Dermatologists recommend the following to help keep seborrheic dermatitis under control.
Infants: Diaper area and elsewhere
If your baby may have seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area or elsewhere, it is best to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis. This common rash can look a lot like eczema, psoriasis, or an allergic reaction. Each of these conditions requires a different treatment plan.
Adults and adolescents: Scalp
On the scalp, many people can get relief by a dandruff shampoos.
When using a dandruff shampoo, always read and follow the directions on the bottle. Some shampoos you need to leave on scalp for a few minutes.
What you need
Shampoo (without dandruff control)
Dandruff shampoo
If you are African American, follow the plan for African American hair, shown below.
Directions
On day 1, use the dandruff shampoo, and continue to use it every other day.
On day 2, use your regular shampoo, using it every other day.
As the seborrheic dermatitis lessens, you can decrease how often you use the dandruff shampoo, using it only 1 or 2 times a week.
Not getting relief?
Trying a dandruff shampoo with a different active ingredient may help. The active ingredients in dandruff shampoos are:
Zinc pyrithione
Salicylic acid and sulfur
Coal tar
Selenium sulfide
Ketoconazole
African Americans: How to control seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp
What you need
Dandruff shampoo (See a dermatologist for a product recommendation.)
Directions Shampoo once a week using the dandruff shampoo
Adults and adolescents: Skin care
What you need
Soap (or cleanser) that contains 2% zinc pyrithione
Fragrance-free moisturizer
Scale softener, such as a cream that contains coal tar or salicylic acid and sulfur
Petroleum jelly is NOT recommended if you have seborrheic dermatitis. Using it tends to worsen seborrheic dermatitis.
Directions
Dermatologists recommend the following to remove scale from your skin:
Wash your skin daily, as follows:
Wet your skin thoroughly
Wash, using the soap that contains 2% zinc pyrithione
Rinse well
Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer after every shower and bath
If you need more help softening the scale, apply a scale-softening cream that contains salicylic acid and sulfur or coal tar. When using these, follow the instructions on the product.
When to see a dermatologist
Seborrheic dermatitis can be stubborn. If these tips fail to bring relief, you should see a dermatologist. Some people need the expertise of a dermatologist to control seborrheic dermatitis.
