This image (above) shows the patient’s scalp on the first visit. Seborrheic Dermatitis is most easily spotted as dandruff in the scalp. It is flaky, itchy and sometimes red and inflamed as in the case of our patient here.
Seborrheic Dermatitis as it presents on the scalp can be treated just with Chinese herbs alone.
The herbs are able not just to reduce inflammatory load on the scalp, but also help balance out the imbalance in the body that is causing the scalp to be flaky, itchy and inflamed.
The second visit is 3 weeks later (see 2nd image). The scalp is already feeling slightly less inflammed.
One month after the second consultation, with regular use of Chinese herbs, we see further improvement in the condition of the scalp.
The 3rd image shows the patient’s scalp about 7 weeks after the first consultation.
Your dermatologist might have already put you on topical steroids (creams, ointment, oil, etc), anti-fungals or medicated shampoos. Maybe you hae seen some improvement, but wish that the scaling and itch would stop!
If you want an inside-out approach, consider TCM for Seborrheic Dermatitis. Based on the information gathered during the consultation, we create a herbal formula that you consume. This method involves ingesting herbs that don’t taste so good, but are effective.
If you respond well to TCM, it would the best decision you made to treat your dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis!
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition linked to sebum production by the sebaceous glands. The areas of the body most affected are those rich in sebaceous glands — this includes the scalp, face, upper back, and for some people, the groin and armpit.
As you can see in the image below, men often suffer from seborrheic dermatitis on their beards. And no, this is not Prince Harry!
As you read on, you will realize it is sometimes not so straight forward, how Seborrheic Dermatitis is diagnosed. It is often confused with skin conditions as disparate as Fungal Infection, Rosacea, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Pityriasis Rosea and even Pityriasis Versicolor.
There are two common classifications of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Chinese Medicine. They relate specifically to the Scalp vs the Face:
This is called Bai Xiao Feng (White Scales Wind) in Chinese Medicine. It starts with dandruff of the scalp, with lesions that extends beyond the hairline. It may also spread behind the ears, leading to greasy scale and fissures behind the ears.
This is called Mian You Feng (Roving Face Wind) in Chinese Medicine. The affected areas include the inner eyebrow, the eyelids (blepharitis), the nasolabial folds, and may spread all over the face. It may be mis-diagnosed as Rosacea, Acne or even Eczema.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in babies is known as Cradle Cap when it is on the scalp or on the face and cheeks. When it is flaring around the groin area, it is called Nappy Rash.
From the face, it can spread down to the neck and armpits. As for lesions in the groin area, it can spread down the inner thighs or up to the umbilicus/naval.
SD may develop in infants due to hormonal changes that occur in the mother during pregnancy. The fluctuating hormone levels may then stimulate the infant’s oil glands to produce excessive sebum.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in infants may first appear when the infant is between 2 weeks to 6 months old.
While the infant’s skin seems to be inflammed, there is little to no itching. For this reason, you don’t see the lichenification that is common in Atopic Dermatitis. You will see lichenified skin in infants with Seborrheic Dermatitis, but you won’t see them in Psoriasis.
If a child suffers from Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis, it really doesn’t bode well. There is a higher likelihood that the child may develop Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis later in life.
SD may develop in infants due to hormonal changes that occur in the mother during pregnancy. The fluctuating hormone levels may then stimulate the infant’s oil glands to produce excessive sebum.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in infants may first appear when the infant is between 2 weeks to 6 months old.
While the infant’s skin seems to be inflammed, there is little to no itching. For this reason, you don’t see the lichenification that is common in Atopic Dermatitis. You will see lichenified skin in infants with Seborrheic Dermatitis, but you won’t see them in Psoriasis.
If a child suffers from Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis, it really doesn’t bode well. There is a higher likelihood that the child may develop Atopic Dermatitis or Psoriasis later in life.
Malassezia is a type of yeast that naturally occurs in the skin’s oils. When it multiplies more than usual, it may cause an inflammatory response in the skin, which then triggers excessive oil production.
Malassezia is in abundance on skin affected by Seborrheic Dermatitis. It is also present in cases of Pityriasis Versicolor as well as Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis.
Sebum is this sticky and oily substance that our body produces in order to keep the skin moisturized.
Sebaceous glands are sebum-secreting glands that are concentrated on the face, back and chest.
Sebaceous gland activity is stimulated by androgens (sex hormones including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone), which explains why men are twice as likely than women to develop Seborrheic Dermatitis.
What is interesting is this: High sebum activity gives rise to Seborrheic Dermatitis and Acne, yet its presence is disproportionately low in Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema!
You may already be steroids or medicated shampoos. You may have found some improvement but are looking for further gains, less redness, scaling and itch. You are looking for a more holistic approach.
If that is you, consider TCM for Seborrheic Dermatitis. Our method involves ingesting herbs that don’t taste so good, but they can be really effective! If you respond well to our approach, it would the best decision you made to treat your dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis!
Seborrheic Dermatitis lesions sometimes look like Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema lesions. One reason is that The main reason why they can be similar is because the same commensal yeast lives off both Seborrheic Dermatitis and Eczema lesions. This yeast is called Malassezia or Pityrosporum.
Over time, some Seborrheic Dermatitis lesions around the ears may fissure and resemble the cracks you see in Eczema. Those around the upper back may erode and crust and show up like the erosions and crusts common in Eczema lesions.
The differences are most obvious in infants:
You can learn more about TCM for Eczema here!
In fact, Malassezia is also present in Psoriasis, making it sometimes very difficult to differentiate Seborrheic Dermatitis from Psoriasis.
Both Psoriasis in its nascent phase and Seborrheic Dermatitis may show up as greasy, scaly patches along the hairlines, around the ears, near the inner eyebrow.
That said, there are some ways to differentiate Psoriasis from Seborrheic Dermatitis:
When it is hard to differentiate both of them, there is also a medical label called Sebopsoriasis! For real!
Read up on TCM for Psoriasis here!
If a person presents only with Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Face, it can be difficult to differentiate from Rosacea.
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to seborrheic dermatitis, focusing on balancing the body’s doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Treatments include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and therapies tailored to individual needs. This system emphasizes addressing the root causes rather than just alleviating symptoms, aiming for long-term relief and overall wellness.
Curing seborrheic dermatitis naturally can involve various methods such as applying herbal pastes like Triphala Churna to the affected areas, maintaining proper hygiene, and avoiding harsh chemicals in soaps and shampoos. Many individuals have reported success by integrating natural remedies into their daily routines while also making dietary adjustments to support skin health.
Seborrheic dermatitis may be associated with zinc deficiency, as studies have shown that patients with this condition often exhibit lower serum zinc levels compared to healthy individuals. A case-control study indicated that serum zinc levels were statistically significantly lower in patients with seborrheic dermatitis (79.16 µg/dL) than in the control group (84.88 µg/dL). Additionally, while some studies have found no significant correlation between zinc levels and disease severity, the overall findings suggest that zinc deficiency could exacerbate or contribute to the development of seborrheic dermatitis . Therefore, maintaining adequate zinc levels may be beneficial in managing this skin condition.
Herbs that are beneficial for seborrheic dermatitis include Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). These herbs possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing.
To dissolve seborrheic dermatitis, treatments often involve antifungal agents or herbal applications that target the underlying yeast infection associated with the condition. Regular use of medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole or natural oils can also help reduce scaling and inflammation.
The most effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis typically combines topical antifungal medications with lifestyle modifications. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has also shown promise in managing this condition. For example, a case report highlighted a 27-year-old woman who experienced significant improvement after three weeks of TCM treatment, which included a herbal powder and a topical gel containing Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis). Additionally, a study evaluating TCM’s efficacy for scalp seborrheic dermatitis found that combination treatments were effective for mild to severe cases, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing the root causes of the condition.
Seborrheic dermatitis can sometimes heal on its own, particularly in infants, where it often resolves spontaneously within the first year of life. In adults, however, the condition tends to be chronic and may follow a pattern of flare-ups and remissions, making it less likely to resolve without treatment. While some individuals may experience periods of improvement, effective management through proper skin care routines and treatments is typically necessary to control symptoms and prevent recurrence. Self-care measures, such as using appropriate shampoos and maintaining skin hydration, can also support healing and reduce flare-ups.
The root cause of seborrheic dermatitis is often attributed to an imbalance in the body’s doshas, particularly an increase in Kapha and Vayu doshas. Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions may exacerbate this imbalance, leading to flare-ups of the condition.
The first-line treatment for seborrheic dermatitis typically involves the use of topical antifungal agents, such as ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione, which help reduce the yeast that contributes to the condition. These treatments are often administered in the form of medicated shampoos or creams applied to the affected areas. Frequent cleansing with these medicated products is essential, with recommendations to leave them on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. In addition to antifungal treatments, topical corticosteroids may be used sparingly to alleviate inflammation and itching, particularly during flare-ups.
Factors that worsen seborrheic dermatitis include stress, hormonal fluctuations, cold and dry weather conditions, certain foods (like dairy and sugar), and inadequate scalp care. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help minimize flare-ups and improve overall skin health.
There are 4 major factors that increase your risk of seborrheic dermatitis.
The pathogenesis of this condition can be categorized into five different phases.
© 2026 Chinese Doc Singapore.
