Living with seborrheic dermatitis was a challenge that 43-year-old mother and grandmother Brandy Gulley faced from a young age. This chronic skin condition, characterized by scaly patches and persistent dandruff, can be exacerbated by various triggers often unique to each person.

For Brandy, a member of MySebDermTeam, identifying and managing these triggers was essential in her journey toward better skin health.

1. Suspecting Triggers

For years, Brandy dealt with uncomfortable symptoms that signaled her seborrheic dermatitis was flaring up. She noticed “dry patches, thinning hair, and bald spots.” These signs were an indication that something in her daily life was aggravating her condition.

Though seborrheic dermatitis can be a frustrating condition with its unpredictable flare-ups, Brandy began to notice a pattern. The triggers weren’t random. They were closely tied to specific elements in her environment. Water, sweat, and certain hair gels seemed to be the culprits behind her flare-ups. Over time, she realized that these triggers were worsening her seborrheic dermatitis symptoms.

2. Seeking Professional Guidance

Like many others dealing with persistent skin issues, Brandy sought the expertise of health care professionals to help pinpoint the exact triggers for her seborrheic dermatitis. She consulted with a dermatologist, hoping that a specialist would offer some clarity. While they discussed the topic of triggers, Brandy still felt confused about what specifically was causing her symptoms.

3. Adapting to a New Normal: Avoidance and Lifestyle Changes

To help her symptoms, Brandy decided to eliminate the suspected triggers from her routine. This meant saying goodbye to certain hair gels and being mindful of how water and sweat could impact her skin.

Adjusting her routine to avoid these triggers wasn’t easy. Avoiding certain products and exposures caused her scalp to become dry, leading to hair breakage and no growth. “It can make a person feel insecure about the length and condition of their hair,” Brandy said.

4. Sharing Advice With Others

Despite the ongoing challenges, Brandy has remained hopeful and encourages others dealing with seborrheic dermatitis to take an active role in managing their condition. Her advice to others is straightforward: “If you find products that don’t irritate you, stick with them.”

She also suggests being prepared when consulting a specialist: “Be ready to show your scalp issues to the dermatologist.”

Showing your symptoms to a doctor in person can often be more helpful than just describing them, she noted.

5. Finding Strength in the Journey

For Brandy, living with seborrheic dermatitis has been a lifelong journey. Now the Akron, Ohio, resident reflects on her experiences with a sense of resilience. She wants others to know that there is hope.

Her journey underlines the importance of understanding personal triggers, advocating for yourself in medical settings, and finding relief in the small victories along the way.

Find Your Team

Connecting with others can be invaluable when living with a skin condition. MySebDermTeam is the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones. On MySebDermTeam, more than 14,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Have you discovered your seborrheic dermatitis triggers? How do you manage them and keep your symptoms under control? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.