Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flakes and white or yellow scales. The National Institutes of Health says the condition forms on oily areas of the body, such as the scalp or inside the ear. This condition is called cradle cap when it occurs on the scalp of infants. There are a number of remedies that can reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Dandruff Shampoo
Adults can use an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo once per day to reduce scaling and irritation of the scalp. To assist in removing the flakes, a massage with a fine toothed comb or brush can precede the shampooing. The National Institutes of Health recommends shampoos with salicylic acid, coal tar, resorcin, ketoconazole or selenium. These ingredients can also be found in lotions that can be applied to the affected skin to treat more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.
Gentle Shampoo
Babies and young children should not use dandruff shampoos unless it is recommended by a medical professional. Instead, a gentle shampoo can be used daily to remove the infant's scales. Adults and children may find that using a mild soap or detergent on the body or clothes can reduce flare ups of the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Before shampooing, the child's head can be massaged with the caregiver's fingers or a soft brush to help loosen the scales. Rinsing thoroughly is important to prevent further irritation.
Oils
The National Institutes of Health suggests applying mineral oil to the affected area and wrapping it with a warm wet cloth for up to an hour before shampooing. This treatment is safe for babies. A mild shampoo can be used to remove the mineral oil.
Tea tree oil, including tea tree oil shampoos, can be an effective treatment. Pure tea tree oil should not be placed directly on the skin, instead it should be diluted to at least 1 drop of oil to 10 drops of water. For individuals with more sensitive skin, the ration can be increased to 20 drops of water for 1 drop of oil.
Antifungal Creams
An over-the-counter antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole, may be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis suggests the Mayo Clinic. This treatment can be applied daily until the condition has cleared.
