Scalp Psoriasis

While there is no known cure for seborrheic dermatitis, there are treatments that can control the symptoms. Treatment options depend on the severity of your condition and where it appears on your body.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp

Medicated shampoos are the first step in treating seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. Choose an over-the-counter shampoo that contains one of the following ingredients:

Ketoconazole

Pyrithione zinc

Selenium sulfide

Salicylic acid

Tar

Be sure to leave the shampoo on for at least five minutes, as this allows the ingredients time to work. Try this for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve. After a few weeks, if you do not see any improvement in your symptoms, speak with your dermatologist about steroid lotion or a prescription strength shampoo.

Nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis

Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis on other parts of the body aim to reduce the buildup of scaling on the skin. Over-the-counter antifungal or anti-itch creams may help control your symptoms.

If this treatment does not help, your dermatologist may prescribe topical or oral medications to treat stubborn patches. There are other methods of treatment that are more aggressive, but have been found to have some adverse effects on the immune system.