Seborrheic dermatitis, often referred to as dandruff, is a common condition that usually affects the scalp and is characterized by scaly and flaky skin. According to FamilyDoctor.org, this form of dermatitis commonly affects babies under 3 months old and adults aged 30 to 60 years. Treatment varies according to the age of the patient and the part of the body affected; however, medicated shampoos or hydrocortisone creams are commonly employed. Some herbs may also help to soothe irritated, itchy skin, although there is little scientific evidence to support their use. Talk to your doctor before using herbal medicines.
Marsh Mallow
Marsh mallow is a traditional topical remedy for dermatitis, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Scientific evidence to support it use as a solo treatment for conditions characterized by dermal irritation is limited. However, marsh mallow extract is sometimes combined with steroids to manage dermatological conditions. Marsh mallow is considered to be safe with no reported side effects, notes UMMC. However, it may lower blood sugar if taken orally. Talk to your doctor before using this herb to make sure it is suitable for you.
St. John' s Wort
Thought to be named after St. John the Baptist, St. John's wort has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments. Although this herb is primarily used as an antidepressant, it is sometimes used to provide relief from dermatological conditions. Although no studies have established the efficacy of St. John's wort as a remedy for seborrheic dermatitis specifically, the results of a clinical study published in a German medical journal in February 2003 show that a cream containing St. John's reduced symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Lead author C.M. Schempp also notes that the herb was well tolerated; however all herbs can cause side effects. Get advice from a medical professional before using St. John's wort.
Camomile
UMMC notes that a topical application of camomile may be an effective treatment for dermatitis. Scientific evidence to support its use in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is limited, although the results of an animal study published in the Journal of Veterinary Science in March 2010 show that camomile oil effectively reduced scratching frequency in atopoic dermatitis. MedlinePlus notes that camomile oil is safe when applied to the skin. However, you may experience an allergic reaction if you are sensitive to ragweed-related plants. Talk to your doctor before using camomile to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Seborrheic Dermatitis: What It Is and How to Treat It
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dermatitis
- Drugs.com: Marsh Mallow
- Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center: Marshmallow
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
- PubMed: Topical Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis with Hypericum cream. A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Half-Side Comparison Study
