Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes, Triggers, and What Really Works

When your scalp flakes like snow in July, or your eyebrows get red and greasy, you’re not just dealing with dry skin—you might have seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast on oily areas of the skin. Also known as seborrheic eczema, it’s not contagious, not caused by poor hygiene, and it doesn’t mean your immune system is failing. It just means your skin’s natural balance got thrown off.

This condition shows up most often where oil glands are thick—scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, chest, and even under the breasts. It looks like red patches covered in yellowish, greasy scales. In babies, it’s called cradle cap. In adults, it’s often mistaken for dandruff, but it’s more than just flakes. Dandruff is mild and limited to the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is deeper, itchier, and often spreads beyond the hairline. It flares up with stress, cold weather, hormonal shifts, or even certain shampoos. And yes, it can come back even after it clears up.

What makes it worse? malassezia yeast, a type of fungus that lives naturally on skin but overgrows in oily areas. Some people’s skin reacts to it like an allergen, triggering inflammation. antifungal treatments, like ketoconazole or ciclopirox work because they target this yeast directly. But many people don’t realize that moisturizers, harsh soaps, and even some supplements can make it worse. You don’t need to buy expensive creams—sometimes just switching to a gentle cleanser and using an over-the-counter antifungal shampoo twice a week is enough.

It’s not just about what you put on your skin. Sleep, stress, and what you eat play a role too. People who struggle with chronic seborrheic dermatitis often report flare-ups after long nights, high-stress weeks, or heavy alcohol use. There’s no magic diet that cures it, but cutting back on sugar and processed foods helps some. And while you can’t cure it permanently, you can control it. Most people find a routine that keeps it under control for months—or even years—at a time.

You’ll find real stories here—not just medical jargon. People who tried every cream, shampoo, and natural remedy and finally found what worked. Others who thought it was psoriasis or eczema until they got the right diagnosis. We’ve collected guides on managing skin conditions alongside medications, how supplements can help or hurt your skin, and how to spot when a treatment is doing more harm than good. You won’t find fluff. Just clear, practical advice from people who’ve been there.