La seborrheic dermatitis (SD) Scalp dandruff affects between 1 and 3% of adults, but if we include simple dandruff, nearly one in two people are affected. Redness, itching, yellowish, greasy scales that stick to the scalp... this chronic condition can be difficult to live with on a daily basis.
DS cannot be cured, but the good news is that it is possible to control it sustainably thanks to an adapted routine and a better understanding of its causes.

In this article, I explain what seborrheic dermatitis is, its triggers, why conventional treatments often fail, and how to treat it effectively and naturally.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation which mainly affects oily areas: scalp, eyebrows, wings of the nose, behind the ears.
It is manifested by:

• Greasy, yellowish scales that stick to the scalp
  
  

• Itching (in 66% of cases)
  
  

• Sometimes redness and temporary hair loss
  
  

It is linked to:

• A sebum overproduction
  
  

• An excessive proliferation of a natural skin fungus: malassezia

• A local inflammatory reaction
  

Why does it occur?

The mechanism is simple:

1. The scalp produces too much sebum.
   
   

2. The fungus Malassezia feeds on this sebum.
   
   

3. As it breaks down, it releases irritating fatty acids.
   
   

4. The skin reacts with a inflammation, causing scales and itching.
   
   

It is not a contagious or dangerous disease, but it is often recurrent.

Common triggers

Although the Malassezia fungus is present in everyone, certain factors promote its imbalance:

• Excess sebum (oily skin, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, etc.)
  
  

• Chronic stress, which weakens the skin barrier and stimulates sebum secretion
  
  

• Cold & dry climate, common in autumn-winter
  
  

• Fatigue or chronic illnesses (eg HIV, Parkinson's)
  
  

• Irritating hair products (colorings, sulfate shampoos, incorrectly used corticosteroids)
  
  

• Pro-inflammatory diet (sugar, alcohol, ultra-processed products)
  
  

The limits of conventional treatments

In dermatology, we often use:

• Antifungals (ketoconazole, zinc, ciclopirox) → effective but irritating (sulfated bases).
  
  

• Topical corticosteroids → useful in crisis, but only in short courses.
  
  

• Keratolytics (salicylic acid, urea) → help loosen scales, but can irritate a sensitive scalp.
  
  

👉 Result: rapid but short-lasting relief, with frequent recurrences.

How to sustainably control DS?

1. Treat inflammation from the inside out

A comprehensive approach includes diet and anti-inflammatory supplements :

• Zinc bisglycinate : regulates sebum and soothes inflammation
  

• Vitamin D3 : supports skin immunity
  

• Turmeric + black pepper : powerful natural anti-inflammatory
  

• Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) : reduce chronic inflammation

• Probiotics: rebalance the intestinal microbiome, linked to the skin microbiome

2. Gently remove dander

Avoid harsh scrubs.

• Use a purifying pre-shampoo with plant powders (Ex. Tricho-Pure Anti-Dandruff Mask).
  
  

• Help yourself with a stimulating brush to gently remove scales.
  
  

Then wash with a pH5 mild antifungal shampoo.

3. Rebalance the scalp microbiome

Few brands talk about it, but it's a key point.

• Un pH5 shampoo without sulfates helps maintain a balanced environment.
  
  

prebiotics feed the good protective bacteria.
⚠ Since DS is chronic, the goal is not to “cure” it, but to limit the frequency and intensity of flare-ups.

4. Calm and hydrate

• Soothing serum rich in aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and prebiotics (Tricho-Pure Serum).
  
  

Avoid perfumed or irritating products.