Scaly patches, dandruff, and other visible symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis can be frustrating, but so can the invisible ones. Some people living with this chronic skin condition describe itching and burning sensations that disrupt their lives and affect their mental health.

Fortunately, with medical advice and a combination of over-the-counter, at-home, and prescription treatment options, managing itching and burning with seborrheic dermatitis is an achievable goal for many. This article offers five strategies to consider.

How Does Seborrheic Dermatitis Feel?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema. Various creams, lotions, and other skin care products promise to alleviate its symptoms, but knowing which ones to try can be challenging. The more accurately you can describe your seborrheic dermatitis, the more quickly your health care provider can help you find relief.

Here are some descriptions of itching and burning from MySebDermTeam members:

• “I have flaking, red, hot, itching places all over my face.”
• “Before being diagnosed, I wondered if I had lice on my scalp.”
• “I can feel a burning sensation, and the itching feels like something is crawling on my head.”
• “My skin creases burn like they’ve been lit on fire.”
• “I don’t have any dandruff or flaking, just furious itching.”

Seborrheic dermatitis may feel different to you than it does to someone else. Some people develop greasy scales, whereas others have dry skin on the scalp. Take notes as symptoms develop, and bring those with you to your next appointment. If you have trouble describing your symptoms, read about others’ experiences on MySebDermTeam or join a local support group.

1. Talk to a Dermatology Provider

Your primary care provider may be able to address some of your seborrheic dermatitis symptoms, but a dermatologist is more likely to help you find immediate and long-term relief. Dermatologists are medical doctors with extensive training in eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hair loss, and other conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They know about current treatment options and can work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Dr. Raj Chovatiya, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, researches seborrheic dermatitis and treats people with the skin condition. He recently shared a few tips with MySebDermTeam.

“We know in the case of seborrheic dermatitis, like other eczemas, barrier dysfunction is an important part of the disease,” Dr. Chovatiya explained. “Oftentimes, when your skin barrier isn’t functioning optimally, it’s going to be easy for things to irritate your skin and cause burning and itching. Some of the basic recommendations for good, gentle skin care can be really helpful.”

Dr. Chovatiya recommends moisturizing your skin, avoiding fragrances and ingredients that could trigger irritation or allergic reactions, and using soap-free cleansers.

These are the kinds of useful tips a dermatologist can provide. If you need help finding a dermatology provider, browse the National Eczema Association Provider Finder or ask your primary care provider for a referral.

2. Protect Your Skin

As Dr. Chovatiya mentioned, the skin barrier is essential in guarding against irritation and other external threats. One way to support a healthy skin barrier and prevent itching and burning caused by flare-ups is to moisturize your skin.

Here are some ways MySebDermTeam members protect their skin:

• “An eczema moisturizing cream works for me.”
• “I use a castor oil and mango butter moisturizer. It smells amazing and helps a lot.”
• “I use a non-medicated shampoo with coconut oil in it. It moisturizes my scalp.”
• “I use Vaseline on my face, ears, and armpits.”

In rare cases, moisturizing creams can increase the risk of seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups. Ask your health care provider for guidance on choosing the best moisturizer for your skin.

Another way to support a healthy skin barrier is by avoiding skin care products containing fragrances and other potential allergens. The National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance list is a good place to start when looking for safe products.

3. Use Good Bathing Practices

Irritation can cause skin to flare, leading to the itching and burning sensation you’re trying to avoid, so be gentle with your skin when bathing. Use cool or warm water instead of hot. Wash the affected areas carefully, and then rinse thoroughly. Also, ask your dermatologist which products to use. Strong soap-based cleansers or detergents can trigger flare-ups.

“I use a hydrating cleanser,” said one MySebDermTeam member. Another shared, “My doctor told me to wash my face with dandruff shampoo. I use it in the morning and evening. My face doesn’t itch anymore.”

Anti-dandruff shampoos are available by prescription or over the counter and contain ingredients like selenium sulfide, which has antifungal properties. Check with your dermatologist before using these products on your face.

Your dermatologist might also recommend antifungal shampoos or products containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or coal tar. Ask about potential side effects before trying something new.

4. Refrigerate Creams and Other Topical Products

If you’ve ever applied an ice pack to an insect bite or sunburn, you’ve experienced the calming effects cold temperatures can have on the skin. To potentially reduce swelling and relieve pain, it might be worth chilling hydrocortisone cream and other topical products before using them.

“When you’re using topical products, whether it be over-the-counter moisturizers or your medications, sometimes chilling them and keeping them cold can provide a little [extra] relief,” Dr. Chovatiya said.

While most over-the-counter creams and lotions can be safely refrigerated, it’s best to check with your dermatologist before storing products in the fridge. Also ask if chilling could change the consistency and effectiveness of any prescribed topical antifungals, topical corticosteroids, topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors, and other seborrheic dermatitis treatments. For example, your doctor might recommend refrigerating topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) for 15 to 20 minutes — but no longer — before use.

You can also soothe itchy skin with ice. “I use ice packs to calm the itch down,” one MySebDermTeam member said.

If you apply ice or an ice pack, limit its use to 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and wrap it in a towel or thin cloth to protect your skin.

5. Crowdsource Ideas and Consult Your Doctor

Finding relief for itching and burning with seborrheic dermatitis can take time, patience, and effort. One MySebDermTeam member said, “I have a drawer full of products that didn’t work.”

To speed up the process and save money, ask others with seborrheic dermatitis what has — and what hasn’t — worked for them. MySebDermTeam or an eczema support group is an excellent place to start.

Here are a few additional strategies that work for others:

• Apply a cool, wet cloth to the affected areas.
• Try an apple cider vinegar rinse to calm an itchy scalp.
• Rotate between at least two dandruff shampoos to improve their effectiveness.
• Rinse your skin with cold water at the end of every shower.
• Use an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream containing desonide, fluocinolone, or hydrocortisone.
• Blow-dry your hair on the cool setting, or let it air-dry.
• Practice meditation or deep breathing to avoid itching. Scratching can make symptoms worse.

If you read a suggestion on MySebDermTeam, ask your dermatologist about it — what works for one person may not work for everyone. It’s also important to be mindful of your other medical conditions, allergies, and overall health before trying something you found out about online. Fortunately, with the right care team and treatment plan, most people find relief from itching and burning with seborrheic dermatitis.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MySebDermTeam, the social network for people with seborrheic dermatitis and their loved ones, more than 7,300 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with seborrheic dermatitis.

Do you experience itching and burning with seborrheic dermatitis? What strategies help you manage your symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.