Experiment: Coconut oil for seborrheic dermatitis

Somewhat Damaged · 07-09-2008, 01:30 AM

I invite anyone with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, or maybe even other flaky/oily/dry/itchy scalp conditions to join me in my experiment. Maybe there's another post about this here, but I didn't see one recently.

I've suffered with SD on my scalp for a few years now... I've never been formally diagnosed, but to be honest the 'treatments' I've seen for it haven't sounded all that appealing anyway. I always figured it would clear up on it's own once I got my diet and hormones in order. Of course, that hasn't happened yet.

About a week ago I ran across a post on a low carb forum about a woman who used coconut oil to cure her SD: http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthread.php?t=185246

I tried it Sunday night, and I've seen a huge improvement in my scalp already. My hair was a little greasy the next day, but I just put it up in a bun and rewashed it the next day, and it's been fine since. I plan on doing another treatment this week.

Anyone else up for an experiment?

CarmenSandiego · 07-09-2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Somewhat Damaged

Anyone else up for an experiment?

Ever since I heard about all the great anti-microbial/parasitic/viral properties of CO I've been incorporating it into my food and then slathering it on my normally oily face without any comedogenic (sp?) repercussions. Love the stuff!

splashsmama · 07-09-2008, 12:35 PM

Somewhat Damaged,

I'll do the experiment with you.
I've had scalp psoriasis for 3-4 years now. I found DermaRest at Walmart that's supposed to help it, but it hasn't completely cleared it up. I have some lingering patches still left on my head, and the moment I stop taking DermaRest, the flakes flare right back up again.

Where did you find the coconut oil?

Somewhat Damaged · 07-10-2008, 12:27 AM

CarmenSandiego - I know! I was skeptical at first but figured I didn't have anything to lose. I haven't broken out on my face and so far it's only helped my hair/scalp.

splashsmama - I get my CO at the natural foods section of the grocery store, or at a health food store. I have Spectrum Naturals organic virgin coconut oil. It's very white, coconut scented, and it looks a little crystally in the jar. Let me know how it works for you!

I am going to do my second treatment of the week tonight. I was distracted when I made my first post, but this is what I do:

apply the coconut oil with my fingers and rub it all over my scalp. I also apply some to the creases of my nose and parts of my face that are red/flaky/irritated. Pile my hair on top of my head, and wrap my head in a plastic shopping bag (I'd use a shower cap if I had one). Then, wrap a towel around my head and let it sit for an hour.

Normally when I wash my hair, I just wash the scalp part, but I found out last time that with the CO I really need to wash the ends too, because the first time it just washed all the CO to the ends of my hair and it was really greasy. A second wash fixed that. I didn't need to use conditioner.

Well, I hope more people decide to give this a try! Just from my first application I've seen quite an improvement in the condition of my scalp!

splashsmama · 07-10-2008, 02:29 PM

Thanks, Somewhat Damaged.
Hopefully I'll be able to find some place that sells it around here. If not, surely I can find somewhere online.
I'll let you know how it goes.

rkp · 07-11-2008, 12:33 AM

warming up the coconut oil a little before applying it to the scalp is also very helpful......
U can also get coconut oil in any of the Indian grocery stores.....

Somewhat Damaged · 07-11-2008, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkp

warming up the coconut oil a little before applying it to the scalp is also very helpful......
U can also get coconut oil in any of the Indian grocery stores.....

I agree. When I first applied it, it was so warm in my house the oil was already semi-liquid, so I didn't need to heat it. I neglected to mention that.

I've had a hell week and haven't sat down to do my second treatment yet. I will definitely do it tomorrow though, since I don't have to work Saturday.

I'm still noticing that my scalp is far improved from where it was before the first treatment.

Somewhat Damaged · 07-12-2008, 11:52 PM

Alright, second application today. I washed my hair twice when my hour was up and made sure to wash the ends really well... no greasiness at all!

My husband did complain about the shower being greasy, but nothing a quick clean/scrub can't fix.

embrace2day · 07-13-2008, 03:33 AM

Okay So yeah I have this scalp condition to apparently. I'll have to give it a try neutragena t-gel isnt cutting it.. takes the itch away for like two days.. I'll try it this week and check back with you!

Leopassion7 · 07-31-2008, 12:06 AM

I'm up for the challenge. Crap I've had SD since I can remember....always wondered if it was my eczema or not. Works for eczema too right? I'll definitely give it a try....though I'm not thrilled about the "greasy" effects. lol.

Thanks for the intel.

alwayzrn · 07-31-2008, 01:40 AM

I have SD and was diagnosed when I was like 13. I have to battle with it along my hairline, my eyebrows and in my ears, along with my scalp. I will have to try the CO to see how it does.

Stacie M · 07-31-2008, 03:40 AM

I would love to try this... I know it is still summer, but I am dreading the coming cool weather for one reason... My scalp goes completely haywire. I have been battling this for probably six or seven years and have used pretty much everything OTC with mild success, and Rx meds with moderate success.

I would love to find something that isn't harsh like some of the shampoos and ointments can be, plus I am interested in some of the other healing properties of CO.

The only problem, I don't know WHERE to find it locally (I live in rural KY, pretty much in between two larger cities). Can this be purchased online without paying substantially more, or it is worth the money in gas to drive into the city to get?

Stacie M · 07-31-2008, 03:43 AM

Does this look good: http://www.livingnutritionals.com/pr...ts_id=20001228

autumnleaves · 08-02-2008, 12:36 AM

OK I have this and would love to try it. BUT
I have no clue what this stuff is? Ok so dont laugh but is it like a cooking oil? I mean something you could actually eat. Or is it just something for the skin?

Stacie M · 08-02-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autumnleaves

OK I have this and would love to try it. BUT
I have no clue what this stuff is? Ok so dont laugh but is it like a cooking oil? I mean something you could actually eat. Or is it just something for the skin?

It can be used for cooking (which I guess is probably the typical use), but can be used for skin as well. Eaten it is supposed to help metabolism and is a good fat. It is supposed to be very healing for the skin.