The best hair care routine for seborrheic dermatitis focuses on using specific medicated shampoos and avoiding irritating products.
Here's a breakdown of an effective routine:
1. Eliminate Irritants:
- Stop using hair spray and hair pomades immediately. These products can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Medicated Shampoo Rotation:
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Alternate between shampoos containing the following active ingredients:
- Salicylic acid
- Coal tar
- Selenium sulfide
- Sulfur
- Zinc pyrithione
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Example Schedule: You could use a salicylic acid shampoo on Monday, a coal tar shampoo on Wednesday, and a zinc pyrithione shampoo on Friday. Repeat this cycle. Adjust frequency based on symptom severity and your dermatologist's recommendations.
3. Shampoo Application:
- Follow the instructions on the shampoo bottle. Generally, this involves:
- Wetting your hair thoroughly.
- Applying the shampoo to your scalp and hair.
- Massaging the shampoo into your scalp for several minutes. This is crucial for loosening scales.
- Rinsing thoroughly.
- You may need to leave the shampoo on for a longer period depending on the instructions.
4. Conditioner Options:
- Consider a zinc-based conditioner: If a zinc pyrithione shampoo isn't sufficient, a zinc-based conditioner may provide additional relief.
- Topical Oil: Your doctor may prescribe a conditioner rinse with zinc, or 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide topical oil.
5. Frequency of Washing:
- Adjust the frequency based on your needs. Some people may need to wash their hair daily, while others can manage with washing every other day. Experiment to find what works best for you.
6. Considerations:
- Consult a dermatologist: For personalized recommendations and prescription-strength treatments. They can diagnose your condition properly and advise on the most suitable products and routine.
- Be patient: It may take several weeks to see improvement.
- Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen inflammation and lead to infection.
- Manage stress: Stress can trigger flare-ups.
