Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition in which your skin flakes or develops red patches. Millions of Americans suffer from this condition, which causes both itchy and unsightly skin. Certain nutritional supplements may provide important nutrients to help combat this condition, although you should always discuss the health risks and benefits of nutritional supplements with your physician first.
Identification
Among the numerous possible causes of seborrheic dermatitis are stress, fatigue, change of season, HIV/AIDS, certain neurological conditions and a fungus called malassezia. Infrequent shampooing may exacerbate this health problem. If you are an adult with this condition, you may develop symptoms on your scalp, on the sides of your nose, behind your ears and in your eyebrows. Common signs and symptoms associated with this condition include dandruff, patchy scaling in the affected area and soreness.
Nutritional Supplements
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that has long been treated with nutritional supplements. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," commonly used nutritional supplements include essential fatty acids, vitamin B complex, biotin, zinc, MSM, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, vitamin A, acidophilus, coenzyme Q10, free-form amino acid, emu oil, burdock, dandelion, wild pansy, goldenseal and red clover. Further testing using contemporary scientific research methods may help validate the use of these natural nutritional supplements.
Featured Supplement
Burdock is a nutritional supplement that may be helpful in treating your seborrheic dermatitis. Naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that burdock may be effective in treating several skin-related conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, boils and abscesses. Burdock may also be helpful in treating hives, eczema, acne and sebaceous cysts. Mitchell recommends taking about 40 drops of the liquid extract several ties daily, although you should always discuss dosage with your doctor first.
Warning
Seborrheic dermatitis is a bothersome condition that usually requires the assistance of a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner, such as a dermatologist. Your physician can instruct you on the appropriate nutrients or nutritional supplements from which you may most benefit. Nutritional supplements should always be used with caution, though, as some supplements may cause unwanted health effects if they are used inappropriately. Always review proper dosage with your doctor before using nutritional supplements in treating your seborrheic dermatitis.
References
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- MayoClinic.com: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
