A seborrheic dermatitis drug that is effective in treating scaly skin

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that makes the scalp dry, red, and scaly. This skin disease is not dangerous, but the symptoms are uncomfortable and can have an impact on appearance. Seborrheic dermatitis sufferers are usually advised to undergo treatment therapy using drugs.

What medications can you use and what are the rules for using them?

Seborrheic dermatitis drugs for adults

During medical treatment, you can also treat dermatitis at home to support healing. However, you should still be careful because natural ingredients are not suitable for everyone.

In some cases, using natural ingredients can actually make itching worse. Talk to your doctor before using any natural ingredients. If necessary, you can also undergo allergy tests for the various types of ingredients that you will use.

If it has been proven to be safe for the skin, consider a few tips that you can apply below.

1. Avoid triggers itching

According to the National Eczema Association, here are triggers for itching that need to be avoided during the treatment period.

• Weather that is too hot or cold.
• Dry air.
• Stress that is not properly managed.
• Too much sun exposure.
• Hygiene products or detergents with harsh ingredients.
• The habit of scratching the skin.

2. Apply tea tree oil

Tea tree oil known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which are believed to be effective in relieving symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. However, before use, do an allergy test first by dabbing it tea tree oil to the skin and let stand for 24 hours.

If there is no allergic reaction, you can continue using. Mix 2-3 drops tea tree oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil, then apply it on the scalp with light massaging movements. Repeat for 1-2 weeks until symptoms improve.

3. Apply aloe vera gel

Aloe vera is rich in anti-inflammatory substances, so it is often used as a natural therapy to treat symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. You do this by simply applying aloe vera gel directly on the problem skin.

Although considered effective, aloe vera should not be used carelessly on children under 10 years. You should consult your doctor first because aloe vera has the potential to cause side effects and allergic reactions.

4. Apply coconut oil

Coconut oil has been used for generations to prevent and treat dry skin that is prone to irritation. In particular, virgin coconut oil (VCO) is reported to have high levels of polyphenols and fatty acid components.

A 2017 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology said, applying VCO extract to the skin is useful for relieving inflammation and increasing its protective function (skin barrier).

Refined coconut oil also contains monolaurin. Monolaurin is a fatty acid that suppresses bacterial development Staphylococcus aureus the cause of infection which usually resides in eczema-prone skin.

5. Consuming probiotics

Probiotics are a type of good bacteria that can nourish the organs and digestive system. In addition, probiotics are also able to increase endurance and suppress inflammatory processes that occur in the body.

However, the use of probiotics that help control symptoms of skin inflammation still requires further medical testing. Currently, research on probiotics as a traditional medicine for seborrheic dermatitis is still limited.

Consumption of probiotics is not harmful to adults with eczema. So, if you want to try taking probiotics to treat eczema, there's nothing wrong with it.

6. Take fish oil supplements

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which can stop inflammation in the body, including in the skin tissue due to seborrheic dermatitis.

A deep study Journal of Dermatological Science in 2015 mentioned, fish oil supplements can increase skin moisture faster, strengthen the resistance of the skin barrier (skin barrier), and get rid of scratches caused by scratching itching.

Choice of seborrheic dermatitis drugs for babies

Seborrheic dermatitis that occurs on the scalp of infants under 3 months of age is known as cradle cap . Symptoms cradle cap usually resolves on its own within a few weeks or a few months.

Using a gentle baby shampoo, especially one that doesn't contain fragrance, is enough to keep the scalp clean. However, if the eczema on the baby's scalp does not go away or gets worse, take your little one to the doctor.

If necessary, the doctor will prescribe an antifungal medication such as clotrimazole or miconazole to treat the symptoms on the baby's scalp. Your doctor may also suggest using a special shampoo.

For babies with severe symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, the doctor may recommend the use of a topical medication in the form of a low potency steroid ointment. These creams usually help clear rashes, redness, and severe oily skin.

Ointments with mild steroid potency can be applied 1-2 times to the skin of babies affected by seborrheic dermatitis. Medicines can work more effectively when combined with the following home remedies.

1. Bathe the baby with water mixed with a few drops of a moisturizing agent to soften scaly skin.
2. When cleaning your scalp, try not to scrub too hard.
3. Keep baby's skin moisturized by regularly applying moisturizing creams or emollients to avoid skin irritation and infections.
4. Choose a moisturizing cream for eczema skin without fragrances or other ingredients that trigger skin irritation.
5. Avoid using scented soaps when bathing babies. Switch to using soaps that contain moisturizers or emollients.
6. Do not remove any skin scales that are attached, as this can increase the risk of infection with seborrheic eczema.
7. If the scaly skin is still not gone, you can apply it petroleum jelly before cleaning your little one's hair.

Seborrheic dermatitis treatment is available in many forms. Most of the drugs are generally in the form of topical drugs (topical) such as ointments. These drugs may not cure the disease, but they will at least reduce the severity of symptoms.

Medical treatment is often accompanied by lifestyle changes and home treatments recommended by doctors. If you are in doubt about a combination of natural remedies, immediately consult a dermatologist. This combination of treatments is not only beneficial for symptom relief, but also prevents the disease from recurring.