What are the treatments for seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis treatments

Seborrheic dermatitis treatments are often unnecessary as they typically resolve naturally within several months. Medicated shampoos are the first line of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Prescription topical treatments are available for moderate to severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.

Over the counter treatments – shampoos or lotions that contain the following active ingredients:

• Antifungals (Ketoconazole or Ciclopirox)
• Coal tar shampoos
• Pyrithione zinc (Head and Shoulders)
• Selenium sulfide (Selsun)
• Salicylic acid
• Tea tree oil

Anti-inflammatory treatments – topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors can reduce inflammation of the skin. Treatments are available as a shampoo or cream. Long-term use of steroids may pose health risks such as skin damage. Calcineurin inhibitors have antifungal and anti-inflammatory benefits. Antifungal medications – ketoconazole or ciclopirox are antifungal prescription medications that can effectively treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Topical lithium salts – treats symptoms of scaly skin and redness.

Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) - Seborrheic dermatitis in infants is a common skin condition that usually resolves by itself within 2 months. Most often, the recommended treatment for cradle cap involves non-medicated therapy. Parents are advised of daily use of a mild shampoo, followed immediately by an application of mineral oil or baby oil to keep the scalp hydrated. Some baby shampoos may actually worsen scalp irritation. For infants with severe or lingering cradle cap, both fungicides and steroids are effective in treating cradle cap. However, there are risky side effects in using topical steroid creams on infants. Ketoconazole is an alternative to using steroid creams in infants.