- Coconut oil possesses moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that may benefit seborrheic dermatitis.
- Research suggests coconut oil can improve scalp health and reduce dandruff-causing organisms.
- Topical application of coconut oil may help soothe inflammation and improve skin integrity in affected areas.
- While promising, more research is needed to fully understand coconut oil’s effects on seborrheic dermatitis.
- Conventional treatments like antifungals and topical steroids remain primary options, but coconut oil can be a complementary approach.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, non-contagious skin condition that primarily affects the scalp, leading to scaly patches, redness, and dandruff. It can also appear on oily areas like the face, nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest. While not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and bothersome.
Many treatments are available, and natural options like coconut oil are gaining interest. While direct scientific evidence on coconut oil for seborrheic dermatitis is still emerging, studies highlight its potential in managing various skin conditions due to its unique properties.
Table of Contents
Coconut Oil: A Natural Option for Skin Health?
Coconut oil has been explored for its benefits in skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and penile candidiasis [1]. It exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial qualities, alongside moisturizing and wound-healing capabilities, all beneficial in managing atopic dermatitis [2].
Fractionated coconut oil is also suggested to help with skin disorders when applied topically, as noted in a 2007 patent application [US7488500B2 – Compositions and methods for alleviating skin disorders – Google Patents][2]. Coconut oil’s high content of medium and long-chain fatty acids contributes to its antibacterial potential [3].
The primary components of coconut oil are medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), containing 6 to 12 carbon atoms [4]. Lauric acid is the most abundant fatty acid within it [5].
How Coconut Oil Benefits Scalp Health and Dandruff
Coconut oil shows promise for improving scalp health and reducing dandruff. Its fatty acids and vitamin E provide anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal effects [6]. Research indicates that applying coconut oil to the scalp can boost beneficial bacteria and reduce dandruff-causing organisms [7].
Coconut Oil’s Role in Overall Skin Health
Coconut oil offers multiple advantages for skin health beyond the scalp. It acts as a moisturizer and supports wound healing [8]. Studies have observed positive effects on preterm infants’ skin, reducing water loss and infection rates [9].
Topical coconut oil application has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in enhancing skin integrity and preventing infections, especially in infants and individuals with dermatitis [10].
Anti-Inflammatory Action of Coconut Oil
Research reveals that consuming coconut oil can lessen allergic skin inflammation by hindering neutrophil migration – cells that contribute to inflammation – thus decreasing skin inflammation [11]. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) can alleviate skin disorder symptoms by moisturizing and soothing, and by increasing proteins that strengthen the skin barrier [12].
Coconut Oil and Seborrheic Dermatitis: The Potential Link
One study investigated how different Malassezia species, implicated in seborrheic dermatitis, utilize lipids for growth [13]. Replacing long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) was found to inhibit the growth of certain Malassezia species. This is likely due to the release of toxic medium-chain fatty acids like caprylic acid. This suggests that topical MCT application could hinder Malassezia growth on the skin, potentially aiding in seborrheic dermatitis treatment.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Here are several ways to incorporate coconut oil into your routine to potentially manage seborrheic dermatitis:
- Topical Application: Apply virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil directly to affected areas like the scalp, face, or chest for moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Coconut Oil Hair Masks: Use coconut oil as a hair mask, applying it for 30 minutes to an hour before washing it out, to moisturize the scalp and reduce flaking.
- Combine with Other Oils: Mix coconut oil with other anti-inflammatory oils such as sunflower, jojoba, or tea tree oil to potentially enhance the benefits.
- Oral Coconut Oil: Consuming coconut oil might help improve skin inflammation and immunity, potentially aiding in fighting seborrheic dermatitis. However, be mindful of cholesterol levels.
Coconut Oil Safety and Precautions
Coconut oil is generally safe when used correctly, but consider these precautions:
- Patch Test: Perform a patch test before widespread use to check for coconut allergies.
- Cholesterol Monitoring: If consuming coconut oil orally, monitor cholesterol levels, as it may increase LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While coconut oil shows promise for managing seborrheic dermatitis, remember that more thorough research is needed to fully understand its effects [14].
Also, be aware that coconut oil consumption has been studied in relation to metabolic diseases, with some studies suggesting possible cardiovascular risks [15]. Therefore, while topical use may benefit skin health, exercise caution with dietary intake until more research is available [16].
Conventional Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatments
Conventional treatments are designed to reduce symptoms and address the underlying causes of seborrheic dermatitis. While natural remedies like coconut oil are promising, understanding established treatments is essential. Dermatologists commonly recommend these conventional options:
Topical Antifungal Treatments
Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast is a key factor in seborrheic dermatitis. Topical antifungals are frequently prescribed to manage this:
- [Zinc Pyrithione][5]: A common antifungal in over-the-counter shampoos and treatments, effective against Malassezia to reduce scaling and inflammation.
- Azoles: Antifungal azoles like [ketoconazole][6], [clotrimazole][7], and miconazole are used in shampoos, creams, or gels to control Malassezia proliferation.
- Selenium Sulfide: [Selenium sulfide][8] shampoos help control yeast overgrowth and are effective for scalp seborrheic dermatitis.
- [Sulfur][9]: Sulfur-based products can alleviate inflammation and flaking.
- Coal Tar: A traditional remedy that reduces scaling, itching, and inflammation associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Mild Topical Steroids and Immunomodulators
For severe cases, dermatologists might prescribe mild topical steroids to reduce inflammation and itching. These should be used cautiously under medical guidance due to potential skin thinning with prolonged use. Immunomodulatory agents like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can also manage inflammation.
Other Natural and Holistic Approaches
Besides coconut oil, other natural or holistic remedies are used by some to manage seborrheic dermatitis:
- [Tea tree oil][10]: Offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits. Dilute and apply topically or use in shampoos.
- [Apple cider vinegar][11]: Acetic acid may have antifungal effects against Malassezia. Dilute and use as a scalp rinse.
- [Aloe vera][12]: Soothes and reduces inflammation. Apply the gel to affected areas.
- [Honey][13]: Antimicrobial and moisturizing. May reduce scaling when applied topically.
- [Probiotics][14]: May improve gut health and immunity. Lactobacillus paracasei strains have been studied for dandruff.
- [Stress management][15]: Chronic stress can worsen seborrheic dermatitis. Relaxation techniques like meditation may help.
- [Diet modification][16]: Limiting oils, dairy, and sugar may be beneficial for some. A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet is generally recommended.
Always consult a dermatologist before trying new remedies to ensure they are appropriate for your condition. Natural approaches can be complementary, but more research is still needed for many alternatives.
In Conclusion: Coconut Oil for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Coconut oil shows potential as a natural remedy for skin conditions due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. While specific research on seborrheic dermatitis is still needed, its positive effects on similar conditions suggest it could play a role in managing this condition.
It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. While we await further research, continue with your current treatment plan and maintain good skincare practices to effectively manage seborrheic dermatitis.
I have not tried Coconut oil topically, however, I am trying oil pulling.
Although the Oil pulling has had no affect on my Skin to my knowledge, I feel like My teeth are cleaner and more white than before after 3 weeks of use. My gums feel much better as well.
It is recommended to swish the oil through your teeth and do it for 15-20 minutes.
Also, I highly recommend flossing your teeth first and brushing your teeth after.
I usually do this in the shower before going to bed.
This brings up an important topic I wanted to mention.
Although Seb Derm is a horrible thing, I have learned a lot about getting healthy which is a plus.
Firstly, it made me stop and assess myself and I began to realize I had a number different issues/symptoms (Hair loss, cold hands/feet, shakiness, acne) …
Reply PermalinkAs I have tried to cure it, these issues seems to lessen which is great.
I am on a super healthy Paleo Diet and taking directions from naturopath who is provided me homeopathic remedies and detected my food sensitivities.
Hi Neil,
Can definitely agree with you on the last point. Having seborrheic dermatitis has really lead to quite a few discoveries about staying healthy.
The Paleo diet wasn’t quite for me. My workouts felt a little under powered and I was really missing carbs.
Oil pulling worked exceptionally well for my dental health as well. There’s quite a bit of medical studies (such as this one) that actually support this as well.
Unfortunately I was unable to make it a daily habit. The process made me want to gag at times. Also I felt like spitting the oil in the sink or toilet could potentially have negative effects on the plumbing (maybe not). Instead I ended up investing in a professional Oral B toothbrush and a water flosser (really nice for massaging the gums).
Out of all the other issues/symptoms you pointed out the only one I have is cold hands. Did you find something that works for this?
All the best.
Reply PermalinkHave been using various natural Oils for my facial Sebo Derm as I find regular lotions and creams are gunky and do not help it much. The Coconut seems to be preventing flare ups, keep my T Zone (where I suffer more) moisturised and fresh looking. It has stopped the flaking dry skin and overall feels quite good! I’ve also tried Rose Hip Oil which I need to alternate now and again but my skin seems to prefer the Coconut Oil, which smells far better and has a nice consistency.
Reply PermalinkPlease bear in mind that my Sebo Derm is worse if I drink Milk and if I do not stick to a regular facial cleansing, moisturising regime.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for the update. Yeah I loved the smell of coconut oil. For some reason my skin didn’t seem to really absorb it well.
However, I’ve made my own solution which has a unique combination of specific fatty acids (extract from coconut and palm oil), plus several other components. My skin seems to agree with it much better and it absorbs really quick.
Always wanted to try Rose Hip Oil, but never got around to it. Do you apply this on it’s own or in a carrier oil?
All the best.
Reply PermalinkThe health benefits of coconut oil are difficult to number. Whether you use coconut oil for your skin, hair or to eat as a substitute for butter or other oils, coconut oil is definitely good for you and one of the best oils you can use. What are the health benefits of coconut oil for skin and hair?
Reply PermalinkI am now well informed
Reply PermalinkI’ve been suffering from SD on my scalp since almost a year, and this website has given me immense help on how to treat it naturally. I had tried the honey water method a couple of times, but it didn’t really work. Few months back i got a really intense flare of SD where my scalp used to get covered with white layers of dandruff right after hair wash! It was damn horrible at a point of time. I wanted to try the coconut oil method after reading about it at a number of places, but was reluctant to apply it on scalp as my dermatologist advised me against it. So i started consuming small amount of virgin coconut oil with my meals and with in a couple of weeks i saw a marked improvement in my scalp. The itchiness and scaling have reduced substantially. It is important to note that i was using chemical shampoos (having coal tar, ketoconazole and salicylic acid before starting this regimen and throughout this period as well) but i started seeing improvement only after adding coconut oil to my diet. And its a relatively small amount that i consume, around 2 tablespoons daily. I am still unsure if I should try this on my scalp, but for anyone who wants to try the coconut oil, i would definitely recommend it.
Reply PermalinkThe coconut oil is really nice with almonds!
Reply PermalinkAdd a tablespoon of coconut oil to your coffee or tea, blend !
I am suffering from seborrheic dermatitis and have tried what the dermatologist has recommended for a year and no help! Excited to try the coconut oil!
Reply PermalinkI will comment to let you know results!
Thanks
I acquired seborrheic dermatitis 5 years ago. My scalp became 100% clear after 2 years of treating it every day. It remained clear for 3 years. I became sick a couple of months ago and the SD came back. I took up my old treatment plan and after a few weeks it is 95% clear.
Reply PermalinkI shampoo my hair in the morning with “Jason’s Dandruff Relief” shampoo. I let it stay on my scalp for a half hour and then rinse. When my hair is thoroughly dry I go through it with a rat tail comb looking for any affected areas and if found put a small amount of the steroid ointment my dermatologist prescribed. At night I put the coconut oil on my hair. I dampen first a little with a spray bottle of water first. I put a plastic bag on my head. I have a plastic garbage bag over my pillow and a pillow slip over that. I go to bed like that and leave it on all night. Next morning I start all over again. I don’t know if all of that is necessary but it works. I’m afraid to experiment by cutting any step out. I just want to be done with this as happened before. I believe my immune system was down when I got sick and that’s why it came back. Before I discovered coconut oil I use to have to go to bed with a steroid ointment on my head that just stunk so bad it kept me awake. The coconut oil was such a relief in that regard. I didn’t start ti see improvements in my scalp until I started using coconut oil and Jason’s shampoo which by the way is made up of rosemary, olive and jojoba. Oil of oregano is suppose to be good for SD but I can’t take it because of a cancer med. that I take.
I have had SD in my T-zone, around my ears and my scalp for 20 years. Ive tried various shampoos, vitamin E, various moisturizers, etc. In the last year I started using coconut oil on my t-zone and the itching, redness and flaking has stopped. Im now starting around my ears and I will then try on my scalp. I didnt change my facial cleaning routine, just started using coconut oil in place of moisturizer on my t-zone. I haven’t tried using the oil on my cheeks, chin areas etc because i have no SD there and I’m worried about clogged pores. But its definitely worked where I did use it.
Reply PermalinkMassaging lots of coconut oil into my pre teens hair a couple of hours before shampooing is the best method for dealing with his SD at its most severe. He also washes with selsun blue shampoo regularly to keep it under control. The other dandruff shampoos didn’t work for him.
Reply PermalinkI’m steve Roach by name from USA California …am posting this comment for those who have HERPES SIMPLXE VIRUS and need cure .Dr.IDEMILI Herbal cure is 100% Guarantee percent sure to cure your HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS DISEASE. He can cure any types of Disease.ME and my HUSBAND was having HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS for more than 8 year when i met Dr.IDEMILI online on how he has cured so many people and how greatly he has helped many individuals online,so i contacted him and explained My situation and behold ME and my wife was cure with his herbal medicine and now we are living happily, so to anyone that have same issue on Herpes Simplex Virus challenges i advised that you contact DRIDEMILISHRINETEMPLE@GMAIL.COM he can also cure any disease such as HPV,HIV/AIDS HEPATITIS B,DIABETICS,CANCER,HERPES HE is the great herbalist man called Dr.IDEMILI i must say a big thanks for curing me and my wife for this deadly disease, i owe you in return. Thanks and be blessed sir.his Mobile whatsapp number +2349075731997
Reply PermalinkHello everyone my names Is steve Roach, i am here to testify about a great herbal spell caster called Dr. IDEMILI who helped me cure my HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS . I was infected with HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS since 2013, i went to many hospitals for cure but there was no solution, so I was thinking how can I get a solution out so that my body can be okay. So One day I went online on the Internet to know more clue about the Herpes Simplex Virus i came across a review of a lady saying that she got her Herpes Simplex Virus cured by A great herbal spell caster Called Dr. IDEMILIL . And she also went as far to drop an email address and including Dr. IDEMILI telephone number and advise anyone to contact Dr. IDEMILI for any kind of help. So i gave a try by contacting him through his email and explain my problem to him. He told me all the things I need to do and also give me instructions to take, which I followed properly. Before I knew what is happening after two weeks the HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS that was in my body got vanished . so if you are also heart broken by any deadly diseases like HERPES, HIV, shingles, low sperm count, HPV, Cancer, Hepatitis B, ALS Diabetes,simian foamy virus etc this great man is extremely the best in which I have seen and applauds and if you also need a help in curing any kind of disease, you can also email him : DRIDEMILISHRINETEMPLE@GMAIL.COM or CONTACT HIM ON WHATAPPS +2349075731997
Reply PermalinkI tried coconut oil on my face and it made the condition much much worse, prob because the oil fed the yeast. So not good for me.
Reply PermalinkI can confirm like few others in the comments, i applied coconut oil to my seb derm on my face overnight, and in the morning it got way worst.
Reply PermalinkI believe there might be a major difference between face seb derm and scalp.
For me personally, something that helped chill the flaking but not the redness was going vegan, taking in lots of veggies and such.
Best of luck everyone!