Re: Scalp SD & Diet
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2015 2:10 pm
Hi Ben,
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (eczema) is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. There is no clinical evidence that avoiding certain foods will help to relieve it; however I would recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet containing plenty of healthy fats from oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil and rapeseed oil, as these are anti-inflammatory. If you don't like these foods you might consider taking an Omega 3, 6 & 9 oil supplement.
Avoid refined, sugary foods and focus on wholegrain foods such as wholemeal bread, porridge, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Eat plenty of good quality proteins such as lean poultry, fish and eggs and lots of fruit and vegetables to provide the amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.
Also, eating fermented foods that contain probiotics (good bacteria) such as natural yogurt, crème fraiche, cottage cheese and sauerkraut may help; probiotics have been shown to benefit eczema and may help to reduce yeasts on the skin. Alternatively, you could take a multivitamin and probiotic supplement such as Multibionta to boost your levels of vitamins, minerals and good bacteria.
Non-dietary treatments include using medicated shampoos that contain ingredients like coal tar, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide. These will help to reduce the amount of yeast on your scalp/soften the scales/reduce itching. You can buy these shampoos at a pharmacy, or your GP can prescribe them for you. Your GP may also prescribe a corticosteroid gel or lotion to reduce the inflammation, flaking and itching.
I hope this helps.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis (eczema) is thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. There is no clinical evidence that avoiding certain foods will help to relieve it; however I would recommend eating a healthy, balanced diet containing plenty of healthy fats from oily fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil and rapeseed oil, as these are anti-inflammatory. If you don't like these foods you might consider taking an Omega 3, 6 & 9 oil supplement.
Avoid refined, sugary foods and focus on wholegrain foods such as wholemeal bread, porridge, brown rice and whole wheat pasta. Eat plenty of good quality proteins such as lean poultry, fish and eggs and lots of fruit and vegetables to provide the amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.
Also, eating fermented foods that contain probiotics (good bacteria) such as natural yogurt, crème fraiche, cottage cheese and sauerkraut may help; probiotics have been shown to benefit eczema and may help to reduce yeasts on the skin. Alternatively, you could take a multivitamin and probiotic supplement such as Multibionta to boost your levels of vitamins, minerals and good bacteria.
Non-dietary treatments include using medicated shampoos that contain ingredients like coal tar, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide. These will help to reduce the amount of yeast on your scalp/soften the scales/reduce itching. You can buy these shampoos at a pharmacy, or your GP can prescribe them for you. Your GP may also prescribe a corticosteroid gel or lotion to reduce the inflammation, flaking and itching.
I hope this helps.