Seborrheic dermatitis is a non-contagious skin disorder majorly affecting the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red, inflamed skin covered by flaky, dry or greasy scales on the scalp. In addition to the scalp, the face, area behind the ears, eyelashes, chest, and back may also be involved. It is also called as seborrheic eczema. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis it is known by the name of cradle cap. It is a long term condition and runs a remitting and relapsing course. Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis with flakes or scales on the scalp but without inflammation of the skin. Homeopathic medicines for seborrheic dermatitis help reduce the severity and intensity of the problem.
Homeopathic Medicines for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Homeopathy works wonderfully well in treating seborrheic dermatitis. These medicines treat both acute and chronic seborrheic dermatitis effectively. To start with, homeopathy medicines reduce the intensity and frequency of flare-up of seborrheic dermatitis. In time, the condition is treated. Also, these medicines boost the self-healing mechanism of the body, thus making it strong enough to fight seborrheic dermatitis on its own. Kali Sulphuricum, Thuja Occidentalis, Graphites Naturalis, Natrum Muriaticum and Phosphorus are rated among the best prescriptions for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
1. Kali Sulphuricum – For Seborrheic Dermatitis with Yellow Scales
Kali Sulphuricum is a top grade medicine for treating seborrheic dermatitis. It works wonders in seborrheic dermatitis cases with prominent yellow flakes on the scalp. The scales are sticky in nature, with a moist scalp. It is attended with itching. Heat worsens the itching in some cases.
2. Thuja Occidentalis – For White Flakes on Scalp
Thuja Occidentalis is a well indicated medicine for seborrheic dermatitis with white flakes on the scalp. The hair may be dry in such cases. In a few cases, split ends and falling of hair may be noted.
3. Graphites Naturalis – For Scales and Intense Itching
Graphites Naturalis is an effective medicine for seborrheic dermatitis where the scales on the scalp are accompanied by intense itching. The scales reduce after washing but reappear. A fetid odor on the scalp may also be observed. The scalp may also remain moist and humid. Matting together of the hair or falling of hair are also seen. Apart from the scalp, the scales may also be present on the eyelid margins and behind the ears.
4. Natrum Muriaticum – For Greasy Skin
Natrum Muriaticum most effectively treats seborrheic dermatitis with a greasy, oily scalp with redness and flakiness. The scalp is covered with white scurfs. Burning sensation on the scalp may also be present. The face is oily, with redness. Acne on the face may also be present along with the above symptoms.
5. Phosphorus – For Flakiness and Excessive Hairfall
For seborrheic dermatitis cases where flakiness on the scalp is attended with excessive hair fall, Phosphorus is an excellent prescription. The hair fall in bunches. In some cases, the hair may fall off in spots. This may be accompanied by a severe burning sensation on the scalp. In a few cases, clammy sweat on the scalp may also be present.
Cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis
The exact cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is not known. Irritation by toxic substances produced by a type of yeast called mallasezia, mainly mallasezia globose, found on the scalp is said to cause seborrhoeic dermatitis. Genetic predisposition, weak immune system, obesity, oily/greasy skin are other factors that could lead to seborrhoeic dermatitis. Change of season, sleep deprivation and stress make the condition worse.
Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis
The first noticeable symptom of seborrheic dermatitis is inflamed, flaky skin on the scalp. In spite of the flakes, the skin on the scalp remains greasy. Itching and burning on the scalp may attend the flakes. The flakes vary from yellow, to white to greyish in color. In addition to the scalp, the face, chest, and back may get involved in seborrheic dermatitis.