Manuka honey is believed to have many health benefits. From treating skin issues to relieving sore throats, people use manuka honey in various forms to improve their health and wellness. But what about its effects on the skin? Can manuka honey help with seborrheic dermatitis?

People living with seborrheic dermatitis often turn to natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis and over-the-counter products to support their clinical treatment. Members of MySebDermTeam often share tips on remedies and home products they’ve used to manage symptoms, including dandruff and dry skin, on the scalp and elsewhere.

Manuka honey is a common ingredient in natural skin-regulating products. It can also be used on its own. You should always talk to your dermatologist or other health care provider before trying manuka honey or any other remedy for seborrheic dermatitis.

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey, which means it primarily comes from the nectar of one type of flower. This is different from traditional honey, which is made from nectar collected from many flower types. Bees that produce manuka honey pollinate the pink and white flowers of the manuka tree, which grows in New Zealand.

People use manuka honey for its therapeutic properties. Manuka honey is believed to be:

• Antibacterial
• Antiviral
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Moisturizing
• Wound-healing

Manuka honey contains a blend of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and fatty acids. One of many compounds in manuka honey includes methylglyoxal (MGO). Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a building block of MGO, has antibacterial properties. These antibacterial properties are important when it comes to using manuka honey in treating other skin conditions and helping with wound healing, but they’re not that helpful for seborrheic dermatitis.

Research on Manuka Honey and Seborrheic Dermatitis

The many beneficial properties of manuka honey suggest it may help symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema. Here are a few highlights:

Antifungal Properties

Seborrheic dermatitis often develops as a reaction to too much Malassezia yeast, a fungus that lives on the skin. The immune system overreacts to the overgrowth. This causes common seborrheic dermatitis symptoms like flaking skin, yellow scales, and itchy rashes.

Research indicates that manuka honey has some fungistatic properties, meaning it can slow down fungal growth. This may help reduce seborrheic dermatitis symptoms triggered by the overgrowth of the yeast.

Researchers are still studying how manuka honey affects Malassezia yeast, though some evidence is available. One study tested manuka honey on yeast collected from dogs and combined the honey with antifungal medications. It found that manuka honey was effective against the Malassezia yeast, especially when combined with the medications. However, more research is needed to confirm whether manuka honey can help people with seborrheic dermatitis.

Immune-Modulating Properties

Other research suggests that honey, including manuka honey, can help regulate the immune system. A weakened immune system can cause or worsen symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis like scaly and flaky skin. In fact, people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe forms of the condition.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey may help reduce inflammatory seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. There are many treatment options and ways to manage the itching and burning that often comes with this condition.

Moisturizing Properties

Well-hydrated skin is less likely to flare up with seborrheic dermatitis. That’s why experts often recommend using gentle moisturizers after washing the affected areas. Manuka honey helps keep skin hydrated because it contains moisturizing components like amino acids and glucose.

Using Manuka Honey for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Most treatments for seborrheic dermatitis are applied directly to the skin. Shampoos and creams with antimicrobial agents are among the most effective treatments for symptoms on the scalp, face, or chest.

You can find manuka honey in many topical products, or you can use it on its own. Here are a few ways to use manuka honey in your treatment.

Shampoos

When using medicated shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis, be sure to wash your hair regularly and use lukewarm water — hot water can irritate your skin. Let the medicated shampoo sit for several minutes before rinsing, and repeat as needed. Follow any instructions listed on the product label carefully, as well as any additional advice from your dermatologist.

Creams

Topical creams and salves containing manuka honey may reduce seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. While using any topical cream, be sure to follow the instructions on the label and any additional guidance from your dermatologist. They might suggest washing the affected area with a cleanser that contains zinc before applying the cream.

Direct Application

Some people choose to apply manuka honey directly to the skin for wound healing or anti-inflammatory purposes. You can apply it by itself or dilute it with water.

What MySebDermTeam Members Say About Manuka Honey

Members of MySebDermTeam share their experiences with natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis, including manuka honey.

One MySebDermTeam member commented on a salve containing manuka honey: “My flare-ups have gotten a bit better, a little less red. Nothing revolutionary, but it feels good.”

Another member noticed positive effects from a shampoo containing manuka honey after trying six shampoos: “My seb derm has not vanished, but it has diminished somewhat. The itching has lessened too. I will continue with this shampoo and stop using the others.”

Remember that everyone’s experience is unique. What works for one person may not be the best choice for you.

Talk to Your Doctor Before Trying Manuka Honey

If you’re interested in trying manuka honey products for your seborrheic dermatitis, consult a board-certified dermatologist first. A trained dermatologist can evaluate your symptoms and determine what’s safe and effective for you. They may recommend over-the-counter products containing manuka honey or prescribe treatments tailored to your needs.

Your dermatologist can also guide you on how to use any skin care treatment or remedy effectively. You may need to work closely with your dermatologist as you try different options. With your dermatologist’s help, you can find out what works well for you and what doesn’t.

Triggers for seborrheic dermatitis can vary from person to person. Manuka honey or other ingredients might irritate your skin and worsen existing symptoms. Your dermatologist might recommend doing a patch test with manuka honey or manuka honey products before using them on a flare-up. To do a patch test, apply a bit of the product on a small area of symptom-free skin and wait overnight. Check in the morning for any signs of irritation.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 16,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Are you living with seborrheic dermatitis? Have you used manuka honey to manage seborrheic dermatitis symptoms? Share your experience below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.