Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition characterized by redness, itching, and flaky or greasy scales on the scalp, face, and other oily areas of the body . While its exact causes are still being studied, emerging research highlights the role of multiple interconnected factors. This article synthesizes findings from three recent studies to provide a clear, evidence-based overview of the key triggers, focusing on nutrition, obesity, mental health, and lifestyle habits. 

1. Nutrition: The Role of Key Nutrients 

A systematic review by Woolhiser and colleagues (2024) explored the link between nutrition and seborrheic dermatitis, identifying several critical nutrients .

Vitamin D Deficiency

Low levels of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for immune function and skin health, were frequently observed in individuals with seborrheic dermatitis. The review noted that vitamin D deficiency may impair the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to inflammation and microbial overgrowth. For example, studies cited in the review found that patients with active seborrheic dermatitis had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels compared to healthy controls. This deficiency could disrupt the skin’s ability to regulate immune responses, potentially worsening symptoms.

Zinc Imbalances

Zinc, a mineral involved in skin repair and immune regulation, was another focus. The review highlighted that low zinc levels were associated with increased inflammation and reduced skin barrier function. Research cited in Woolhiser’s analysis suggested that zinc supplementation might improve symptoms by reducing redness and scaling, though more studies are needed to confirm this.

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds, play a role in maintaining skin health. The review noted that imbalances in these fatty acids—such as low omega-3 or high omega-6 intake—could contribute to inflammation. Diets lacking these nutrients were linked to drier skin and increased sensitivity, which may exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis symptoms. 

2. Obesity: A Link to Inflammation and Hormonal Changes 

Woolhiser’s review also examined the relationship between obesity and seborrheic dermatitis . Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30, was found to be a significant risk factor. The review cited studies showing that individuals with obesity had higher rates of seborrheic dermatitis compared to those with normal BMIs. This association may be due to:

• Increased Sebum Production: Obesity is linked to higher levels of androgens (male hormones), which stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Excess sebum creates an ideal environment for the growth of Malassezia yeast, a microorganism associated with seborrheic dermatitis .

• Systemic Inflammation: Fat tissue in obese individuals releases inflammatory chemicals like cytokines, which can trigger or worsen skin inflammation.

The review concluded that weight management, through diet and exercise, might help reduce seborrheic dermatitis severity in obese patients. 

3. Mental Health: Stress, Anxiety, and Depression 

A meta-analysis by Chen and colleagues (2025) explored the connection between mental health symptoms and seborrheic dermatitis . The study analyzed data from 15 studies involving over 10,000 participants and found a strong association between seborrheic dermatitis and psychological distress.

Prevalence of Mental Health Symptoms

• Anxiety: The meta-analysis reported that 35% of individuals with seborrheic dermatitis experienced clinically significant anxiety, compared to 18% of the general population.

• Depression: Similarly, 28% of patients with seborrheic dermatitis had symptoms of depression, versus 12% in the general population.

Bidirectional Relationship

The review noted that the relationship between skin symptoms and mental health is likely bidirectional. For example:

• Stress-Induced Flare-Ups: Psychological stress can increase cortisol levels, which may worsen skin inflammation and sebum production.

• Impact of Appearance: The visible symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis (e.g., scalp flakes, facial redness) can lead to embarrassment, social withdrawal, and reduced self-esteem, contributing to anxiety and depression.

Chen’s study emphasized the importance of addressing mental health alongside skin symptoms to improve overall quality of life. 

4. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, Diet, and Sleep 

A retrospective analysis by Caf and colleagues (2025) examined how lifestyle choices affect disease severity in scalp seborrheic dermatitis . The study included 200 adult patients and identified several key risk factors.

Smoking

Smokers were found to have more severe scalp inflammation and scaling compared to nonsmokers. The review suggested that smoking may impair blood flow to the skin, reduce antioxidant levels, and weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight inflammation and microbial overgrowth.

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake was linked to increased disease severity. Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, and contribute to nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B complex), which are already problematic in seborrheic dermatitis.

Diet

• High-Sugar Foods: Patients who consumed diets high in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates had worse symptoms. These foods can spike insulin levels, promoting inflammation and sebum production.

• Low-Fiber Diets: A lack of dietary fiber was associated with gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), which may indirectly affect skin health through the gut-skin axis.

Sleep Quality

Poor sleep quality, defined as <6 hours of sleep per night or frequent nighttime awakenings, was correlated with increased itchiness and inflammation. Sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and impairs skin repair processes. 

5. Interplay of Factors: A Multidimensional Approach 

Seborrheic dermatitis rarely results from a single cause. Instead, it arises from the interaction of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and lifestyle choices. For example:

• Genetic Susceptibility: Some individuals may inherit genes that affect skin barrier function or immune responses, making them more vulnerable to triggers like diet or stress .

• Microbial Overgrowth: While Malassezia yeast is commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis, its role is complex. The yeast thrives on excess sebum and produces byproducts that irritate the skin, but it only causes symptoms in individuals with compromised immune or barrier function .

Practical Strategies for Management

Based on these findings, healthcare providers often recommend a combination of strategies:

1. Dietary Adjustments: Increase intake of vitamin D-rich foods (e.g., fatty fish, fortified dairy), zinc (e.g., oysters, legumes), and omega-3s (e.g., salmon, chia seeds). Limit sugar, alcohol, and processed foods.

2. Lifestyle Modifications: Quit smoking, improve sleep hygiene, and manage stress through techniques like meditation or yoga.

3. Skin Care: Use medicated shampoos (e.g. zinc pyrithione) and creams to control inflammation and reduce yeast growth. Avoid harsh soaps and overwashing.

4. Mental Health Support: Seek therapy or counseling to address anxiety or depression, which can improve both psychological well-being and skin symptoms. 

Conclusion 

Seborrheic dermatitis is a multifaceted condition influenced by nutrition, obesity, mental health, and lifestyle habits. Recent research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to management, addressing both physical and psychological factors. By understanding these triggers, individuals can make informed choices to reduce flare-ups and improve their quality of life. 

References

1. Woolhiser, E., Keime, N., Patel, A., Weber, I., Adelman, M., & Dellavalle, R. P. (2024). Nutrition, Obesity, and Seborrheic Dermatitis: Systematic Review. JMIR Dermatol, 7, e50143. https://doi.org/10.2196/50143

2. Chen, J., Li, C., Chang, C. H., Polaskey, M. T., & Chovatiya, R. (2025). Prevalence and Severity of Mental Health Symptoms With Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.17930

3. Caf, N., Tümtürk, M., & Özkoca, D. (2025). Evaluation of clinical and lifestyle factors associated with disease severity in adult patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis: a retrospective analysis. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat, 34(2), 57–62. https://doi.org/10.5501/aipa.2025.34.2.57