How often should I use my shampoo for treating seborrheic dermatitis?

There are several good shampoos for treating seborrheic dermatitis. These include shampoos containing ingredients such as ketoconazole, selenium sulphide, zinc pyrithione and ciclopirox.

Most of the time, I start my patients on 3 times weekly use of these shampoos for anywhere from 2-5 minutes. Over time (and depending on response) we go down to 1-2 times weekly and sometimes every second week.  Please see a dermatologist to carefully review what is appropriate in your case.

Not everyone with seb derm responds to these shampoos. In such cases addition of a corticosteroid for a short period of time or use of an oral antifungal or oral retinoid may be appropriate.