Seborrhea & Cod Liver Oil

The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown. It is usually chronic and recurring with various presentations, although it usually affects the scalp. Any age group can develop this disorder, and it can be difficult to treat. Since there is no curative medication for this condition, alternative medicine may offer relief for symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cod liver fish oil capsules, may help your seborrhea.

Skin Physiology

Skin, as the largest organ of your body, has two layers; the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outer layer, while the dermis lies under the epidermis in association with your subcutaneous connective tissue. Skin is your body's first protective layer of cells against contamination and environmental hazards. It contains hair follicles, sweat glands and oil glands, which help it function. Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects areas of your skin with the highest numbers of oil glands.

About Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrhea causes scaly, itchy, red skin and dandruff. In infants it is known as cradle cap. It is not contagious and not a sign of poor hygiene, but it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Diagnosis is difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to other diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema and ringworm. A complete medical history will help medical personnel correctly diagnose seborrhea.

About Cod Liver Oil

Cod liver oil is made from the livers of cod fish, a saltwater fish. It contains natural vitamins A and D, as well as the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Your body does not produce its own omega-3 fatty acids, it only obtains them from your diet. Since omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to reduce inflammation in other conditions such as arthritis and asthma, it is logical that cod liver oil may be a good alternative medicine for seborrhea.

Treatments

Pharmacological treatment for your seborrhea usually involves topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroids and antifungal reagents. If conditions become severe, oral antifungal and steroids can be prescribed. A species of yeast, Malassezia, has been described as a causal factor in seborrhea, hence the antifungal treatments. Also, immunosuppressant drugs called calcineurin inhibitors can assist in short-term relief during a seborrheic flare-up. Using cod liver oil as a supplement or an alternative to your seborrhea treatment program should be discussed thoroughly with your physician before implementation.

Dosage and Toxicity

Health agencies across several countries recommend consuming 0.3 to 0.5 g omega-3 fatty acids daily, but much higher dosages may be prescribed for certain disease conditions. Up to 3 g of fish oil per day is usually considered safe. Beneficial studies on rheumatoid arthritis had patients ingesting 10 g of cod liver oil per day. The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fatty fish per week to supply enough omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Due to the high vitamin A content of cod liver oil, consult your physician before using it as an alternative treatment, or vitamin A toxicity could be a result.