Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment Guidelines

First-Line Treatments

Regular use of moisturizers helps maintain skin barrier function and reduces dryness, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 1
Oil-in-water creams or ointments are preferred over alcohol-containing lotions or gels, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
Apply moisturizers at least once daily to affected areas, as suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
For inflammatory lesions, consider topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 1

If bacterial infection is suspected, appropriate antibiotics should be considered, according to the British Medical Journal 3
For herpes simplex infection (eczema herpeticum), oral acyclovir should be given early, as recommended by the British Medical Journal 3
For severe itching, oral antihistamines with sedative properties may be useful as short-term adjuvant therapy, as suggested by the British Medical Journal 4
Non-sedating antihistamines have little value in controlling pruritus associated with seborrheic dermatitis, according to the British Medical Journal 4
Topical polidocanol cream can help relieve itching, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 1

Avoid hot showers and excessive use of soaps that can exacerbate dryness, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 2
Patients with recalcitrant disease should be referred to a dermatologist for further evaluation, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5
Contact dermatitis from topical medications (particularly neomycin) can complicate treatment and should be considered if worsening occurs, as suggested by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 5

Regular use of moisturizers should be continued to prevent dryness, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology 2