Skin

Uses

How it works

Benefits

Preparation

Risks & contraindications

Comparisons

Background

Evidence quality

Highlighted claims

• Seborrheic dermatitis is defined by scaling and inflammation in sebum-rich anatomical areas, and is chronic and relapsing in adults. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• The face is the most common site for seborrheic dermatitis, accounting for 87.7% of cases, followed by the scalp at 70.3%. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Seborrheic dermatitis lesions show elevated concentrations of IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, Th17 mediators, and complement in the epidermis and around affected follicles. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Cradle cap (seborrheic capitis in infants) peaks at 3 months of age when up to 70% of infants are affected, and is usually self-limited, with only ~7% retaining it by age 1–2. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Dandruff affects 50% of the adult population worldwide at some point, with Americans spending approximately $300 million annually on over-the-counter scalp products. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Dandruff prevalence tracks sebum production across the lifespan: rising through puberty, peaking around age 20, and declining after age 50. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Histamine levels in the scalp stratum corneum are more than twice as high in dandruff patients compared to unaffected individuals. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Antibiotic use is a primary driver of Candida gut overgrowth by eliminating commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus that normally suppress Candida. — Malassezia, Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, Cradle Cap, and Pityriasis Versicolor: Root Cause and Treatment
• Castor oil is applied topically to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. — Castor Oil: Benefits and Uses
• Topical application is the recommended route for pain relief conditions. — Capsaicin (Chili Pepper Extract) for Pain Relief