Ask Dr. Schultz
How can I treat my Seborrheic Dermatitis?
I have Seborrheic Dermatitis on my face {Which includes eyebrows, nose, forehead, cheeks, chin, behind the ears, and inside the ears}, but I also have oily areas like my t-zone. What skin care products would help with the oily parts of my skin? How should I be treating my Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and oily skin are both caused by the same thing – overactive oil glands – and one can’t slow down their oil production so one has to remove the excess oil from the oily areas and control the oil-induced inflammation that manifests as the “seborrheic dermatitis.”
For my patients with Seborrheic Dermatitis and oily skin, I suggest using a dandruff shampoo (the ones with tar work best, e.g., Neutrogena T-gel Shampoo) daily. Apply it to the scalp, face and behind the ears, lathering for one minute, rinse and repeat. Then an acne oil removing cleanser and toner twice daily to the t-zone oily areas. And I suggest carrying astringent pads to remove excess t-zone oil during the day when it accumulates.
If that doesn’t control the seborrheic dermatitis (but it usually does), then I prescribe prescription topical medications.