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Remedies for Really Stubborn Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis

dry itchy scalp dermatologist guide to treating scaly scalp eczema

Remedies for really stubborn scalp seborrheic dermatitis are important because sometimes medicated shampoos alone aren't strong enough to clear severely dry scalp from scalp dandruff.  If your scalp just doesn't clear after you've diligently rotated through the medicated shampoos as I described in my last post, then it's time for more intensive scalp treatments and medicated leave-on products.

Remedies for seborrheic dermatitis - the best medicated shampoo treatment for severely dry scalp

Foaming Zinc Shampoo is medicated with a full 2% pyrithione zinc, the highest level allowed. Use it with a scalp scrubber  to distribute the medicated shampoo evenly across your scalp skin and to help lift and remove thick scale.

 

Best treatment for severely dry scalpGet rid of dry scalp with this scrubber

Dry scalp treatment includes non-prescription medicated products for stubborn severely dry scalp dandruff

For stubborn scalp dandruff, or faster relief than just using medicated shampoos alone you can apply leave on products to the affected areas.  Non-prescription medicated options include hydrocortisone and salicylic acid liquids.  Typically you use these products twice a day until your scalp clears.  Remember to follow the directions on the product labels.  Some product options include:

  1. Scalpicin Maximum Strength with 1% Hydrocortisone
  2. Scalpicin with 3% Salicylic Acid

Your doctor can prescribe stronger cortisone products if your severely dry scalp seborrhea won't clear with these non prescription options.

scalp treatment for dry scalp

Dermatologist's intensive scalp treatments for dry scalp and thick scale from stubborn dandruff. 

If you have stubborn plaques of really thick scale you can loosen them with oil treatments or P&S liquid.

1. Oil treatment for dry scalp  

Slightly warm mineral oil or coconut oil in the microwave (of course be careful not to heat it to the point that it burns your skin!).  Apply the warmed oil to the scalp plaques for 30 minutes under a towel.  Comb the plaque to loosen the scale then shampoo your scalp to remove the oil.  Use your medicated shampoo as your last lather as directed above.

2. P&S Liquid treatment for dry scalp

Apply the liquid to the scalp plaques and cover with a shower cap for 8 hours.  Then shampoo your scalp as I describe above.

    Please remember that if your scalp does not improve you should see your doctor to be certain that you don't have some other more unusual reason for an itchy and scaly scalp.

    Click here to learn more about dry scalp treatment with Foaming Zinc Shampoo and my really great scalp scrubber. 

    My Seborrheic Dermatitis Series:

    Dermatologist's Tips for Dry Flaky Skin on Your Face and Scalp; Tis the Season for Seborrheic Dermatitis

    Remedies for the Dry Itchy Scalp of Seborrheic Dermatitis

    Remedies for the Dry Itchy Scalp of Seborrheic Dermatitis-Part 2

    Itchy Crusty Scaly Ears; More on Seborrheic Dermatitis

    Dermatologist's Tips for Treating Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis: It Looks Like Dry Skin, But It's a Rash!

    Dr. Cynthia Bailey's Tips for Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis Control

    Dermatologist's Tips for Flakey Eyelashes (a.k.a. seborrheic blepharitis)

    You can find more of my treatment and skin care recommendations in my Advice Pages for Understanding and Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis. I share my favorite tips for dandruff of the scalp, face, ears and more.