Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed — Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic & Laser

Seborrheic Dermatitis & Dandruff Advice

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 — Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed

A patient advice sheet — 8 practical points. Reviewed and updated by Dr. Abdulaziz AlRashed, July 2026.

Last reviewed: July 2026

The advice

A very common, chronic, fluctuating condition linked to a yeast normally present on the skin; it is not poor hygiene and not contagious.
Medicated shampoo is the cornerstone (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium): use 2–3 times weekly, massage in and leave 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
After improvement, continue once weekly as maintenance to prevent relapse.
Use the medicated shampoo lather to wash affected areas of the face, beard and chest.
For hijab wearers: dry the hair and scalp completely before covering — trapped humidity worsens it.
It flares with stress, winter and fatigue — fluctuation is normal and does not mean treatment failure.
On the face: a gentle cleanser plus the prescribed cream; do not use strong cortisone creams on the face long-term.
Infant cradle cap: baby oil to soften the scales then gentle brushing — it usually clears by itself.

See also the full treatment page: Eczema treatment — options, evidence and expected timelines.

My private clinic at Kuwait Hospital (Sabah Al-Salem) — direct assessment and a treatment plan built around your case.