Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is characterized by a scaly, inflammatory reaction pattern in typically oily areas of the face, scalp, and occasionally chest. Although not completely understood, the pathophysiology is intimately linked with the common skin commensal yeast Malassezia. An overgrowth of this yeast, and/or an overzealous immune response to it appears to lie at the heart of this chronic intermittent eruption (Pedrosa et al. 2014).

Fittingly, there are two major categories of conventional treatments available to address SD: those which calm the aberrant immune response, including topical corticosteroids; and those which putatively decrease the Malassezia on the skin, including a number of anti-yeast agents. Several of the alternative therapies discussed below appear to have features of both of these categories, and are often used alongside conventional agents with good effect (Dessinioti and Katsambas 2013). Of note, SD is intimately related to scalp psoriasis and can be difficult to distinguish; one paper below is from the scalp psoriasis literature, but seems broadly applicable to the matter at hand.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a perfect example of a condition in which seemingly benign home remedies can worsen the condition rather than improve it. Many individuals with seborrheic dermatitis assume they have “dry scalp,” and, in an effort to ameliorate the dryness, will apply olive oil or other oils to the affected areas. The saturated fats found in these oils provide a rich growth medium for Malassezia, and proliferation of this yeast can cause worsening of seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, olive oil (as compared to other natural oils such as sunflower oil) has actually been shown to damage the skin barrier instead of repairing it (Danby et al. 2013). Thus, patients should be advised not to apply plant oils such as olive oil to the areas (Siegried and Glenn 2012). It has been suggested that an inorganic oil such as mineral oil may be a better alternative if patients insist on the application of oil for this condition.