From the Guidelines
Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin D, biotin, tea tree oil, and zinc may help manage seborrheic dermatitis, but they should complement rather than replace conventional treatments. When considering supplements for seborrheic dermatitis, it's essential to prioritize those with the most substantial evidence supporting their efficacy.
Key Supplements
- Omega-3 fatty acids: 1-2 grams daily from fish oil or flaxseed oil can reduce inflammation associated with the condition, as suggested by a study on reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis in early life 1.
- Probiotics: Containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains (10-20 billion CFU daily) may help balance skin microbiota and reduce flare-ups.
- Vitamin D: Supplementation (1000-2000 IU daily) is beneficial for many patients with seborrheic dermatitis who often have deficiencies.
- Biotin: 2-5 mg daily may improve skin health, particularly if there's an underlying deficiency.
- Tea tree oil: Applied topically as a 5% solution can help due to its antifungal properties against Malassezia, the yeast often implicated in seborrheic dermatitis.
- Zinc: Supplements (15-30 mg daily) may help regulate oil production and have anti-inflammatory effects.
These supplements work by addressing underlying factors like inflammation, immune function, and microbiome balance. However, results vary between individuals, and it may take 4-8 weeks to notice improvements. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you're taking medications, as some may interact with conventional treatments. The most recent study 1 supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis, which can be related to seborrheic dermatitis in terms of skin health and inflammation.
From the Research
Supplements for Seborrheic Dermatitis
- There is evidence to suggest that certain nutritional supplements may be beneficial in managing seborrheic dermatitis, including zinc, vitamin D, and vitamin E supplementation 2.
- A systematic review found that seborrheic dermatitis was correlated with significantly lower serum zinc and vitamin D and E concentrations, suggesting a potential role for supplementation in treatment 2.
- The prebiotic Triphala has also been shown to improve patient satisfaction and decrease scalp sebum levels over 8 weeks, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness 2.
- Other supplements that may be beneficial in managing seborrheic dermatitis include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: although not specifically mentioned in the studies, they have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in reducing inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
- Probiotics: may help to regulate the skin microbiota and reduce inflammation, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
- It is essential to note that while these supplements may be beneficial, they should not be used as a replacement for established treatments, but rather as a complementary therapy.
Dietary Factors
- Dietary factors, such as adherence to a Western diet, have been associated with a higher risk of seborrheic dermatitis, particularly in female patients 2.
- Increased consumption of fruit has been associated with a lower risk of seborrheic dermatitis in all patients 2.
- Alcohol use has also been linked to an increased risk of seborrheic dermatitis, although the relationship between BMI and obesity on seborrheic dermatitis severity and prevalence is mixed 2.
Treatment Options
- Current treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis include topical antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, and keratolytic/humectant agents 3, 4.
- Systemic antifungal drugs and UVB phototherapy may be considered in severe and/or resistant cases 3.
- A comprehensive literature review and international expert consensus on the management of scalp seborrheic dermatitis in adults proposed a treatment algorithm that allows for the treatment of all severity grades of SSD, although currently approved therapies to manage moderate and severe forms of SSD do not exist 5.