Essential oils and seborrheic dermatitis: do they work?

Certain essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis, particularly when it affects the scalp, can be recommended to combat symptoms, as a complement to treatment. They are not, of course, a substitute for medicinal treatments, but can offer additional benefits depending on the user.

Find out all the latest information in this article.

How do essential oils act on our skin?

Certain essential oils may help to combat seborrheic dermatitis thanks to their antifungal, moisturising and soothing properties.

However, although they are natural, they must be used with care, as they are not without risk. Especially as skin affected by seborrheic dermatitis is fragile. This is why, in the case of seborrheic dermatitis, the essential oils chosen must be appropriate and always diluted in a vegetable oil before application. 

Can I apply essential oils to my skin if I have seborrheic dermatitis?

A few precautions should be taken before using essential oils on skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis:

• First of all, essential oils must not be applied on young children or pregnant women. 
• They should be applied locally, diluted in a vegetable oil. 
• Do an elbow fold test before using for the first time to check you are not allergic. 
• Avoid mucous membranes, ears and eyes. 
• After application, do not expose yourself to the sun due to risk of solar erythema or even an allergic skin reaction. 
• Finally, not all essential oils are suitable for seborrheic dermatitis; each oil has its own specific characteristics. 

As you can see, essential oils should be used with caution, particularly on fragile skin that suffers from seborrheic dermatitis. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice. 

Essential oils for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp are increasingly preferred (1) by patients because of their effectiveness: tea tree (2), rose geranium and palmarosa essential oils are recognised for their antimicrobial properties.
Before use, consult a health professional specialising in aromatherapy.

Seborrheic verrucas are not viral. The combination of seborrheic verrucas and essential oils with antimicrobial properties will therefore not be effective. Seborrheic verrucas are generally removed either by cryotherapy or electrocoagulation. 
Before treating seborrheic verrucas with essential oils, it is therefore advisable to consult a health professional specialising in aromatherapy to choose an appropriate treatment. 

Studies suggest that certain low-dose homeopathic treatments, such as potassium bromide, sodium bromide, nickel sulphate and sodium chloride, may relieve seborrheic dermatitis and chronic dandruff (3). However, further research is needed to confirm these results. It is therefore advisable to consult healthcare professionals trained in homeopathy, who have experience in the field and positive feedback from patients, for appropriate support.