Seb D - 30 years and counting

That's right...30 years worth. I'm 41 currently.
It's only been in the last few years that I've really started researching this affliction. The Internet brought me to this site and it's given me a bit of emotional support as well as some good remedies. Thanks to all those who have contributed and best wishes to all who have this condition. I feel your pain.

I read about the possible relationship between SD and Antibiotics and it finally hit home for me. I was 10 years old and took some Antibiotics I think for an ear and throat infection and days later it appeared and has been with me ever since. Mostly around my nose at first but spread to my scalp in the form of mild dandruff and as puberty hit, forehead and shaving zones. This "may" be the cause or just what made mine worse. My Mom has it very mild as did her father. To the point I can barely ever say I noticed it on them growing up. Lucky them. Hereditary plays some part in it for sure.

Let me tell you what I think I know after all this time. Take what you can from it. It affects different people in different ways. Again, my SD is the oily redness, swelling and weepers on my forehead, sides of nose and shaving areas and some scalp dandruff. It can get bad at times and I'm hardly ever clear but for the most part I'm able to keep it under control to point where I'm not embarrassed by it all this time.

1. Weather affects your SD. Dead of winter and hot summers are the worst times for keeping your skin balanced, which is the key. Try not to use any moisturizers if at all possible. If you do need one, make sure it's light, oil free and use as sparingly as possible.
2. Watch your stress level. It causes flare-ups or makes them worse. Attitude is key.
3. Personal hygiene is ABSOLUTELY crucial. Washing your face and hair a couple times a day is best.
4. Use mild body soaps and free and clear type detergents and
fabric softeners. Use natural hair products you can find.
5. Watch your diet. Again, CRUCIAL. Avoid or limit empty sugars, alcohol, enriched flour, caffeine, fried foods and items with an abundance of stuff you can't pronounce. Use coconut oil when possible. Meat, fruit and veggies are my staple.
6. It seems to be getting worse with age or I'm just getting more sensitive. Immune system gets older I guess and I firmly believe SD is tied to your immune system and GI tract.

As with other contributors I think SD is best managed by what you use and how you eat. I haven't been able to say I'm cured for any extended period of time but there are times when I have been able to maintain with little maintenance. BUT, it always comes back.

What I use:
Dead Sea Salt - Wash twice a day. This stuff is awesome for flare-ups.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey's Natural yrthione zinc soap. (every now and then) Order online.
Regular head and shoulders shampoo and a Free and Clear brand. Depends on how my scalp is doing.
Jason's Natural Hair gel. It's actually pretty good stuff.
Aveeno Shaving Cream and Body Wash. 1 blade razors.
Laroche-posay Toleriane Ultra moisturizer, $$$ but it's worth it.
Also take a good multivitamin, beta glucan, garlic and a Probiotic. I've just started drinking a little Kefir as well. Buy at Whole Foods. See how that goes.

Sometimes:
Apple Cider Vinegar - diluted 50:50 and dabbed on trouble spots.
I'm also getting ready to try some Sulphur soap which I read on this site. I'll give an update on how that goes.

I'm still working on what works for me as far as eating goes but I just know how I feel when I eat certain things and my face tells the tale afterwards.

Anyway...hope this adds some value to someone. There are lots of other remedies mentioned on this site. Some I have tried, some I have not. Just watch your trouble spots and stop using anything immediately if you see it getting worse. Doesn't take long. For me the biggest agents of misery are bad moisturizers and oils and eating like crap. Best of luck.



Tweet