Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition, which, to add fuel to the fire, tends to co-exist with yeast infections on the skin. When you’re looking for a shampoo that will tackle both of those issues, you need to pick carefully, because you don’t want a product that will make things worse!
So many medicated shampoos designed to tackle the yeast infections that exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis contain ingredients that themselves dry out, irritate or flare up inflammatory conditions. The anti-fungals, preservatives, fragrance maskers, and other synthetic substances the shampoos are made with can cause yet more itching, and that's no good, especially if the person suffering from seborrheic dermatitis (aka cradle cap) is a baby!
Foaming sulphate-based detergents (such as SLS/SLES) strip natural oils from the scalp and dry it out, causing damage to the skin. That depleted, fragile skin barrier can let moisture out and allow irritants into the bloodstream, causing more inflammation, more damage, and more itching! The vicious circle goes on and on...
So you need to find a shampoo that is free from perfume, harsh preservatives, sulphates, soaps and any other ingredients that are personal triggers for you or your child.
You also need a shampoo that will treat skin gently, but still clean effectively.
The answer? Balmonds Natural Shampoo & Body Wash, which contains super-mild plant-derived cleansers that will lift grease and dirt from your scalp without drying it out. It can reduce the risk of fungal infection by keeping your scalp clean, but is free from the irritating ingredients most anti-fungal shampoos contain. Most people find that simply by cutting out the irritants and switching to plant-based detergents can get rid of the problem by itself. It's suitable for all ages, from 6 weeks, even the delicate skin of tiny babies.
Top tips:
- Use the shampoo no more than every other day, and possibly only once or twice a week. It can take a while to get used to shampooing less frequently but your scalp should adjust within a couple of weeks.
- Use more water rather than more product if you’re finding the natural cleansers we use in our shampoo don’t foam up as much as you’re used to!
- Give your scalp a treat with our naturally anti-fungal Balmonds Scalp Oil once a week.
- For a baby's cradle cap, apply Balmonds Bath & Body Oil to the scalp. Leave to soak in, then remove any flakes very gently with a fine-toothed comb. You can wash it out with our shampoo if desired, but it may not be necessary!
- Remember your body works as a system: treat your whole self gently, not just your scalp, if you want to beat seborrheic dermatitis. Look at your diet, your stress levels, your sleep, and your own personal environmental, psychological and contact triggers.
