Seborrheic dermatitis, a type of eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease. It mostly affects the scalp and is characterized by scaly, red patches. The patches can also appear on the face and the upper body as these are the area with many sebaceous glands that produce oils.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious. It results from an allergy or an autoimmune reaction. It can be controlled by treatment but cannot be fully cured.
Seborrheic Dermatitis & Diet
There is a relationship between diet and seborrheic dermatitis.(1) In the study, it was found that those who ate a lot of fruits had a 25 percent lower risk of suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. The diet does not exactly affect the condition but eating food that supports the immune system and has the inflammatory properties helps in reducing and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Often certain foods are asked to be avoided if suffering from eczema. Such foods trigger T cells that cause inflammation or trigger IgE, an antibody that the body produces in response to a threat.
Foods To Eat While Suffering From Seborrheic Dermatitis
Fish Oil
Due to the rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements help improve the overall immune and cardiovascular health. It can suppress the flare-up of dermatitis.
It can be taken if suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.
Probiotics
There are researches that support that probiotic supplements reduce the symptoms of dermatitis(2)
Probiotics are naturally present in many foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, and kombucha.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera with its anti-inflammatory properties is effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis.(3)
It also helps in reducing the severity of the flare-up of the condition. Aloe vera supplements can be taken to help in seborrheic dermatitis.
Healthy Fats
Essential fatty acids including food rich in omega-6 fatty acids or omega-3 fatty acids help support healthy hair and skin.
They play a role in healthy skin function and anti-inflammatory properties. Foods such as salmon, olive oil, canola oil, avocado, walnuts, and fortified eggs are great options that can be added to the diet in those suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.
Zinc and Biotin
Zinc and biotin play a role in improving dandruff. Zinc is an essential mineral and biotin, a B vitamin.
Sources of biotin include eggs, yogurt, tomatoes, and carrot. Zinc-rich foods are oysters, crab, and pumpkin.
Dark chocolates and peanuts are rich in both zinc and vitamin.
All these foods can be taken to ease the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and improve skin condition.
Foods To Avoid When Suffering From Seborrheic Dermatitis
There are certain foods, which on eating can cause a flare-up of the condition. Also, if a person is allergic to a certain food eating it can aggravate the condition and hence should not be eaten.
There are certain common foods that may trigger the flare-up of seborrheic dermatitis and should not be consumed. Such foods include:
- Citrus fruits
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Spices such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon
- Tomatoes
- Certain nuts
Allergy testing can be done to find out the actual cause of allergy.
Limit Sugar
Cutting down on sugar intake can lower the inflammation and minimize the appearance of flakes.
Sugar promotes inflammation, leads to insulin spikes and triggers the output of oil. This can aggravate the condition.
Yeast
Yeast containing foods such as beer, bread, and wine encourage the fungal growth and are often recommended by the experts to cut down on them.
Birch Pollen
Also, some people are allergic to birch pollen. These people are allergic to food which includes:
- Green apples
- Carrot
- Pears
- Hazelnuts
- Celery
A person’s diet does not always trigger the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, but some people might find the symptoms getting better on eating certain foods.
Monitoring the condition and making the best possible changes in diet and lifestyle can help one manage the condition.
If your foods to avoid list has large food group, such as wheat-containing products, it is important to speak with the doctor and get advice on what supplements to take so that the body does not fall short of essential vitamins and minerals.
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