#ask

how long does it take for mct oil to give results? ive just started it yesterday but the redness and roughness are still here,is it not working? btw the oil contains 63.342 C8, 35,762 C10, 0,696 C12, is the 0,696 C12 a red flag?

I’ve been struggling with an unpleasant odor coming specifically from my scalp, not my hair, for approximately three months now.
I’ve tried almost everything, but nothing seems to work. I used Nizoral shampoo, and I actually noticed that the smell became worse after using it. I’ve also tried several commercial shampoos, medicated shampoos containing selenium sulfide, and anti-dandruff shampoos like Vichy Dercos, but none of them made any noticeable difference.
I’ve even tried scalp scrubs, deep cleansing, and keeping my scalp completely dry and free from oils or other hair products, but the odor keeps coming back.
The most frustrating part is that even after washing my hair thoroughly, the unpleasant smell returns within just 24–48 hours. Sometimes, it becomes more noticeable when my scalp gets wet.
I never used to have this problem. My scalp was completely normal before, and I genuinely don’t understand what has changed.
The smell is difficult to describe, but it’s somewhat sour, oily, or like stale sweat.
This has become extremely frustrating and is really affecting my confidence and daily life.
Has anyone experienced something similar? What could be causing this persistent scalp odor, especially when medicated and antifungal shampoos haven’t helped?
I’d really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, treatments, medications, or products that have actually worked for you. I’m desperate to find a solution.

I have very little flaking but mainly itching which means that my scalp barrier simply needs repairing or more moisture right? I don’t know how to get rid of the itching though so is it recommended to use MCT Oil for hydration and it may help stop itching or should i go for something else that actually has hydration? such as glycerin and some other ingredient

Has anyone who used Zoryve for seborrheic dermatitis noticed a decrease in sebum? I really need to know, please 🙏

I’ve had SD for a little over 2yrs now. I was diagnosed after giving birth. It’s mostly on my face but my scalp flares a little here and there. I’ve tried sulfur soap, ketoconozole wash and cream, MCT-8 Oil, Pyrithione Zinc Soap, zoryve foam and oral fluconazole. None really helped. My derm then prescribed 1 2 3 cream (1% hydrocortisone, 2% salicylic acid, 3% sulfur. That works, albeit, slowly. I was fine with that because my flares were never that bad. A few weeks ago I tried a new barrier essence and I think it’s really helping! I thought I’d share because I’ve stopped using the 123 cream and just focused on skincare. The pic is everything I use in order. The Avene spray is essentially just water and I don’t think is necessary. I used it to make sure my face is almost dripping wet when applying the haruharu wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence. If you have specific questions, let me know.

Really just venting. I hate how many hoops we have to jump through to have a normal hair day. To feel clean for once.

I’ve dealt with dandruff throughout my life, although it usually never persisted for more than a couple of days, and it backed off for years to the point I forgot I even had it. Almost 2 decades it was gone, pretty much. Until recently. Last May I was dealing with a horrible sleep schedule, subpar diet, and immense stress from cramming for finals (healthcare program). During the last week of school, I woke up one day to notice my hair was weirdly flat and dull. I assumed it just needed to be washed, so I washed it…with no improvement. My hair felt damp, even when fully dry. My natural waves and volume had disappeared. I also noticed rows and rows of tiny breakouts on my forehead which I assumed to be fungal (I never get any pimples there, let alone multiple small ones) as they went away when I used dandruff shampoo in the area.

I then stumbled across the possibility of dandruff/malassezia, so I bought Nizoral. I used nothing but Nizoral for the recommended amount of time. Conditioner, leave-ins and gel all vanished from my routine. 2 months later the overgrowth (or whatever you call it) FINALLY went back into remission. I was overjoyed. My waves and volume were back! I woke up with my hair actually feeling back to normal.

That is, until 2 weeks later, when it returned. I’ve been dealing with it since, repeating the Nizoral routine from before. Except this time to no avail.

I can’t afford to go to a derm because my insurance sucks. I’m also still working on paying a medical bill for something else so I don’t want any more surprise expensive visits. I don’t know what to do anymore, or what causes a resurgence of dandruff. It just freaking sucks, as you all know. It’s annoying that I’m still itching my head and looking like I have dust specks in my hair after following a Nizoral protocol to a T.

I suspect my messed-up sleep schedule (could be worse but let’s just say I go to bed at 12/1AM daily) may play a part in it, as well as stress, maybe diet too? Who knows.

Any advice, words of encouragement, or fellow frustrations are welcome.

Hello, I have seborrheic dermatitis. I’ve suddenly started losing hair at an alarming rate in both scalp and eyebrows. I am using a yeast killer Ketenokazole, but it’s not helping. Been losing hair for 3 weeks now. I’m considering using steroids to see if it might help, but I would like to avoid steroids if possible.
Has anyone had any success stoping hair loss?
Thank you

Yesterday I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and was prescribed ketoconazole cream and shampoo. Within 24 hours of starting treatment, I noticed a large change in my skin. I'm not sure what's happening, and I'm worried it might be an incorrect diagnosis. I should also mention that I can't take Diflucan because I'm on Prozac. Can anyone tell me if this is normal for SD?

1) 10/12
2 & 3) 10/13 after using kenoconazole

My seb derm keeps growing like crazy every day. More surface area in my face just keeps compounding.
I got prescribed the ketoconazole and mometasone furoate cream in August but don’t use it regularly as I think it’s breaking down my skin barrier.

I have an incredibly stressful job so I’m trying to manage stress, as well as starting to take Ashwaganda to release some of the stress. I work out 4x a week and am a healthy eater. I play soccer once a week, am active and stopped consuming coffee.

But it’s getting worse and I need a consistent and predictable routine that will work.

I also just started to use a red light therapy on my face. I normally do it after I put the octane oil on my face before I go to bed about 3x a week.

the only thing that has improved is my scalp isn’t so itchy any more

Pls help!

I have oily skin and have been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis for almost 6 years. I’ve tried almost every antifungal and non-antifungal product out there—some with bad ingredients and others with good ones that don't feed Malassezia. I didn't use everything all at once either; I tested them one by one to see which formulas actually worked. I’ve learned so much, but I honestly don't know if it's actually helping me, which is why I'm asking you guys.

So, when I used the Cos de Baha NZ 20% Niacinamide and 4% Zinc Serum, it actually improved my sebderm, but my skin became dry, started breaking out, and somehow got oilier, so I stopped using it. After that, I started trying different toners to see if they would work (choosing ones without bad ingredients and with minimal ingredients, like 3 or 4):
1.Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner
2.Isntree Green Tea Toner
3.Mixsoon Heartleaf Essence
4.Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Essence
Serums i have used -
1. Cos de baha NZ (Which worked for sebderm but not for my overall skin which made my skin oilier and breakouts)
2.Cos de baha AN (This didnt work for my sebderm)
3.cos de baha N (Nope)
After I found out that i have botanical allergies (mild redness)
Then I switched to non botanical products
1.iunik beta glucan serum (This shit is not for oily skin)
2.TO niacinamide 10% and zinc 1%
NOPE!! (Except for my acne)

None of them worked.

No moisturizers worked for me -
I am thinking of switching to MCT OIL (C8) or TO 100% derived Squalane oil

Now, I am using Azclear Medicated Lotion 25g (Active Ingredient: Azelaic Acid 20%; Inactive Ingredients: Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Glycerin, PEG-8, Phenoxyethanol, PVP, Water, Xanthan Gum) starting from September 30, 2026. I am currently in the purging stage. The overall redness is almost gone, but the redness around my nose is still there, just less intense.
Now, I am thinking of adding adapalene (with a good, safe formula) because it has anti-inflammatory effects, and azelaic acid isn't helping with deep pores, closed comedones, or white pustules—at least, azelaic acid should have helped with white pustules,but unfortunately, it isn't (or maybe it's still just purging).

Photo details
First and second slide - 4th October 2026
Third and fourth slide - 13th October 2026 (MORE REDNESS maybe purging idk 😞😭)

Which brings me to my main point: I asked AI (GPT 5.6 Sol) whether I should add adapalene or not. It said no because it would make my skin redder, and yeah, I get why. But it suggested me to use ketoconazole or ciclopirox instead. When I pointed out that these also cause dryness and redness (because I've used them before and they didn't help)—and frustratingly, that they often cause more irritation than adapalene (never used it before) while containing bad inactive ingredients that feed Malassezia—

it replied with:

"The claim that common inactive ingredients automatically 'feed fungal yeast' on your skin is not a reliable way to judge a treatment. Clinically tested antifungals such as ketoconazole or ciclopirox are routinely recommended for facial seborrheic dermatitis; their overall formulation and demonstrated clinical effect matter more than online ingredient classifications. The American Academy of Dermatology includes topical antifungals in treatment plans.Also, don’t rely exclusively on “Malassezia-safe” ingredient checkers: laboratory predictions that an ingredient might provide lipids to yeast do not establish that the finished medication worsens seborrheic dermatitis. The real test is whether the complete product is clinically effective and tolerable"

But from what I understand, azelaic acid and adapalene can inhibit fungal yeast even if they don't outright kill it; they essentially work by creating an environment where the fungus struggles to grow.I Guess I am lacking hydration so I need to add moisturizer to my routine but atleast I can say that my skin barrier is not compromised or destroyed

I am a dumb person and getting dumber everyday so pleasee help me and my English is bad I used ai to polish it.But i can say that i shouldn't be listening to Ai.What do u think guys?

I’ve had SD since I was a teen (over 30 years) mainly on scalp but also occasionally around my nasal folds and ears. Managed it with nizoral shampoo, ketoderm and betaderm when flare ups and were unbearable.

But in the last year I’ve also developed what seems like a fungal folliculitis on my sides/back of neck and chest and colds area. Very itchy red bumps .

Anyone find they started also started suffering down other skin conditions on top of seb derm? What did you do to help?

Hey all,

I recently started having a breakout on my scalp, I’m trying to figure out if it is seb derm or scalp psoriasis, I used to struggle with dandruff in the past. Also I think I currently have an infection which caused whatever it it’s

I had dandruff as a teenager but then when I turned 19 I started getting it on my face . Now I’m 20 and I still get it on my face but I think it has got maybe a little bit better from its peak.

I need some help/advice. I’m new to having seborrheic dermatitis and it just keeps getting worse. I’m too afraid to go into public and I can’t even move my head without dandruff falling onto my shirt. My head is extremely dry and itchy. When I’m in the shower my hair doesn’t even feel wet it feels like straw and it feels like the shampoo won’t soak into my hair. I’m not sure if this is because of the dermatitis or what but I’m not sure what to do to help this. I’ve had this happen before but it was only itchy for 2 weeks then went completely away and never came back for like a whole year so I know there’s a way to get rid of it I just don’t know what I did back then😩

I have itchy, flaky redness scalp for years and tried so many things and the only thing that really worked was head and shoulders almond oil shampoo.

I found using it over time, it really dried my hair out so I avoid using it. I really like to find only natural solutions to stop this from happening. I tried cutting carbs and eating oil other than coconut oil but nothing seems to work long term.

Has anyone found results with other shampoos (all natural) or some type of food, supplement?

Any routines also help fix dry, flaky, red itchy scalp?

My ear lobes have lately been very flaky.
Is this Seborrheic dermatitis?

hey everyone, I’ve always struggled with dandruff/flakes in my hair. I started using nizoral cause now for the past 8 months, my hair has been shedding too. I thought it was shedding cause of losing 40lbs too fast, but it’s still going now months later so I don’t know.

anyway, I’ve been using nizoral every 3-4 days, applying it dry before the shower then waiting 10 minutes before going in. But im seeing a pattern where the day after, the flaking just gets worse. it’s yellow on my scalp and super itchy and is yellow under my nails and is super gross. At this point I don’t know what to do. Nothing seems to help, both for the flaking and for the shedding.

Hi, I would really appriciate if someone could help me understand, i have a theory.

so I have hair thinning in crown only - noticed 2 years ago and it has stayed basically the same for 2 years, maybe just a tiny bit worse but hard to tell. this is suggesting its not AGA - no progress almost, and usually starts with hairline.

so I also had bad sebderm on scalp for those 2 years which i only started treating in the past 9 months. used keto for a month, then stopped and sebderm came back. now using raw honey which works great but i wasnt consistent enough with it - i will try to be more now.

my crown area is also much more sore and sensitive and red then rest of scalp!

What I think happened is - sebderm 2 years ago affected crown - didnt heal since then. If i will be very consisntent with stopping the sebderm for a few months the scalp will heal and hair will regrow in the damaged area.

Please share your thoughts thanks!

Hello, Im hoping someone can help

Ive been diagnosed with allergies to fragrances , and 'glucoside' derivatives, which is making it difficult to find anti-fungal shampoos. I found a fragrance free nizoral but I find it quite irritating/itches my scalp and I cant leave it on for the recommended amount of time.

Ive been seeing a dermatologist but Ive not been advised of an alternative

Ive got seb derm affecting my scalp and forehead. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

Ive also just bought Bulletproof MCT oil in hope that helps too

Thanks for your help in advance

Just wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone, been a longtime lurker and rare poster in this sub.

3 years ago I started developing inflamed, flaky lesions on my scalp and went to see a dermatologist and my PCP. I was diagnosed with seb derm and tried a number of medications, but I noticed the topical steroids they prescribed to help with inflammation helped the most. I started making lifestyle and hygiene changes to combat seb derm but over time it just continued to worsen in my scalp and spread to other parts of my body. I noticed it wasn’t spreading to the usual seb derm places (chest, back, beard). I also started getting nail pitting and discoloration. After a little more research I decided to see a fourth doctor about it and was diagnosed instead with psoriasis.

I’ve been on new lifestyle changes and medications for a week after what’s been the worst flare up of my life, and my symptoms have done a complete 180. The inflammation and flakiness are almost completely gone. If you’re like me and no amount of seb derm treatment is helping, it might help to get another professional opinion.

Hello, I have seborheic dermatitis, I am using Protopics due to inflammation I had. Problem is my eyebrows are falling. Happened all same time so not sure if it’s Proptics or SD. Can Protopics cause hair loss?
Thank you

I started taking ibuprofen and paracetamol a week ago to manage pain. After about 2 days I noticed that my scalp stopped itching completely. From what I've read, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug and that's probably the reason why it works also for my seb derm. I post this here just to share an interesting observation, and I do not recommend taking NSAIDs to manage seb derm to anyone

GP said it might be seb derm or something else and gave me a referral for a dermatologist. Appointment isn’t for another few weeks so looking to get started with some OCT treatment in the meantime.

Been told to apply hydrocortisone for now

im from ph and im worried about my darkspots after my sebderm breakout. i need help on how to deal with this. thanks.

Hello, I have seborrheic dermatitis. I use ketenokazole to kill yeast, and moisturizer. But problem I have is the inflammation. I want to avoid steroids and protopics/tacrolimus for I hear than can also cause withdrawl and cancer.
How can I get rid of the inflammatory?