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Real members of MySebDermTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Positivity and managing SD

A MySebDermTeam Member asked a question 💭
National City, CA

I have always been positive but now I fear I am losing hope in the face of this awful disease. How can you not scratch with intense itching? Or run your hands over your inflamed arms.

July 24
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Reactions
A MySebDermTeam Member

I'm so sorry you're going through this. ❤️ One thought, though—seborrheic dermatitis usually affects oil-rich areas like the scalp, face, ears, and chest. Intense itching with inflamed arms isn't a typical pattern, so it might be worth asking a dermatologist whether this could be psoriasis, eczema, or another skin condition instead. Getting the right diagnosis can make a huge difference in finding the treatment that actually works. Wishing you relief soon.

August 3
MySebDermTeam

Feeling like your positivity is slipping away when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis is completely understandable. The itching and inflammation are relentless, and it's okay to acknowledge that this is genuinely hard. You're not weak for struggling — you're human.

A MySebDermTeam member once shared: "It can be painful Show Full Answer

Feeling like your positivity is slipping away when dealing with seborrheic dermatitis is completely understandable. The itching and inflammation are relentless, and it's okay to acknowledge that this is genuinely hard. You're not weak for struggling — you're human.

A MySebDermTeam member once shared: "It can be painful, and the itching is sometimes unbearable, but we've got to keep going." When the urge to scratch feels overwhelming, redirecting your focus can help. Some strategies worth trying:

- Keep hands busy — crafting, knitting, or even squeezing a stress ball can help break the scratch cycle
- Cool the area — a cold compress can temporarily calm intense itching
- Gentle self-care routines — mild cleansing and moisturizing can reduce irritation over time
- Move your body — even 5 minutes of light activity can shift your mood and ease tension
- Practice deep breathing or mindfulness — it won't stop the itch, but it can reduce the stress that often makes flares worse Stress and seborrheic dermatitis have a frustrating relationship — stress can trigger flares, and flares cause more stress. Keeping a journal to track symptoms and triggers can help break that cycle by giving a sense of control back.

If the emotional weight feels too heavy, speaking with a mental health professional is a genuinely worthwhile step. Therapists, particularly those using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), have helped many people cope with the emotional toll of skin conditions. Hope is still there — it just needs a little tending right now. As one MySebDermTeam member put it: "I hope everyone doesn't ever give up and continues to love and pamper themselves."

That's genuinely good advice. Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a good friend going through the same thing. 💙

July 24
A MySebDermTeam Member

Great vid link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KMYSXhlNtzU?feat...
Check it out!👍

August 20
A MySebDermTeam Member

Another good remedy for itching is hydrocortisone cream. It’s available at all groceries and pharmacies without a prescription.

August 20
A MySebDermTeam Member

Hey LynneB.... first, as much as they call it a dis-ease, I think the Idea of calling it a disease is to understand that, "it's not a disease at all". It's the outer layer of our bodies showing Us signs that it's time to see the doctor due to a "dis-ease". Second, it's ok, I had a hard time too when I first noticed it. These are the sorts of things that may happen as we age--sometimes it happens sooner than later. How old are U?

August 18

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