Alternative Medicine For Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis generally presents as an accumulation of dandruff and yellow crusting in the areas of the scalp, ears, face and in some conditions, the trunk. Seborrheic dermatitis appears to be caused by a disruption in fatty acid metabolism brought about in the presence of a species of fungus known as malassezia. In infants, seborreheic dermatitis is often called cradle cap. Cradle cap is believed to be specifically related to a deficiency in biotin and may point to the development of food allergies in the future.

Herbs

Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with the soothing and antimicrobial effects of various herbs. The fungus appears to metabolize the fatty acids present in the sebum of the skin and in doing so preserves its viability. A 2006 Skin Therapy Letter, by Janet G. Hickman, M.D., explains that treatment of seborrheic dermatitis includes the use of agents that eliminate the malassezia yeast. Tea tree oil is a well known topical agent for treating different skin conditions caused by a variety of micro-organisms. She notes that tea tree oil has been effective against the malassezia yeast.

Henna is an herb with a long history of use to dye the hair, skin and nails. It is often associated with the traditional body art of many Mediterranean, Northern African and East Indian cultures. The temporary tattoo dye is also useful against the malassezia yeast. Additionally, the herb is noted to have anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities. In certain people, however, the henna dye can be toxic and may be associated with dangerous complications. The use of herbs to treat this condition should be discussed with a doctor before use.

Topical Relief

Another treatment approach listed by Hickman in the Skin Therapy Letter was the use of anti-inflammatory agents. Inflammation of the skin often present as itching. The PeaceHealth alternative medicine database notes that a natural aloe vera or herbal cream containing a 30 percent aloe emulsion may improve the scaling and itching associated with the condition. Borage oil was mentioned in the PeaceHealth article as being a potentially helpful topical treatment for cradle cap in infants. Topical treatments should be discussed with a health care practitioner before use.

B Vitamins and Zinc

Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals have been associated with an increased susceptibility toward developing seborrheic dermatitis. In particular, Hickman notes that a hereditary or acquired zinc deficiency may present as seborrheic dermatitis. The deficiency should be evaluated, and proper supplementation may resolve the patchy dandruff. This fact is further confirmed by the conventional use of shampoos that contain pyrithione zinc, such as Head and Shoulders. B vitamins, specifically biotin, are associated with infantile seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap, according to naturopathic physician, Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., N.D., in his book, "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine." The deficiency can be reversed in the infant with direct biotin supplementation or indirectly via the nursing mother. Nursing mothers can also include high biotin containing foods in the diet, including liver and egg yolk. All vitamins and food therapy should be discussed with a doctor before they are applied to the diet.

Addressing Food Allergies

Food allergies can be an underlying and ambiguous cause of many skin conditions. Pizzorno explains that although a biotin deficiency is believed to be the root cause of cradle cap in infants, it is linked to the development of food allergies in 67 percent of those children by their 10th birthday. The PeaceHealth organization recommends that food allergies should be investigated in infants with cradle cap. The most common triggers were milk, wheat and eggs. Breastfeeding mothers should reconsider these foods in their diets as well, but before removing any foods from the diet, they should discuss this treatment option with their physician.