Seborrheic Dermatitis - Supplements

 
Seborrheic Dermatitis
A dry, flaky scalp on a baby is often called cradle cap. But adults also suffer from this skin condition. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Smooth on aloe

    To improve scaling and itching, apply a topical herbal cream containing 30% aloe emulsion from the Aloe vera plant

Also indexed as:
  • cradle cap,
  • erythroderma desquamativum of infancy,
  • infantile seborrheic dermatitis,
  • Leiner disease,
  • Leiner-Moussous desquamative erythroderma

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Aloe
Apply a topical herbal cream containing 30% aloe emulsion2 stars Topically applied aloe may help improve scaling and itching.


2 stars Aloe

Apply a topical herbal cream containing 30% aloe emulsion

A crude extract of aloe (Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera) may help seborrheic dermatitis when applied topically. In a double-blind trial, people with seborrheic dermatitis applied either a 30% crude aloe emulsion or a similar placebo cream twice a day for four to six weeks.3 Significantly more people responded to topical aloe vera than to placebo: 62% of those using the aloe vera reported improvements in scaling and itching, compared to only 25% in the placebo group.


SupplementAmountWhy
Biotin
Refer to label instructions 1 star Biotin injections either for the infant or the nursing mother may be an effective treatment for cradle cap.


1 star Biotin

Preliminary studies have found that injecting either the infant or the nursing mother with biotin may be an effective treatment for cradle cap.4 , 5 Studies of oral biotin have yielded mixed results in infants. Older preliminary studies and case reports suggest that 4 mg per day of oral biotin might be sufficient for mild cases of cradle cap, but 10 mg per day was required for more severe cases.6 Two more recent, controlled trials found that oral biotin (4 or 5 mg per day) produced no benefit.7 , 8 Thus, the scientific support for using oral biotin to treat cradle cap is weak. The role of biotin in adult seborrheic dermatitis has not been studied.


SupplementAmountWhy
Borage Oil
Refer to label instructions 1 star Topically applied borage oil may improve cradle cap symptoms.


1 star Borage Oil

A group of researchers found that infants with cradle cap appeared to have an imbalance of essential fatty acids in their blood that returned to normal when their skin rashes eventually went away.9 In a preliminary trial, these researchers later found that application of 0.5 ml of borage oil twice daily to the affected skin resulted in clinical improvement of cradle cap within two weeks.10


SupplementAmountWhy
Folic Acid
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with folic acid has been shown to improve adult seborrheic dermatitis.


1 star Folic Acid

One physician reported that injections of B-complex vitamins were useful in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in infants.11 A preliminary trial found that 10 mg per day of folic acid was helpful in 17 of 20 cases of adult seborrheic dermatitis.12 However, this study also found that oral folic acid did not benefit infants with cradle cap. A preliminary study found that topical application of vitamin B6 ointment (containing 10 mg B6 per gram of ointment) to affected areas improved adult seborrheic dermatitis.13 However, oral vitamin B6 (up to 300 mg per day) was ineffective. Injections of vitamin B12 were reported to improve in 86% of adults with seborrheic dermatitis in a preliminary trial.14 Oral administration of vitamin B12 for seborrheic dermatitis has not been studied.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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