Seborrheic Dermatitis Daily Care Routine
■ Morning Routine
• Wash face with a gentle cleanser (Cetaphil, Sebamed, or mild baby face wash).
• Pat dry (do not rub).
• Apply a thin layer of antifungal cream (e.g., Ketoconazole 2%, Sertaconazole, or
Ciclopirox) on affected areas (sides of nose, eyebrows, ears, beard area).
• If skin is dry → Apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer (oil-free).
• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) if going outdoors.
• Scalp (2–3 times per week): Use antifungal shampoo (Ketoconazole 2% or Ciclopirox).
Apply to wet scalp, massage, and leave for 3–5 minutes, then rinse. On non-medicated
days, use a mild shampoo.
■ Evening Routine
• Cleanse again with a gentle face wash.
• Apply antifungal cream to affected areas (same as morning).
• If irritation/redness is severe: Short-term use (≤1 week) of a mild steroid cream
(hydrocortisone 1%) at night. For long-term maintenance, especially around nose/eyelids,
use pimecrolimus 1% cream or tacrolimus 0.03% ointment instead of steroid.
• Moisturize lightly if needed.
• Scalp: Usually nothing at night. If very scaly → Apply mineral oil/coconut oil overnight once
a week, and shampoo in the morning.
■ Weekly / Long-term Tips
• Continue antifungal cream daily for 2–4 weeks → then reduce to 2–3 times per week as
maintenance.
• Shampoo twice weekly with medicated antifungal shampoo, alternating with gentle
shampoo.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing, alcohol-based toners, or heavy oils.
• Manage stress, sleep well, and eat a balanced diet (excess sugar/oily food can worsen
flares).