Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Hi! It can be so exhausting going through dry scalp and face eczema. I've had seborrheic dermatitis for 15 years now on and off. Just got a grip without it coming back 3-years ago and recently wrote a detailed article of the journey that may be published here soon.


Dandruff is often just the same as seborrheic dermatitis, it just gets at its worst when it has to be diagnosed and treated properly. If you have a history of atopic dermatitis or eczema then it is very likely SeboDerm. A dermatologist would be best to get officially diagnosed and treated. If you trust you GP then for quicker relief possibly contact them if they suggest a prescribed shampoo until getting to Derm.


Giving a steroid CREAM for your face and scalp especially SeboDerm is very concerning. What I've always seen given and others that I know who have it is red gel based shampoo that does have steroids in it and it has always gave much relief and a cleared scalp within 2 weeks. The maintenance along with using that shampoo is what's also important. The dermatologist may suggest a good dandruff OTC shampoo to maintain or if you're like me and likes natural products, then looking for shampoos with Peppermint, Neem, or Tea Tree if not allergic, has done wonders for my scalp.


Lastly, SeboDerm is nothing like atopic dermatitis, as it's ultimately a fungus and one dermatologist I had an appointment, who had SeboDerm himself told me that it will only be killed by combating the fungus with the right ingredients in a product. The shampoo often given has Zinc and other ingredients you may see along with the low steroid dosage which calms it quicker. I also would get the SeboDerm travel to certain areas of my face at its worst. SeboDerm is very very similar to Psoriasis so if you want to know which you have go for the biopsy if able, but ultimately the healing is just as similar. Atopic Dermatitis healing methods which is often over moisturizing will not work for SeboDerm. You scalp is already too clogged. Hope that long explanation is helpful. Please get guidance from a dermatologist, when it is a new problem it can be very overwhelming!

Hi @jed3 - I feel for you. We can all relate to what you are saying. Especially re. the oozing. Have you tried getting a second opinion from another doctor? But tbh, it does sound like seborrheic dermatitis but obviously, the professionals know better. How long have you had these symptoms? Best wishes - Pete (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)

Hi Nina. Thank you for that information. Yes it just my regular GP, not a dermatologist, and he just diagnosed it by looking at it. I will ask for a biopsy or referral to a specialist.

Hi . So sorry to hear you are struggling with this. Ooze is by far the worst symptom for me, so I know how stressful and uncomfortable it is. Did you see a regular doctor or dermatologist? Also, did the doctor just diagnose by looking at your rash or did he do a skin biopsy? Unfortunately in my case, steroids only did more harm than good and I ended up having to go through Topical Steroid Withdrawal, so they are a no go for me and I am sorry they don't seem to be working for you well either! But perhaps the first step would be talking to your doctor and seeing if doing a biopsy would be possible to make sure, if it hasn't been? My doctors initially thought my scalp was seborrheic dermatitis, but when we did a biopsy on my scalp, it actually turned out to be psoriasis in my case. May not hurt to ask and see what he thinks, and hopefully you can come up with a solution together! Here is an article on some tips for scalp eczema in general as well you may find useful - https://atopicdermatitis.net/living/seborrheic-dermatitis-tips.


I hope you get some relief soon, please keep us posted on how it's going! -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)