Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common skin condition. It is a long term condition which affects the oily skin areas of the body. It might affect the face, ears, eyelids, eyebrows, chest, nose, but most commonly, the scalp. It causes inflammation, itching, red skin, and scaly patches(1). It affects 11.6 percent of adults and 70 percent of babies below three months of age. It is called ‘cradle cap’ in babies. The reason behind its occurrence might be genetic or environmental.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is most prevalent among aged people above 50, small babies and is also common during puberty. Also, it is more prevalent in males than in females. Poor hygiene is not what causes this skin condition. Winters and stress are noticed as the possible triggers of Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Apart from medication, there are various home remedies of seborrheic dermatitis which you could use. A few natural essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis are believed to be quite beneficial. Have a look!
Essential Oils for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Essential oils are plant extracts and contain a range of curative properties. These oils help to fight fungus, microbes, bacteria, and inflammation. Some of the most suitable essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis are tea tree, eucalyptus, patchouli, borage, etc. You could use these oils in combination with any carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective essential oil for seborrheic dermatitis. It has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. A study conducted on one hundred twenty-six people, who used a shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil, found it to be beneficial for dandruff.
You could safely use tea tree oil for seborrheic dermatitis. You could opt for a tea tree oil shampoo. Alternatively, you could use a mix of tea tree oil and coconut oil on your scalp. Tea tree oil is safe for topical use only. Also, it is toxic, hence do not consume it in excess.
You can use eight to twelve drops of tea tree oil and coconut oil. Use this mixture to massage your scalp. You could start with an even lesser amount of tea tree oil to test its tolerability. Tea tree oil is quite strong. So, it is necessary to use only diluted tea tree oil for seborrheic dermatitis.
[Also Read: Tea Tree Oil: Health Benefits and Uses]
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the safest and most popular essential oils. It has immense medicinal value and is significantly used in aromatherapy for years. Lavender oil is useful in dementia, insomnia, depression, and is used for healing wounds. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and sedative properties, this oil is considered safe as valuable essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis
You could use lavender essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis in combination with any carrier oil. You could also prepare a mix of lavender oil, tea tree oil, and a carrier oil like almond, olive, or coconut oil and massage it on the scalp or the affected area. You could even inhale it as it has a ‘calming effect.’
You could use a few drops of lavender essential oil with almond oil or any other carrier oil and massage your scalp. Alternatively, you could massage your scalp with a combination of lavender oil, tea tree oil with coconut oil.
3. Borage Oil
Borage oil is an extract of Borago officinalis seeds. It is useful in case of rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. Researchers have found that topical application of borage oil benefits in healing cradle cap. A study involved using 0.5 ml of borage oil on the affected area twice daily for two weeks. The study also observed the imbalance of fatty acids in the blood. This imbalance was reported to stabilize when the rashes of the babies were healed after using Borage oil.
You should never use undiluted essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis. Also, the different carrier oils like coconut, almond, and olive oil have a beneficial effect on your scalp. So, use diluted borage oil for your scalp. You could also use borage oil with your shampoo.
You could add a few drops of borage oil to your shampoo. Alternatively, you could massage your scalp with a combination of borage oil and any carrier oil.
[Also Read: Treat Seborrheic Dermatitis Naturally]
4. Patchouli Oil
Patchouli oil is an important essential oil usually used in soaps, perfumes, etc. The plant was in use as a traditional cure in some Asian countries like India and China. Patchouli oil is used to help in anxiety, stress, depression, mouth odor, enhancing libido, healing wounds, and boosting immunity. The oil can be useful as an effective essential oil for curing seborrheic dermatitis as it helps to fight bacteria and fungi. It helps to fight Malassezia, the fungi responsible for seborrheic dermatitis. The oil has excellent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
You could use soap or other skin products that contain patchouli oil. You could also use a few drops of the oil with your shampoo or face mask. A combination of the oil with a carrier oil is useful as a massage oil for the scalp. You could also rinse the affected area using patchouli oil with water.
Use only a few drops of Patchouli oil in shampoo, face mask or rinse. Alternatively, you could use it in combination with any suitable carrier oil.
5. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is useful as a cure for many health conditions as it has antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. It is an excellent essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis. Firstly, it has anti-fungal properties. Secondly, the oil helps to get immediate relief from inflammation. Thirdly, in addition to curing your skin condition, it stimulates blood circulation, thereby contributing to hair growth.
Eucalyptus oil is meant for topical use. Hence do not swallow it. Also, you have to dilute it before using it on your skin or hair. You can use it on your scalp in combination with a shampoo or carrier oil. Before using it on the skin, dilute it with water.
You could add around five drops of eucalyptus oil to your regular shampoo. You could also prepare a mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil and one tablespoonful coconut oil. You could use this mix to massage your scalp. Eucalyptus oil might interfere with medications taken for diabetes and blood pressure.
You should take a few precautions before using these essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis. Firstly, you should consult a dermatologist who could give you a clear picture of your skin disorder. He/She could give you the correct advice regarding the use of these essential oils on your skin. Secondly, you should not consume essential oils orally, as most of them could be toxic. Thirdly, you should perform a patch test to check for allergies to these oils. Follow a proper diet, moderate exercise, take ample sleep, avoid food triggers, and stress. Make some lifestyle changes, along with using these natural essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis.
FAQs
1. How are essential oils effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis?
Essential oils are plant extracts and contain a range of curative properties. These oils help to fight fungus, microbes, bacteria, and inflammation. Some of the most suitable essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis are tea tree, eucalyptus, patchouli, borage, lavender oil like the ones discusses above. You could use these oils in combination with any carrier oil like coconut, olive or almond oil.
2. What are the most effective home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis?
The most effective home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis are:
- Proper diet
- Lifestyle Changes
- Probiotics
- Aloe Vera
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil and
- Staying hydrated
