Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms. These include flaking skin, dandruff, patches of scaly skin, and significant itching. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this condition and relieve symptoms.

Some of these methods include home remedies or natural remedies, like tea tree oil, olive oil, and aloe vera. If you’ve considered trying aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a plant that grows in dry, hot places, including the southwestern United States. This plant has a gel inside its leaves that can be used on the skin or consumed orally, sometimes as a supplement. When people use it for seborrheic dermatitis, they usually apply it as a lotion or gel.

Aloe has been traditionally used as a natural treatment for all sorts of irritations. It also helps with wound healing, including burns. It was often prescribed in the 18th and 19th centuries and is still widely used today.

How Can Aloe Vera Help the Skin?

Aloe vera has several properties that may benefit the skin:

• Anti-inflammatory — Fights inflammation
• Antibacterial — Relieves bacterial infections
• Antiviral — Fights viral infections
• Antiseptic — Prevents infections caused by other microorganisms
• Antifungal — Relieves fungal infections
• Moisturizing — Helps skin retain the fluid it needs to stay healthy
• Anti-itch — Relieves itching

These properties suggest that aloe vera may help with various skin issues. It’s been found to help prevent sores and heal wounds, such as burn wounds and wounds after surgeries. Studies have also found that it can help acne and skin diseases like psoriasis and herpes simplex virus. However, you should always be cautious when using a new product on your skin, especially if you have a skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis.

Can Aloe Vera Help Seborrheic Dermatitis?

There’s been very little research on the effects of aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis. Some people report positive results when using aloe vera for their seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, but what works for one person with seborrheic dermatitis might not work for you.

What the Research Says

Some studies have looked at aloe vera and seborrheic dermatitis, but they have limitations. For example, some studies only included a small number of people, while others tested aloe vera in a lab instead of on real skin.

One 2018 study looked at the effects of aloe vera on Malassezia yeast. Some experts believe this type of yeast is a main cause of seborrheic dermatitis. In the study, researchers collected yeast from skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis and exposed the yeast to aloe vera. They found that aloe vera helped slow or prevent yeast growth. However, this study was done in a lab, not on living people. It’s impossible to know if people using aloe vera on their skin would find the same results. It’s also hard to know how much aloe vera would be needed for effective results.

Another study tested aloe vera combined with other ingredients derived from plants. Five people with seborrheic dermatitis used this mix on their skin twice a day for four weeks. After the treatment, their skin held more moisture and was less oily and discolored. Because this study was so small, we can’t use it to make broad conclusions about the benefits of aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis. Also, because the aloe was combined with other ingredients, we can’t know which ingredients were responsible for the skin improvements.

More research is needed to understand how aloe vera affects seborrheic dermatitis.

Talk to Your Dermatologist

If you’re looking for seborrheic dermatitis treatment options, talk to your health care provider. Let them know you’re interested in trying aloe. They might suggest other medications to use with it. They can also give you advice on how much aloe to use, how often to apply it, and what to watch out for on your skin.

How To Use Aloe Vera for Seborrheic Dermatitis

There are several ways to use aloe vera on the skin for seborrheic dermatitis. Note that taking aloe orally is usually not recommended. It can cause stomach pain, cramps, and even hepatitis (liver inflammation). Most people use aloe vera as a topical treatment instead.

Aloe Vera Plants

If you have an aloe vera plant, you can break off a leaf and use the gel inside on the affected areas of your skin. You can buy aloe vera plants at most garden stores or plant nurseries, depending on where you live and the season.

Skin Care Products Containing Aloe Vera

You could also look for aloe vera as an ingredient in over-the-counter products like moisturizers, including lotions, gels, and creams. You can also find it in soaps, medicated shampoos, ointments, and face washes.

When using a product with aloe vera, always follow the instructions on the label. Check the ingredients list, as some of the other ingredients may not be safe for your skin. Your dermatologist may also recommend specific aloe vera products that can help your skin and give you instructions on how to use them.

Patch Testing

Before using aloe on seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, test it on a small patch of skin, typically on your inner arm or the crook of your elbow. Dermatology experts recommend applying it twice a day for seven to 10 days to see if it’s safe for your skin.

Possible Side Effects

Some people may have side effects from using aloe vera. It can cause burning, itching, and eczema. It can also cause an allergic reaction and skin rashes. Never apply aloe vera gel to deep wounds or cuts. If you notice a rash, wash off the aloe and stop using it.

If you have any questions about using aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis, talk to your dermatologist before you begin. Make sure to get all your questions answered so you can make an informed decision. If you decide to use it, follow all instructions for the best chance of finding relief.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 17,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Have you used aloe vera for seborrheic dermatitis? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.