How Often Should I Wash My Hair with Seborrheic Dermatitis?

How Often Should I Wash My Hair with Seborrheic Dermatitis
Table Contents

If you are experiencing those embarrassing, thick, greasy yellow flakes on the scalp caused by seborrheic dermatitis, the first thing you would want is to get rid of them. The quickest way to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis is to use a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo. 

Most of us often wonder, “How Often Should I Wash My Hair with Seborrheic Dermatitis?”

Quick Answer

Daily or 2 to 3 times a week, depending on the severity of your condition. 

Read this blog to discover more about:

  • What is seborrheic dermatitis
  • How often should you wash your hair
  • Which is the best shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis
  • How to use the shampoo to get the best results.

What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a light brown, white, or yellow buildup of oily or scaly skin flakes on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard. It can also cause redness on other parts of the body, such as behind the ears, around the nose, and chin. 

Flakes caused by seborrheic dermatitis look similar to those of dandruff. In fact, Seborrheic dermatitis, in other words, is a severe case of dandruff. When it appears on babies, it is classified as Cradle Cap.

It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors such as:

  • Overactive sebaceous glands
  • Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast
  • Skin sensitivity towards oleic acid

All of these factors work together to give you those greasy scales and flakes associated with seborrheic dermatitis. This is why the treatment for it revolves around controlling the growth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp and reducing the symptoms.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Unfortunately, doctors haven’t been able to ascertain a permanent cure for this condition as of yet. However, there are ways you can help remove flakes, loosen scale, and even prevent future flare-ups. 

Here is how to do it:

Use a Shampoo for Seborrheic Dermatitis

The best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and skin is to use an OTC medicated shampoo like Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Anti-Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo and Body Wash.

  • Use it once daily to wash your scalp and skin, focusing more on the affected areas. 
  • Make sure to use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water for shampooing.
  • Let the shampoo rest on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing off. 

Now you might be wondering why you should only use a seborrheic dermatitis shampoo and not a regular one? Well, the answer lies in its formulation. Shampoos specially formulated for seborrheic dermatitis, like Happy Cappy, contain active ingredients like pyrithione zinc. 

According to research, zinc pyrithione is known to contain antifungal properties that help control the overgrowth of malassezia yeast on skin and reduce the flaking and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap, and dandruff. 

Use Cradle Cap Brush

You can also use a cradle cap brush while shampooing to gently massage your scalp and hair. This will help you get rid of all the loose flakes and scales hanging around your hair. However, make sure not to rub too harshly on stubborn flakes because it can lead to skin damage and hair loss. 

How Often to Wash Hair with Seborrheic Dermatitis?

We discussed before that you should wash your hair once daily if you have seborrheic dermatitis, but we also mentioned that the frequency can be adjusted depending on the severity of the condition. 

This table will help you understand it even more. 

Condition Frequency  Benenfits 
During a Flare-up  Use daily  Leaving the shampoo on the skin for a few minutes allows the active ingredient to penetrate the skin and reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
After Flare-up Clears Use 2-3 times a week Using it a few times a week will help prevent the buildup of future flakes and scales. 
Long-Term Maintenance  Use 1-2 times a week  This will help prevent future flare-ups. 

Can I Use Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo Daily?

Should I Wash My Hair Everyday If I Have Seborrheic Dermatitis

Some people wonder, “Should I wash my hair every day if I have seborrheic dermatitis?” And the answer is yes. You should wash your hair at least once every day during a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up.

However, you might be worried about using the shampoo daily due to the harsh chemicals or ingredients.

Unlike other dandruff shampoos made with pyrithione zinc, Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash is carefully designed to be tough on flakes but gentle on the skin. It’s 

That leaves skin smooth, soft, and free of flakes.

How To Use A Medicated Shampoo For Seborrheic Dermatitis?

To make sure your anti-seborrheic dermatitis shampoo does its job, use these tips:

Lather

  • Wet your scalp and skin with lukewarm or cool water thoroughly.
  • Then apply a generous amount of shampoo and gently massage it with your fingertips. 
  • If you require more lather, then add a little water. 
  • This is the first wash; it will help remove all the dirt, sebum, and bacteria buildup on the scalp.

Rinse 

  • Rinse your scalp thoroughly to remove all the shampoo. 

Repeat 

  • Then again, repeat the process by applying the shampoo to your scalp.
  • The second time shampooing is usually to help loosen the flakes and scales and reduce seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. 
  • This is why it is essential to leave the shampoo on the scalp for about 3 to 5 minutes. 
  • You can use a cradle cap brush at this point to remove the loose scales. 

Quick Tip: After the second wash, make sure to thoroughly wash your scalp and not to leave any residue behind, as it can cause irritation on the skin. 

How Long Does It Take to Clear Seborrheic Dermatitis Flakes?

Every scalp is different. For some people, it may only take two or three washes to clear flakes, but others might need one to two weeks. However, be consistent in using medicated shampoo and do not quit too soon, as the condition might come back.

Key Takeaways

Medicated Shampoo For Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Use a medicated seborrheic dermatitis shampoo once daily during a flare-up to reduce the flaking and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Taper the use to 2 to 3 times a week once the flaking has reduced to prevent future buildups.
  • Make sure to leave the shampoo on the skin for a few minutes to allow the active ingredients to penetrate the skin. 
  • Always use a medicated shampoo that is free from any skin-irritating, harsh chemicals.

FAQs

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela
Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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Do you have to wash your hair every day with seborrheic dermatitis?

Yes, during a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up or if your flaking and scaling is intense, then it is essential to use a medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis once daily to reduce the symptoms.

Does brushing help with seborrheic dermatitis?

Brushing may not help treat the root cause of seborrheic dermatitis, but it can help remove the excess flakes and scales from the hair. Brush your hair with a cradle cap brush while shampooing to remove the flakes.

How to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children?

The best way to treat seborrheic dermatitis in children, also known as cradle cap, is to use a medicated cradle cap shampoo to wash their scalp and skin once daily during a flare-up.
Once the flaking starts get better use of it 2 to 3 times a week.

How to wash seborrheic dermatitis?

Here is how you should wash your scalp if you have seborrheic dermatitis:
Wet your scalp and skin thoroughly with water.
Then apply the shampoo and gently massage it with your fingertips.
Let the shampoo rest on the skin for a few minutes; this allows the active ingredient to do its work.
Then thoroughly rinse off the shampoo without leaving any residue behind.

How long does a seborrheic dermatitis flare-up last?

It depends on the severity of your condition and how consistent you are in using the medicated shampoo; for some, it may take a few days, while for others, it may last for a few weeks.

Why isn’t my seborrheic dermatitis going away?

If your condition is not getting better, then it is best to consult a dermatologist or a regular doctor. It may be because either you are using the wrong shampoo, not being consistent in using it, or you may require a different treatment plan.

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