Seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by Malassezia yeast breaking down sebum in areas with a high density of sebaceous glands, producing free fatty acids that irritate the skin barrier and cause inflammation, scaling, and itching. Major sites include the scalp, facial T-zone, mid-chest, and upper back. Symptoms worsen sharply during periods of reduced immunity, fatigue, and stress.

Korean Medicine Perspective

In Korean medicine, Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat (脾胃濕熱) rising to the upper burner is considered the root cause of excess sebum secretion. At Dongjedang, we perform a constitutional diagnosis and then approach sebum regulation and immune recovery simultaneously using formulas such as Cheonghyeol-samul-tang and Jeseup-tang, which clear Spleen-Stomach Heat and eliminate Dampness.