Seborrheic Dermatitis: How to Treat a Flaky Scalp
Dealing with a dry flaky scalp can be tiring, particularly when it’s itchy and leads to stubborn dandruff. Sound familiar? It could be seborrheic dermatitis.
At Watermans, we’re advocates for good scalp care. Keep reading to learn how to treat a flaky scalp and discover the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis.
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic (pronounced seb-o-ree-ik) dermatitis is a very common skin condition that often affects the scalp.
Symptoms include a dry flaky scalp, scaling, red patches and dandruff. The signs of seborrheic dermatitis might worsen if you’re feeling stressed and can flare up more in particularly cold and dry seasons.
What Causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
There are a number of potential causes of seborrheic dermatitis. It is often genetic, but other causes include:
- Excess malassezia, a type of yeast present on everyone’s skin, that can be overactive
- Increased level of androgen hormones
- Increased levels of skin lipids
- Inflammation
- Underactive immune system
Other factors that can worsen the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include stress, extreme climates, using alcohol-based products, and particularly oily skin.
Seborrheic Dermatitis vs. Dandruff
Both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff can trigger a dry flaky scalp – but what’s the difference?
- Where dandruff usually occurs in small white flakes, seborrheic dermatitis is often identified as greasy, scaly areas of skin that are more yellow in colour.
- Seborrheic dermatitis often occurs seasonally and is more common in the winter when it’s cold, whereas dandruff can be present all year round.
How to Get Rid of a Flaky Scalp
Many cases of seborrheic dermatitis clear up without treatment, but if a flaky scalp is interfering with your sleep, work, or is causing anxiety, take a visit to your GP.
To help boost your scalp’s health and hydration, we recommend a targeted hair care routine that goes beyond your standard hair wash.
Use the Best Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis
When dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, you want to choose a shampoo that moisturises the scalp, providing it with the essential vitamins and antioxidants it needs.
The Watermans Grow Me Shampoo ticks those boxes. Formulated with Biotin, Caffeine, Argan Oil, Rosemary Extract, Niacinamide, Allantoin, and Hydrolysed Lupin Protein, when used regularly, this shampoo nourishes the scalp, delivering these invigorating ingredients for optimal scalp health.
Pyridoxin (Vitamin B6) is essential for normal skin metabolism and has protective effects on the scalp, helping to strengthen the hair.
Apply a Scalp Treatment
If you have a flaky scalp that requires some extra TLC, a seborrheic dermatitis scalp treatment can work to provide the added care it needs.
Our Grow More Elixir is formulated to boost the scalp’s health with its blend of natural ingredients that are both kind and gentle to sore skin.
When applied as a nightly serum directly to the scalp, the Biotin, Lupine Protein, Allantoin, Panthenol, Cottonseed Protein, Calcium, Rosemary, and Silica work in harmony to soothe, moisturise and rejuvenate.
Shop Watermans Hair Care
Want to revamp your hair care routine to support healthy hair growth and optimal scalp condition? Shop the full range of Watermans hair care products using the button below.
