Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp: Why is it important to treat excess sebum as well?

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Your dermatologist has diagnosed you with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
This common condition often manifests as dandruff, itching, and excess sebum.
People often focus solely on visible dandruff. However, in some individuals—particularly teenagers—excess sebum plays a particularly significant role in maintaining seborrheic dermatitis.
This fact sheet helps you understand this connection and reminds you of the essential steps to take to better manage dandruff and oily hair until your next follow-up appointment. 

4 Effective Tips for Treating Dandruff and Excess Sebum

  • Use the treatment shampoo

    Apply it to the scalp first!

    Why?

    To effectively address excess sebum, which contributes to the vicious cycle of seborrheic dermatitis.

    How?

    • Apply the shampoo to your wet scalp.
    • Gently massage with your fingertips without scratching with your nails.
    • Leave it on for the recommended amount of time.

  • Don't scrub your scalp

    Why?

    To avoid further irritating the scalp and aggravating seborrheic dermatitis.

    How?

    • Avoid scrubbing hard to remove dandruff.
    • Keep your nails short to avoid scratching or pulling off flakes of skin.
    • Identify the times when you scratch (screen time, studying, stress, fatigue) to better control your actions.
    • Use a mild shampoo between treatments.

  • Wash your hair

    as soon as the roots become oily again

    Why?

    To limit the buildup of sebum, which contributes to scalp imbalance.

    Washing your hair regularly isn't bad for your scalp when you use the right products. 

    How?

    •  Washing your hair every 2 to 3 days helps limit sebum buildup.
    • If you need to wash your hair between treatments, use a gentle, suitable shampoo.
    • Avoid routinely using dry shampoo to mask oily hair.
    • Limit the use of gels, waxes, or styling products applied near the roots.

  • Continue treating the scalp

    even when things are going better

    Why?

    To prevent recurrence.

    Seborrheic dermatitis often occurs in flare-ups. Even when dandruff subsides, the scalp may remain sensitive, and sebum may continue to contribute to flare-ups.  

    How?

    • Don't stop the routine as soon as the dandruff becomes less visible.
    • Follow the recommended maintenance phase.

Why continue treatment once the dandruff is gone?

Dandruff may become less visible even while the scalp imbalance persists. Stopping treatment too soon can then lead to a recurrence of symptoms.

That is why a maintenance phase is strongly recommended to help sustain the results achieved and minimize recurrence.

Improvements often appear gradually over several weeks, with less visible dandruff, less itching, and hair that becomes oily less quickly. 

Related Products

1.

During the induction and maintenance phases

DU_KELUAL-DS_SEBOCONTROL_ANTI-DANDRUFF-TREATMENT-SHAMPOO_PACKSHOT_FRONT_100ml_3282771001920
KELUAL DS
SEBOCONTROL
Anti-Dandruff & Anti-Sebum Treatment Shampoo

2.

As a supplement to my routine

DU_KELUAL-ELUTION_ANTI-DANDRUFF-DAILY-SHAMPOO_FRONT_200ML_3282770073614
KELUAL ELUTION
Anti-dandruff daily shampoo

How to Use My KELUAL DS SEBOCONTROL Treatment Shampoo Correctly

The treatment shampoo is applied to the scalp

  • 1

    Wet your hair, then apply a small amount of KELUAL DS SEBOCONTROL treatment shampoo to your scalp. Work it into a lather by gently massaging with your fingertips.

  • 2

    Rinse your scalp and hair thoroughly. 

  • 3

    Apply the shampoo a second time, then let it sit for 3 minutes before rinsing. Rinse thoroughly until all traces of the product are removed. 

Understanding the Vicious Cycle of Excess Sebum

Sebum is a substance naturally produced by the scalp to protect the skin and hair. 

In seborrheic dermatitis, the problem isn’t just due to excessive sebum production. Its composition can also be altered. 

This excess sebum then promotes the growth of yeast naturally present on the scalp, known as Malassezia. This contributes to the development of dandruff, itching, and inflammation. 

A vicious cycle can then set in: excess sebum > growth of Malassezia > dandruff and inflammation > itching > an unbalanced scalp > further excess sebum. And the longer this vicious cycle persists, the more likely the symptoms are to linger or recur. 

That’s why it’s important to address both dandruff and excess sebum to help the scalp gradually regain its balance. 

For some people, fatigue, stress, or exam periods can also trigger flare-ups.

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