Simone Biles is no stranger to pushing through painful physical challenges, but an undiagnosed scalp condition recently left the Olympic GOAT facing a different kind of frustration.
In a recent interview with People, the 29-year-old gymnast said she dealt with years of severe scalp itching and flaking. Assuming it was just dandruff, she kept putting off a doctor’s visit — until the scratching caused her scalp to bleed.
“I didn’t go to the dermatologist immediately because I’m so busy,” Biles told the outlet. “At the Olympics, I was flaking everywhere, so I was afraid that someone would see it on the TV… that’s why I finally went.”
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Simone Biles’ Double Diagnosis
When Biles finally went to a doctor, she received a surprising dual diagnosis: seborrheic dermatitis on her face and scalp, and eczema on her arms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, eczema is a chronic condition that damages your skin‘s protective barrier, while seborrheic dermatitis is a specific type of eczema that targets oily areas (like your scalp and face) and is often triggered by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast on the skin. Neither condition is an infection, and neither one is contagious.
“It’s not an infection. It’s not contagious,” Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist, told People. “So sharing combs with folks or a bed or a pillow, it’s not like you’re going to transfer it… and same for eczema or atopic dermatitis.”
Finding the Right Prescription Relief
“I was kind of in denial, so I did a lot of over-the-counter stuff,” Biles continued. “Then I had some spots on my arms… I thought it was going to let up, and then some of my symptoms got a lot worse.”
Now, Biles keeps her flare-ups under control using targeted prescription topicals — ZORYVE foam for her face and scalp, and ZORYVE cream for her arms. She’s also partnering with Arcutis Biotherapeutics on their “Skin to Believe In” campaign to help dismantle the stigma around chronic skin issues and encourage people to get professional help early.
“Once we raise awareness, then they can get that relief that they deserve,” Biles added. “That’s really what it’s about, not silently suffering. There is help out there for you.”
