Key Takeaways

  • Medicated shampoos with ingredients like selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc, ketoconazole, or coal tar may help control flaking, reduce fungal growth, and ease irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Natural remedies like tea tree oil and raw honey may offer relief due to their antimicrobial, antifungal, and moisturizing properties, though results can vary.
  • Alongside specific products, hygiene practices like regular shampooing, changing shampoos, avoiding styling products, and removing scales with oil can aid in managing seborrheic dermatitis of your scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a is a dermatological (skin) condition that primarily affects the scalp and face. You may also notice symptoms like inflammation and scales on your ears.

The exact cause of this chronic inflammatory condition is unknown, but the potential triggers are believed to include:

  • genetics
  • hormones
  • stress
  • excessive sebum (oil) production in the skin
  • overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia furfur

While seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone, it’s more likely to develop in babies under 3 months old and in middle-aged adults.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp can cause unwanted dandruff and scaly patches. However, there are several shampoos that you can buy — or make yourself — that may help.

Dandruff is common with seborrheic dermatitis. Medicated shampoos are a first-line treatment doctors suggest to help ease discomfort and control flaking. There are many options available over the counter (OTC) at your local drug store or online.

Shampoos containing selenium sulfide

Antifungal agents like selenium sulfide may help when used as little as twice a week. This ingredient:

  • targets a specific yeast, Pityrosporum ovale
  • reduces the number of dandruff cells on the scalp
  • eases irritation and itching

Shampoos on the market that contain this ingredient include Selsun Blue and Head & Shoulders Clinical.

Hyperpigmentation is an infrequent side effect some experience with this ingredient. Other side effects include, stinging or burning during use, an odor, and an oily sensation in the hair.

Shampoos containing pyrithione zinc

A common ingredient in many OTC anti-dandruff shampoos, pyrithione zinc may have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It may also help with inflammation and itch.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests washing affected areas of the body with pyrithione zinc soaps.

You’ll see OTC products with concentrations ranging from 1% to 2%. These include Head & Shoulders Dry Scalp Care and Head & Shoulders Extra Strength.

Shampoos containing salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is now being studied as a treatment for seborrheic dermatitis. Several studies point to its potential effectiveness. According to one small study of 20 participants, the severity of the condition significant decreased after four weeks of use.

It may be useful when used in conjunction with other treatments. Its main benefit is that it helps to reduce scaling and inflammation on the scalp. A 2025 study looking at the use of salicylic acid in combination with selenium sulfide for medical professionals with seborrheic dermatitis found that scaling and dandruff decreased significantly.

Salicylic acid is the active ingredient in Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic, a shampoo specifically formulated to manage scalp buildup.

Shampoos containing ketoconazole

Antifungal ketoconazole is well studied as a treatment for dandruff and associated conditions. It inhibits fungus growth. Not only that, but anti fungal medications like ketoconazole may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties.

This ingredient is available OTC in shampoos like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff.

Once the initial symptoms subside, some people are able to manage their seborrheic dermatitis by using ketoconazole shampoos just once or twice a week.

Ketoconazole shampoos are considered safe. Studies have shown that it does not irritate the skin like similar products.

Shampoos containing coal tar

Research has shown that coal tar has anti-inflammatory properties and may even reduce sebum (oil) production in the skin. There’s also some evidence that it can suppress fungus, but this evidence is not as conclusive and more research is needed.

Shampoos that contain this ingredient include Neutrogena T/Gel Extra Strength, PsoriaTrax, and MG217.

Coal tar has several associated side effects. Some people may develop contact dermatitis on their fingers after applying it. Signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and dark-colored urine.

Additionally, coal tar may increase chances of developing some cancers.

You may also want to try DIY home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis, which yield varying results. The information you’ll find online about these treatments is often anecdotal. Discuss any concerns you have with a medical professional.

Essential oils

Tea tree oil, also called Melaleuca alternifolia, is an alternative remedy for treating a variety of skin conditions due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recent research has shown it may help people with seborrheic dermatitis.

Tea tree oil is generally safe when diluted and applied topically, though some people may experience dermatitis. Tea tree oil shampoos are also available OTC at many natural food stores. Other essential oils that may help with dandruff include lemongrass and frankincense.

To use oils to treat dandruff, you’ll need to first dilute them with either honey, a carrier oil (such as coconut or grapeseed), or your regular shampoo. Add a few drops and massage the mixture into your scalp. Let sit for up to 5 minutes before rinsing out.

Raw honey

Honey has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties. Raw honey is unprocessed and especially packed with vitamins and minerals, protein, and enzymes. Applying it to the scalp may be soothing and may prevent skin infections.

A growing body of evidence supports using honey as topically for various skin conditions, as there are few documented side effects or risks.

Combine 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered honey with 3/4 cup of water. Stir to dissolve and then rinse your hair with the mixture. Use your fingers to massage it over the scalp.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Applying small amounts to the skin may improve symptoms over time. However, several studies have raised concerns that the fatty content of this oil could actually make symptoms like flaking and inflammation worse.

Apple cider vinegar

The malic acid in apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help to shed excess skin cells on the scalp and may have protective properties against dandruff-causing yeasts and bacteria.

However, several studies have shown ACV can also increase inflammation rather than protecting your skin.

Besides specific products or ingredients, following certain hygiene practices may also help with dandruff.

  • Use OTC shampoos daily until symptoms ease. After that, using them once to three times weekly may be enough to manage symptoms.
  • Thoroughly lather the shampoo into your scalp and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
  • Alternate between several types of shampoos if using one is not effective. Follow package instructions for the best results.
  • Skip styling products like hair sprays and gels. Also avoid personal care products that contain alcohol. They may make scaling and irritation worse.
  • Remove scales from your scalp by applying gentle cleansers before combing through your hair and washing them away.

Tip for males

Shampoo your facial hair regularly. The skin under beards and mustaches may respond well to OTC shampoos. Shaving may also make your symptoms subside.

Tip for infants

Try a nonmedicated shampoo once a day for cradle cap. A soft-bristled brush may help gently remove scales before rinsing.

If you’ve tried OTC shampoos or other home remedies and still don’t find relief, make an appointment with a doctor. There are many prescription-strength shampoos that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients available.

A medical professional may suggest other treatments, such as topical anti-inflammatory solutions and antifungal medications that may ease more severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis.