Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the scalp, causing redness, scaling, and persistent dandruff. It occurs due to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and excessive sebum production. Anti-dandruff treatments help control the symptoms, reduce flakiness, and restore scalp health.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, particularly in areas with high sebaceous gland density. The yeast metabolises sebum triglycerides into oleic acid and other irritating free fatty acids, which triggers an inflammatory cascade that produces the characteristic greasy, yellowish scales, erythema, and persistent itching.

These peels work by deeply penetrating the skin to:

Scalp analysis to assess severity and triggers.

Application of medicated shampoos containing antifungal agents like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide.

Topical corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory agents reduce inflammation.

Specialized serums and solutions restore scalp hydration and reduce scaling.

Mild Flaking – Light scaling with minimal inflammation responds well to medicated shampoos containing 2% ketoconazole or 1% zinc pyrithione used two to three times weekly.

Moderate Inflammation – When erythema and thick scales are present, our trichologists add a short course of topical corticosteroid lotion — typically betamethasone valerate 0.1% — for two weeks alongside daily antifungal therapy.

Severe or Refractory Cases – Patients with persistent seborrheic dermatitis unresponsive to topical therapy may require oral itraconazole pulse therapy at Claire Derma.

Seborrheic dermatitis presents differently across patients, and our trichologists at Claire Derma classify your condition by severity and distribution before building a treatment plan. Mild cases show fine, white-to-yellow flaking with minimal redness, while moderate cases involve thicker adherent scales with visible erythema and pruritus that impacts daily comfort.

Controls yeast overgrowth.

Reduces inflammation and redness.

Eliminates flakiness and prevents recurrence.

Restores natural scalp balance.

Ketoconazole Protocol – The most widely studied antifungal for seborrheic dermatitis, ketoconazole disrupts ergosterol synthesis in the Malassezia cell membrane.

Zinc Pyrithione Therapy – Zinc pyrithione offers both antifungal and antibacterial properties while being gentler on the scalp than azole antifungals.

Scalp Barrier Restoration – Chronic inflammation damages the scalp's lipid barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss and sensitivity. At Claire Derma, we prescribe ceramide-containing scalp serums and niacinamide-based lotions to rebuild the barrier alongside antifungal.

Treatment at Claire Derma for seborrheic dermatitis uses a layered approach targeting each component of the disease. Antifungal agents reduce Malassezia colonisation, keratolytics like salicylic acid at 2 to 3% concentration break down adherent scales to expose the underlying inflamed skin, and barrier-repair formulations restore the damaged stratum corneum that allows irritants to penetrate.

Provides long-lasting dandruff control.

Reduces scalp redness and irritation.

Improves scalp hydration and health.

Prevents excessive sebum buildup.

Promotes healthy hair growth.

Benefit – Rapid flare control within two to three weeks using a combined antifungal and anti-inflammatory approach rather than the trial-and-error cycle common with over-the-counter products.

Benefit – Lower recurrence frequency with a structured maintenance plan. After achieving clearance, our trichologists taper your treatment to a once-weekly antifungal wash combined with barrier-repair products, which clinical data shows reduces.

Benefit – Product selection matched to your scalp sensitivity, Malassezia burden, and co-existing conditions. Patients with concurrent hair loss receive formulations that treat the dermatitis without compromising follicle health, and those with.

Managing seborrheic dermatitis at Claire Derma delivers more consistent results than self-treatment with retail products because we address the condition's multiple pathways at the same time. Many patients cycle through dandruff shampoos for years without lasting improvement because they target only one aspect of the disease — usually the fungal component — while ignoring the inflammation, barrier damage, and lifestyle.

This treatment is ideal for individuals who:

Individuals suffering from persistent dandruff and redness.

Patients with chronic seborrheic dermatitis.

People looking for a safe, effective solution for scalp health.

Managing seborrheic dermatitis long term requires understanding that the condition is chronic and controllable rather than curable. At Claire Derma, we teach you to recognise early flare signs — increased scalp itching, oiliness, or fine flaking — so you can intensify your maintenance regimen before a full flare develops. Seasonal changes, stress, and sleep disruption are common triggers that our trichologists help you anticipate.