Seborrhea

🌿 Overview

Seborrhea (seborrheic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition caused by overactive oil (sebaceous) glands producing scaly, yellowish or white patches that may be greasy or dry and flaky. Most commonly affects the scalp, face (especially eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears), and chest. It occurs at any age but is most common in infancy (as cradle cap) and middle age. Causes include stress and anxiety, nutritional deficiencies (especially biotin and vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → A), heredity, hot or humid weather, oily skin, and association with acne, rosacea, or psoriasis.

Common signs

• Scaly, flaky patches most often on the scalp, face (eyebrows, sides of nose, ears), and chest
• Yellowish, greasy scales or dry white flakes
• Itching of the affected areas
• Small bumps or patches of reddened skin
• In infants: thick, crusty patches on the scalp (cradle cap)

🔎 Why it happens

Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.

• Disorder of the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin
• Nutritional deficiencies, especially biotin, vitamin A, and B-complex vitamins
• Stress and anxiety
• Oily skin and hereditary tendency
• Hot or humid weather
• Associated conditions: acne, rosacea, psoriasis, Parkinson's disease

✅ What to do

Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.

1. Avoid dairy products, white flour, chocolate, sugar, seafood, and raw eggs.
2. Take vitamins A, C, and B-complex.
3. Try a gluten-free diet.
4. Do not use commercial ointments, irritating soaps, or chemical shampoos.
5. Do not squeeze or pick at the skin.
6. An oatmeal bath (2 cups oatmeal in a tub of lukewarm water, 20 minutes) relieves itching.
7. Apply goldenseal root powder mixed with vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → E oil to the affected area to reduce itching.
8. Take 1-2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily for essential fatty acids.
9. Chamomile, ginkgo biloba, licorice root, and witch hazel are well-researched herbs for skin inflammationThe body's natural response to injury — like redness, swelling, or heat around a sore spot. More →.

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🍽️ Eating to help

Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.

Eat primarily raw, fresh whole foods. Avoid: dairy products, white flour, chocolate, excess sugar, seafood, and raw eggs. Consider a gluten-free trial. Take vitamins A, C, and B complex. Add 1-2 Tbsp. flaxseed oil daily for essential unsaturated fatty acids.

💬 Ask Remy about Seborrhea