How to treat Flaky skin and Flaky scalp

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes itchiness, flakes, and scaly patches.

Malassezia yeast, genetics and hormones are thought to play a role in the chronic form.
If you are in the lucky minority this condition can go away on its own. But for the majority of patients medical intervention is required.
This condition can occur on the scalp, face, behind the ears, chest and body folds(Areas rich in oil glands).

The not so exciting new: Its a chronic condition that will periodically flair and requires constant maintenance.
The exciting news: With the proper regimen, you can get rid of the flakes and stop the frustration and stress regarding your scalp. There are lots of treatment options and once you get a handle on your regimen managing this condition gets much easier.
Most patients find the combination of natural and medicated products work best. It s all abut finding the best combination for your particular situation.

The best option is to go see a derm for help. The prescription medication will get your scalp under control much faster and avoid unnecessary hair loss.
I realize that everyone does not have access to go see a dermatologist for prescription medication. Here are some of my favorite OTC options:

HelloJupiter- (SULFATE FREE) active- Pyrithione Zinc- 1%
Vanicream Free and Clear (SULFATE FREE) active- Pyrithione Zinc 2%
Neutrogena T-Gel- 3% Salicylic Acid (SULFATE FREE)
Derma E's Scalp Relief Shampoo- Tea Tree & Menthol -Salicylic Acid (sulfate free)
Girl+Hair Clear+- ACV+ Tea Tree(Sulfate free)
Head&Shoulders -Pyrithione Zinc 2%
Selsun Blue-Selenium Sulfide
Often the medicated shampoos contain sulfates which can be extremely drying for curly, kinky & coiled hair types. I recommend applying coconut oil to your hair before shampooing to avoid this if you choose one of these.

Good options for In between wash days :
Scalpicin- Active- Hydrocortisone 1% (warning solutions with alcohol can be drying)
Head & Shoulders Royal Curls Scalp Elixir
Derma E's Scalp Relief treatment
Eucerin Dermocapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment - Active -Urea leave in treament (sulfate free)
Sebclair Non-Steroidal Cream- (sulfate free) anti-fungal, piroctone olamine +natural anti-inflammatory active

Lifestyle Factors:
Limit the amount of products you put on your hair to as few as possible (minimal edge control, oil, sheen, hairspray etc)
Food: focus on incorporating anti-inflammatory foods and supplements such as evening primrose oil (contains GLA a fatty acid that reduces scalp inflammation)
Avoid known triggers that worsen the condition: These include stress, illness, and harsh hair products.

Photo Credit: Visualdx

YOUTUBE DISCLAIMERS

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DR. ALEXIS STEPHENS ON THIS WEBSITE OR IN ANY OTHER FORMAT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. NEVER REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU PERSONALLY OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, OR CURE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION.

#dandruff #seborrheicdermatitis #flakyskin

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER: The description may contain affiliate links for a small commission on purchased products. Affiliate links support my channel, so I can continue to make educational and fun videos for you. Also, some items may have been received through PR. I am the advising dermatologist for brands that were not mentioned in this video today. I am a brand partner of Urbanskinrx. Thanks for watching and shopping!

[carmenreyes]

You saved my life, I have been fighting seborrheic dermatitis for 11 year, and everything just made it worse. Now I can say that one month after watching your video for the first time my scalp is clear after 11 year.

[hiyokoguri]

I went to a dermatologist and literally said no information and our appointment lasted 5 minutes and you gave us all this information. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge :)

[nicolew]

Yes! Stress is definitely a trigger. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[indrinita]

“Remember my friends...” oh man you’re the sweetest doctor ever!

[mmmt]

Didn't know that the yeast can get used to the product. I'm definitely going to change my hair routine! Thank you Dr. Stephens!

[saviquin]

Use an applicator bottle to apply medicated shampoo to your scalp only. I rotate between Nizoral and Selsun Blue Salicylic Acid formula and apply neosporin to my scalp after I shampoo. The Neosporin kills any bacteria under the skin on your scalp that can keep fungus lurking

[rosegold.sunset]

I bought the T/Sal (not T/Gel, I wanted the salicylic acid not the coal tar) and the Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Daily Moisture Scalp Cream (as opposed to the recommended elixir in this video), and just completed this treatment in the shower. My scalp feels SOOOO GOOD!!! To my surprise my scalp was actually red in some areas while I was parting through sections and applying the shampoo. Once I was ready to deep condition, I applied the scalp cream between my parts and my scalp was a neutral colour and CLEAN!!! No flakes in sight!!
My issue has always been that I wash my hair and the flakes didn't go away, or would be sticking to my strands, making me feel like I didn't wash my hair properly!! This remedy is the truth!! THANK YOU DR. STEPHENS!!

(I will still see a dermatologist if this doesn't help long term, but thought I would try your tips first!!)

[Wrinkledpennies]

Omg I do scalp treatments for my hubby all the time to get the skin clear & knowing that I have to rotate a few of the right products is very helpful! Thank you 🙏 😊

[mxkrvgr]

This is SUPER helpful! I went to a dermatologist and they just told me “You have uncontrollable yeast and we’re just gonna give some medicine.” Didn’t explain anything. This video made this make SO MUCH SENSE! Thank you!

[Lovegoesalongway]

I have 3C/ 4A hair and im so glad to see a recommendation of washing once a week. It was hard to keep up with every 3 days. It’s very drying. I was using another shampoo but now going to Definitely try these recommended methods instead! Especially the face !

[victorious.z]

I've been suffering from that for 15 years, all the doctors I went to were confused or gave me a wrong diagnosis, the last one gave me the right diagnosis but she didn't help me with the treatment. I have a high expectations for your advice I'll try-it definitely thanks a million

[TickleMeStrawberry]

Can you talk about hyperpigmentation on the underarms, knees, and elbows next please? :)

[andreapocze]

This is the most informative video on the topic so far!

[MsSamiam]

I definitely think my 15 year old daughter has this conditon. I've brought it up so many times to her pediatrician and I'm continuously told that it's just dandruff, but I know for sure it's not. It's been so frustrating, so I'm definitely going to try this routine. Grateful for this video.

[brittanyjackson]

You have no clue how helpful this video has been for me and my daughter the dermatologist we went to was no help at all!

[Kay_]

This is a great video! Can you do one for specifically for seborrheic dermatitis on the face and ears PLEASE?

[trinityross]

This video. Changed my life. I spent many late nights suffering from my scalp but now it is very manageable and flare ups are much less likely. Can’t thank you enough

[PKHOKIE]

Yes for medical Mondays! Thank you for all you do.

[vanessamalik]

Hi Dr. Alexis, For a future 'Medical Monday', I'd love to see a video on toenail care. Specifically, what products you recommend to keep toenails free from becoming ingrown, yellowing/thickening/fungus. Thanks for your help & informative videos 🥰

[safirecarol]

Thanks Dr, this is helpful. Just for the comment section though: this condition is also a dietary problem. Yeast love a diet high in sugar, carbs and junk- they thrive on that stuff. If you have this problem PLEASE GET your blood sugar levels checked ASAP. It could be a sign of early diabetes.