Dry, itchy scalp

Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp: Combating Flaky Patches with the Power of Bees

If your scalp often feels irritated or flaky, you’re not alone: About 5% of Germans have experienced seborrheic eczema on their scalp¹. Typical symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include redness, oily, yellow flakes, and itching—sometimes also at the hairline, on the face, or around the ears. The scalp, in particular—as a hotspot for sebaceous glands—is frequently affected by seborrheic dermatitis.

The good news: With the right knowledge and a suitable skincare routine, you can help support your scalp’s natural balance. Bedrop offers all-natural products for this purpose—with the power of bees for your scalp care, along with advice and tips for managing seborrheic dermatitis in your daily life.

What Is Seborrheic Eczema?

Seborrheic eczema (or seborrheic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition. It tends to occur in areas with many sebaceous glands—such as the scalp, face, ears, chest, or back² ³. Characteristic symptoms include oily, yellowish flakes and usually mild redness, often accompanied by occasional itching or a feeling of tightness.

Unlike other conditions such as psoriasis (large, silvery scales) or atopic dermatitis (where the skin is often very dry and itches intensely), the scales in seborrheic eczema are significantly oilier and the redness is less pronounced³.

Comparison of the most common scalp conditions:

Seborrheic eczema

• Type of dandruff: oily, yellowish
  
• Main symptoms: mild redness, itching
  
• Affected areas: scalp, face, ears
  
• Contagious?: No
  

Psoriasis

• Type of dandruff: large, silvery-white
  
• Main symptoms: severe redness, thick plaques
  
• Affected areas: Scalp, elbows, knees
  
• Contagious?: No

Atopic dermatitis

• Type of dandruff: small, rather dry
  
• Main symptoms: severe itching, dry skin
  
• Affected areas: Elbow creases, face, neck
  
• Contagious?: No
  

In a nutshell: Seborrheic dermatitis primarily affects the scalp and face, is not contagious, and requires evaluation by a specialist, particularly to distinguish it from other skin conditions such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis¹.

Who is particularly affected by seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp? 

Young adults (ages 20–40) are particularly affected, and men are affected at a higher-than-average rate³ ⁴. Babies can also develop what is known as “cradle cap”—this is usually harmless and only occurs temporarily. In addition to a family history, the risk also increases with certain medical conditions. 

Important: Although seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp is clearly visible, it is not dangerous. With proper care, the condition can usually be kept well under control².

Typical Symptoms: How to Recognize Seborrheic Eczema on the Scalp

These symptoms are typical:

• Redness (often at the hairline, ears, and nose)
• Oily, yellowish scales (more sticky than flaky)
• Itching and a feeling that the scalp is “tight”
• Sometimes: Crusts or small areas of inflammation on the head

Seborrheic dermatitis is clearly distinguished from normal dandruff by the greasiness and color of the flakes. It is usually chronic and recurs in flare-ups. The dandruff and redness can be distressing—which is why knowledge, understanding, and optimal care are helpful for improving your well-being.

What are the triggers for seborrheic dermatitis?

Although not all details have been fully clarified yet, the following factors are considered the main causes of scalp eczema:

• Excessive sebum production

the scalp becomes oily

• Malassezia yeast

lives on everyone’s skin but can trigger inflammation when the skin’s balance is disrupted¹²³. Although Malassezia yeast is not the only trigger, it plays an important role when the skin’s natural balance is disrupted

• Genetic predisposition and a compromised skin barrier
  
  
• A weakened immune system and certain pre-existing conditions

Checklist: What makes seborrhoeic eczema worse?

Known trigger factors:

1. Stress (emotional/psychological)
2. Hormonal changes
3. Unfavourable diet (high in sugar, fat, alcohol, spicy foods)
4. Cold, dry heating air
5. Unsuitable care products (harsh shampoos, water that’s too hot, vigorous towel-rubbing of the hair)

Expert tip: Relaxation, a healthy diet and gentle, natural care can help reduce the frequency of new flare-ups.

For example, our bedrop Hair Care Set featuring BEELIXIER HAIR OIL with Manuka honey and moisture‑rich, regenerating oils, together with the Gelée Royale Shampoo, which has a protective, hydrating formulation.

Important: Our recommendations and products are intended as a complementary care routine and do not replace medical treatment.

Seborrhoeic scalp eczema: treatment & care

The optimal approach is built on three pillars:

1. Antifungal agents:

(e.g. ketoconazole, selenium sulfide) For seborrhoeic eczema there are medicated shampoos, creams or lotions that are applied topically to help control the yeast Malassezia¹²³.

1. Corticosteroid preparations:

Can provide short‑term relief during acute inflammation, but only under medical advice.

1. Gentle, moisturising care:

Mild, nourishing and moisturising ingredients can support the skin barrier and be used preventively. At bedrop you’ll find a shampoo for scalp eczema with a unique combination of organic royal jelly, Manuka honey and propolis extract that not only cares for your hair but also offers nourishing and regenerative properties.

In the long term, combining medical treatment with a natural, gentle care routinecan help manage flare-ups better and support your wellbeing³.

Natural care & home remedies for sensitive, flaky scalp

Step-by-step guide: scalp care for seborrhoeic eczema 

1. Use a gentle shampoo

pH-neutral, without harsh additives.

1. Optional:

Gently massage natural oils, e.g. BEELIXIER HAIR OIL, into the scalp.

1. Let hair air-dry or use a hairdryer on a low setting.

1. Wash only with lukewarm water, do not rub!

1. Avoid head coverings and excessive heat exposure where possible.

Everyday and lifestyle tips:

You can achieve a lot with small everyday adjustments:

• Reduce stress:

through relaxation rituals or exercise

• Gentle Cleansing:

never rub the scalp—pat dry or gently massage in products

• use mild shampoos

• Wash hair 2–3 times a week or as needed³
  
  
• Heat stress avoid by blow-drying on a warm setting avoid
  
  
• Healthy diet and sufficient omega-3, little industrial sugar

🐝 Learn more about:

- Perioral dermatitis

- Psoriasis