Seborrhea or Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common skin condition that primarily occurs on the scalp.  It usually takes the form a red, flaky rash.  It is similar to the red patches associated with Psoriasis, Eczema, or an allergic reaction.   While Seborrhea can be the result of an allergic reaction, this is not always the case.  It is commonly the result of fungus in oil secretion on the skin.  

Seborrhea is the inflammation of the skin and it is pretty easy to identify when it occurs.  A rash will result in itchy, red, sometimes patchy skin on the sclap that is usually tender.  Other symptoms include:

• Skin Becomes Painful (itchy, red, or irritated)
• Red Circular patches on your scalp
• Greasy Yellowish Scales (on scalp, eyebrows, or behind the ears)
• Persistant Itchiness (in one or a couple areas on the skin)
• Skin May Blister
• Skin May Burn
• Extreme Itching
• Sun Sensitivity

Since Seborrhea falls under the Dermatitis umbrella, the causes can be related to those that cause other types of Dermatitis.  If something irritates the skin, you will usually see a rash right away.  An allergic reaction may take a day or two before you experience symptoms.  Seborrheic Dermatitis, which usually occurs in the face where the sebaceous glands are, is believed to be caused by a fungus in oil secretion on the skin.  Common triggers for Seborrhea are:

• A Fungus in oil secretion 
• Inflammatory Response (related to Psoriasis)
• Seasons (symptoms tend to by worse in winter or spring)
• Genetics
• Stress
• Underlying Medical Conditions (like Psoriasis, AIDS, Eating Disorders, Rosacea, Epilepsy, or Alcoholism)
• Acne
• Depression

• Apple cider vinegar is a great natural solution that can be ingested or applied directly on the skin.  If you mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water and consume that twice a day, this can help to restore your body's pH balance, which is sometimes all that is needed to help Seborrhea.  For topical use, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water and spray this on the affected area several times a day.  
• An oatmeal face mask can help reduce skin irritation because it helps moisturize the skin.  Mix an 1/8 cup of blended oats in a few cups of luke warm water and apply the mask to your face.  Allow it to be on the skin for 15 minutes every day until symptoms decrease.
• Since coconut oil is an incredible moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties, it can help reduce the symptoms of Seborrhea if applied to the affected area(s).  For best results, gently apply warm coconut oil nightly before bed, as this softens the skin.  Symptoms may take a few days to reduce. 
• Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of Seborrhea.  Applying the aloe vera to the affected area(s) helps to restore your skin's pH balance and relieve itching and irritation.  Like coconut oil, aloe vera also has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. 
• Make sure you stay hydrated.  Drinking alkaline water can be beneficial as it helps restore the body's natural pH balance.  The suggested amount of water to drink is eight 8oz glasses per day.  Another good measurement is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water.  If you weigh 150lbs, then you should drink 75oz of water every day.
• Avoid eating processed food, meat, dairy products, salt, sugar, and genetically modified foods and commit to eating raw fruits and vegetables.  Many raw fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the inflammation of Seborrhea. 

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Aloe Vera Juice
• Coconut Oil
• Berries (as they have many antioxidants)
• Olive Oil
• Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, and collards)
• Raw Almonds and Walnuts
• Oranges (provided you are not allergic to citrus)
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Pineapple