Bold opening: Even the most unstoppable athletes deal with hidden battles, and Max Homa is proof that champions can fight chronic skin conditions just as hard as any opponent. But here’s where it gets controversial … does visibility of a skin issue on the face or beard really hold a golfer back in the spotlight? And this is the part most people miss: addressing it openly can empower others to seek help sooner.
Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, has faced more than fierce competition throughout his career. He’s also been managing seborrheic dermatitis, commonly called seb derm, a persistent skin condition he says has affected him since high school.
In his own words, Homa describes noticing dandruff-like symptoms in high school, something he dismissed at first because ads often show similar issues as minor and solvable. As he grew older, redness appeared on his face, and over-the-counter creams and lotions provided only temporary relief, never a sustainable solution.
Public appearances in particular can feel uncomfortable when facial blemishes are involved, and Homa notes that the condition even caused discomfort in his beard. His wife encouraged him to see a dermatologist, a step he ultimately took with the help of her support.
The California native reflects that living with seb derm is a humbling experience. He hadn’t planned to discuss it publicly until Arcutis invited him to partner in their Free to Be Me campaign. He hoped his openness would nudge others to get checked and seek appropriate care.
Homa observes that many men are reluctant to visit dermatologists or other doctors, a pattern he attributes in part to cultural norms. He credits his wife for getting him to address health concerns when needed.
Dr. Tina Bhutani, a board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Synergy Dermatology, notes that about 10 million Americans live with seb derm. While the scalp is the most common site (hence the term “dandruff” in popular usage), the condition can also affect the face, ears, upper chest, and upper back. When multiple areas are involved, it can significantly impact quality of life.
Untreated seb derm can worsen or spread, so Bhutani recommends starting with a primary care physician and a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan.
Homa reports a successful treatment with Zoryve (reflumilast) foam, a 0.3% once-daily, steroid-free option that helps ease itching and redness. He notes the product is non-greasy, unobtrusive, and quick to apply—about 90 seconds each morning. For him, the hardest part was simply making the appointment with a dermatologist.
He emphasizes the ease of integrating an effective treatment into daily life: once you find something that works, it becomes a routine rather than a burden.
Looking at his career, Homa has claimed titles such as the Wells Fargo Championship (2019, 2022), the Genesis Invitational (2021), the Fortinet Championship (2021, 2022), and the Farmers Insurance Open (2023).
If you or someone you know struggles with seb derm, consider talking with a primary care doctor or dermatologist to explore options. Early professional guidance can make a meaningful difference in both skin health and overall well-being.
Would you be comfortable sharing your own experiences with chronic skin conditions in the comments, and what steps helped you take control of your health? Do you think more public figures speaking up could change attitudes toward dermatology and routine care?
