote healthy immune function, reduce inflammation, and decrease the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Tea tree oil's antifungal and antibacterial properties may help reduce yeast overgrowth. Essential oils like coconut, jojoba, and lavender may also reduce inflammation and moisturize the scalp. Additional studies on these natural treatments specifically for seborrheic dermatitis are necessary.

Homeopathic Remedies

In a small, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the oral use of a low-dilution homeopathic remedy containing potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulfate, and sodium chloride significantly improved symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.

Bibliography

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“Seborrheic Dermatitis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 19 July 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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Smith, S. A., et al. “Effective Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis Using a Low Dose, Oral Homeopathic Medication Consisting of Potassium Bromide, Sodium Bromide, Nickel Sulfate, and Sodium Chloride in a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Alternative Medicine Review, vol. 7, 2002, pp. 59-67.

Truglio, Mauro, et al. "Modulating the Skin Mycobiome-Bacteriome and Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis with a Probiotic-Enriched Oily Suspension." Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 2722, 2024, pp. 1-14, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53016-0. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.