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Rooted

Skin

Seborrheic dermatitis

3 plants

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Greasy scale in the sebum belt — scalp, brows, nasolabial folds. Ketoconazole/selenium/zinc pyrithione shampoos remain first-line. Tea tree oil has some human dandruff data; it is still an irritant essential oil. Sage rinses are traditional. Face involvement in an infant is cradle cap, not an adult protocol.

Primary plants

  1. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
    1
    Tea treeHuman data

    Melaleuca alternifolia

    Some dandruff/seborrhea trial data as diluted oil or in shampoo. Contact allergy is real.

    Typical. Diluted topical in a rinse-off product — not neat oil on the face.

    Safety. Contact dermatitis. Do not swallow. Not for infants neat.

Supportive plants2
  • Sage (Salvia officinalis)
    SageStrong traditional
    Salvia officinalis

    Traditional astringent rinse.

    Typical. Tea rinse, not essential oil.

    Safety. Thujone in excess.

  • Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
    Witch hazelStrong traditional
    Hamamelis virginiana

    Astringent comfort for itchy folds if alcohol-free.

    Typical. Distillate, patch-test.

    Safety. Sting.

Clinical notes

  • Thick scalp scale that fails OTC antifungals, or hair loss with boggy plaques, is tinea capitis/psoriasis until proven otherwise.

When this is not enough

  • Suspected tinea capitis, erythrodermic flare, infant with failure to thrive, HIV-associated explosive seborrhea needing that workup

Rooted is a private clinical reference for licensed practitioners. It is educational, not a treatment protocol, and not a substitute for the chart, the exam, or pharmacy review. Plant medicines interact with drugs and can harm liver, kidney, heart, pregnancy, and children.

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