Seborrheic Dermatitis Of The Scalp/Dandruff and how onion oil can help fight it

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic means sebaceous, and derm refers to skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition in which the scalp becomes red and flaky. It can affect people of any age group. When this condition affects babies, it is called a cradle cap. It covers the scalp with greasy crust and scales. In simple words, it is a greasy kind of dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is not just limited to the scalp. It can affect various parts of the body, especially those that are excessively oily, like the face, chest, abdomen, and folds of the skin.

What are the possible triggers of seborrheic dermatitis?

The causes of seborrheic dermatitis are not known or understood, but some things can trigger it and make this condition worse. Those possible triggers are health issues, depression, weather, hormonal changes, and oily skin.

Health issues: Some medical issues like Parkinson's disease, a compromised immune system, HIV Aids, heart disease, cancers, and certain medications increase the chance of getting seborrheic dermatitis.

Depression: People with depression and high stress levels have a higher chance of suffering from this skin and scalp condition. So, if your mental health has been low lately and you are under stress or going through PTSD, you are at a higher risk of getting seborrheic dermatitis.

Weather: It has been observed that the cold and dry weather triggers this condition or aggravates it. Summertime usually keeps it under control because the heat can kill a certain type of yeast that lives on the skin and causes this condition.

Hormonal changes: Another factor that increases the risk of this condition is hormonal changes in the body. There is not much research on exactly how it triggers seborrheic dermatitis, but it certainly is a major risk factor.

Alcohol: Over-consumption of alcohol can trigger this condition as well. Skincare products containing alcohol can also be a problem for people who tend to get this condition.

Oily skin: This condition occurs on parts of the body that are excessively oily, and hence oily skin is a major trigger for seborrheic dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, and when to see a doctor?

If you notice white or yellowish crust on your scalp and skin, which is also oily, you probably have seborrheic dermatitis. You will also notice redness on the affected area and experience itchiness. Another major characteristic of this condition is excessive and stubborn dandruff. However, seborrheic dermatitis can be confused with other skin conditions like rash, allergy, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea because they have some similarities in them. A biopsy can confirm whether you have seborrheic dermatitis or not. Babies usually heal by themselves as they grow a little, even though this condition can hit them back later in life. However, adults suffering from mild or severe symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis should see a doctor, especially if it starts affecting their everyday life and home remedies fail to help them.

How to deal with seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with some tips, techniques, lifestyle changes, and better skincare habits.

Antifungal skincare and hair care products: Some over-the-counter medicated shampoos, creams, lotions, gels, and ointments containing antifungal ingredients can help ease this condition. The frequency with which you should use these products depends on the severity of your symptoms. Call and discuss with your doctor if you experience any side effects from using these products.

Special ingredients: Look for shampoos with coal tar, ketoconazole, and pyrithione zinc. When choosing skin care products, look for salicylic acid as it is one of the best ingredients to mattify the skin and control excess oil production.

Antifungal medicines: Your doctor might prescribe you antifungal medicines as a seborrheic dermatitis treatment if applying antifungal products on your skin does not help much.

Wash regularly: Regularly washing your skin and scalp can help reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis as it clears up the skin and removes buildup of flakes and crust. It is also good to soften up the skin and scalp before washing them.

Clothing: It is best to wear gentle clothing that has a minimum chance of irritating the skin. Do not wear clothes that are too tight or fabrics that can be harsh for the skin or scalp.

Apple cider vinegar: After shampoo, mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a small container and use it as a rinse. This practice will help make the condition better.

Aloe vera: Aloe vera is one of the best natural haircare and skincare products out there. It does not only brighten up the skin but also helps in reducing dandruff and controlling acne. Seborrheic dermatitis can also ease up with a regular application of aloe vera. It is best to use it directly from your plant rather than buying it from markets. Ensure to wash it and cut the spikes on the sides before application.

Patience and consistency: Like most things in life, patience and consistency are needed to combat this skin and scalp condition. Make a lifestyle change rather than following the tips only for a small period to minimize your risk of developing it later in life. It can be hard and uncomfortable to deal with such conditions, but staying patient and following the tips consistently will help improve the situation. Avoid anything that can flare up your condition.

Does onion oil help fight seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff of the scalp?

Onion juice and onion oil have helped countless people to deal with scalp issues. Most of the people who have used onions for treating their scalp problems have seen tremendous results. When it comes to controlling dandruff, reducing flakes, controlling hair fall, and re-growing hair, onion is one of the best and most effective treatments out there. People have even observed the filling of their bald patches with consistent use of onion oil or onion juice. Luckily, onion oil also helps with seborrheic dermatitis.

How does onion oil help with seborrheic dermatitis?

During a 2002 experimental study, onion was used to treat alopecia in women, which was caused by seborrheic dermatitis, and overall, the experiment had positive results. The study remained successful mainly because onions contain many ingredients which are beneficial for not only the body but also the scalp and hair. It has many minerals and sulfur compounds that promote a healthy scalp and prevent the development of scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It also has anti-microbial properties, and the antioxidants present in onions protect against free radicals.

The power of sulfur: Sulfur is the key nutrient in onions that helps clear up dandruff and fight scalp infections, keeping it clear and healthy. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

How to use onion oil for seborrheic dermatitis scalp treatment?

Apply onion oil to the scalp every night, massage into scalp. Consistent application will yield positive results in two to three months. However, you will start noticing a decrease in your dandruff from the first use.

Allergy

Though onion oil has a lot of benefits, some people can be allergic to it. It is recommended to do a patch test before applying to stay on the safe side and avoid any irritations.

Takeaway

Onion oil is not a miracle in a bottle, but it is definitely effective for treating scalp conditions and is one of the best treatments present for curing dandruff. It is affordable, and consistent application can be beneficial for scalp health.