How do you treat seborrhea?


Quick Answer

Cortisone-based medications, antifungal medications and exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays are some of the treatments for seborrhea. Some shampoos, pills, creams and lotions contain seborrhea medications. Some home remedies, such as over-the-counter dandruff shampoos, also treat seborrhea. Personal hygiene is also essential in keeping seborrhea under control.

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Full Answer

The yeast Malassezia furfur is one of the known causes of seborrhea. If a doctor establishes that the yeast is responsible for a given seborrhea case, antifungal medication is the most efficient treatment for the case. Cortisone-based creams and lotions help to reduce the growth of the yeast when applied to the affected areas. Doctors may also recommend antifungal pills such as Lamisil despite the fact they can cause serious side effects such as allergies and liver problems.

To treat seborrhea of the scalp, over-the-counter shampoos that have salicylic acid, tar, ketoconazole, Zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide as the main ingredients are recommended. The patient should use the shampoo one to two times a week and stop once the symptoms subside. If the symptoms reappear, the patient can continue using the shampoo. Patients may alternate the shampoo with a stronger medication such as Temovate, which is a clobetasol scalp product, for better results.

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