Top Scalp Oils to Soothe and Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis Flare-Ups

Using Scalp Oils to Treat and Manage Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. It causes red, greasy, scaly patches and stubborn dandruff flakes to develop across the scalp and along the hairline.

While seborrheic dermatitis has no cure, it can be controlled through medicated shampoos, topical creams, and natural oils applied to the scalp. Finding the right scalp oil to supplement your treatment plan can help moisturize, soothe irritation, and reduce flaking caused by this frustrating condition.

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the sebaceous glands of the skin produce too much oil, or sebum. This causes skin cell turnover to accelerate, leading to the red, flaky, itchy skin patches.

While the exact cause is unknown, contributing factors may include:

• Yeasts like Malassezia feeding on excess scalp oils
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Cold, dry weather
• Weakened immune system

Seborrheic dermatitis tends to come and go in flare-ups. With proper treatment, symptoms can be reduced and managed.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Scalp

Signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis affecting the scalp include:

• Itchy, greasy skin
• White or yellowish flaky scales or crust on the scalp and hair
• Red patches of skin
• Dandruff
• Scalp soreness
• Hair loss in severe cases

Flare-ups often occur around the hairline, behind the ears, on the back of the neck, and in eyebrow areas. Symptoms range from mild with slight flaking to severe with prominent crusting and inflammation.

How Scalp Oils Help Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis

While medicated shampoos are the main treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, natural scalp oils can provide additional relief and healing benefits. Here’s how they help:

Moisturize and Soothe

The antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties in certain scalp oils help moisturize and soothe the irritated, flaky areas on the scalp caused by seborrheic dermatitis.

Boost Healing

Scalp oils contain essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish skin and support healing of damaged skin cells and tissues.

Unclog Follicles

Applying scalp oils can help “de-gunk” clogged hair follicles and dissolve buildup caused by excess sebum on the scalp.

Loosen Scales and Crusts

Natural emollients in scalp oils gently loosen and soften thick seborrheic dermatitis scales and crusts so they wash out easier.

Restore Moisture Barrier

Scalp oils reinforce the moisture barrier of the scalp damaged by seborrheic dermatitis inflammation so skin can better retain hydration.

Prevent Flare-Ups

Using scalp oils regularly can help prevent future seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups by keeping the scalp conditioned between medicated shampoo treatments.

Best Scalp Oils for Seborrheic Dermatitis Relief

These scalp oils stand out for their ability to soothe itchiness, reduce scaling and redness, and improve the overall health of a seborrheic dermatitis-prone scalp:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the most effective essential oils for treating seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties. It helps treat the Malassezia yeast overgrowth while calming irritation. Dilute before applying a few drops to affected areas of the scalp.

Argan Oil

Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil is an ultra-hydrating and healing oil ideal for the dry, flaky scalp that comes with seborrheic dermatitis. It absorbs easily without leaving residue and can be massaged directly into the scalp.

Jojoba Oil

With a composition similar to the natural sebum of skin, jojoba oil mimics the scalp’s own moisturizing oils. This makes it ideal for conditioning and soothing seborrheic dermatitis patches without clogging pores further. It also contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

Coconut Oil

The medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid in coconut oil help moisturize skin, remove scales, fight inflammation, and protect against microbial growth triggering seborrheic dermatitis flares. Use minimally as it can be comedogenic for some.

Evening Primrose Oil

High gamma-linolenic acid content makes evening primrose oil excellent at reducing skin irritation and inflammation associated with eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. It promotes healing and grazing of affected areas.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and high in linoleic acid which helps restore the scalp’s protective moisture barrier. Its anti-inflammatory properties also calm seborrheic dermatitis irritation and sensitivity when massaged into the scalp.

How to Use Scalp Oils for Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

When using scalp oils as part of your seborrheic dermatitis treatment routine, keep these tips in mind:

Perform a Patch Test

Try a small amount of any new oil on a small area first to check for potential reactions before wider use.

Use Carrier Oils

Dilute potent essential oils like tea tree with gentler carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed before scalp application.

Massage Oil into Scalp

Applying light pressure, massage oils into affected areas of the scalp for a few minutes to increase absorption and circulation.

Leave on for 30+ Minutes

Let oils soak into the scalp for at least half an hour before rinsing out for best conditioning effects.

Rinse Thoroughly

Use your regular dandruff shampoo or a clarify shampoo to fully rinse oils from hair and scalp after soaking.

Use Once or Twice Weekly

Use scalp oil treatments no more than a couple times a week to avoid potential oil build-up on hair.

Avoid Scalp Irritants

Steer clear of irritating ingredients like added fragrance and alcohol when choosing scalp oils for seborrheic dermatitis.

Complementary Treatments for Seborrheic Dermatitis

While helpful, scalp oils should not be relied on as the sole treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Some other therapies to incorporate into your management routine include:

Medicated Dandruff Shampoos

Prescription shampoos containing selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, coal tar or ketoconazole help reduce fungal growth, inflammation, scaling and itching.

Topical Steroids

Over-the-counter or prescription topical steroid creams and lotions can quickly calm inflamed seborrheic dermatitis patches and relieve itching.

Light Therapy

Phototherapy using controlled UVB or laser light can improve seborrheic dermatitis by reducing yeast oversecretion and suppressing inflammation.

Stress Management

Managing emotional stress through yoga, meditation, counseling, or other tactics can help prevent anxiety-induced seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.

Diet Adjustments

Avoiding foods high in yeast, sugar or unhealthy fats may help minimize sebum production and fungi growth influencing seborrheic dermatitis.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if:

• You are unsure if patches are seborrheic or another type of dermatitis
• Over-the-counter treatments are not improving symptoms
• The condition covers large areas of the scalp or body
• The skin becomes cracked, weepy, or infected
• Scalp flakes and itching persist despite diligent treatment

A dermatologist can properly diagnose the condition through examination and testing. They may prescribe stronger topical steroids, antifungal treatments, or medicated shampoos to get severe seborrheic dermatitis under control.

Achieving Seborrheic Dermatitis Remission

While ongoing management is needed, these tips can help you achieve longer remission between seborrheic dermatitis flares:

• Establish a consistent skin care routine using medicated, hydrating products
• Use scalp oils and treatments regularly, not just when symptoms occur
• Take oral antifungal medicine short-term if flares are severe
• Avoid picking at or scrubbing flaky patches which further irritates skin
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques and self-care
• Watch for triggers like seasonal changes, hormones, or diet and adjust accordingly

Coping with seborrheic dermatitis takes time finding the right mix of medicated cleansers, scalp oils, and lifestyle habits. But relieving symptoms and reclaiming a healthy, flake-free scalp is absolutely possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.