PGA golfer Max Homa, 35, recently revealed he has been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in itchy, flaky patches, since high school. For years, Homa simply hoped the condition would go away, trying to ignore the irritating symptoms of flaking scalp, redness, and itching. “Twenty years later, I realized I probably waited long enough,” he said.
Homa credited his wife, Lacey, with inspiring him to get proactive about his health. When he visited a dermatologist, he was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and prescribed Zoryve, a once-daily topical foam. He was then approached by Arcutis to be a spokesperson for the biopharmaceutical company’s Free to Be Me campaign. While initially reluctant and embarrassed that others would learn about his condition, Homa realized “we’re all going through some stuff, might as well maybe help the next person.”
Health and Mental Wellness
Dr. Tina Bhutani, a board-certified dermatologist, explained that seborrheic dermatitis can manifest in other ways if left untreated. It can spread to areas like the face, beard area, ears, chest, and back, becoming more visible and harder to hide. The condition can be itchy and painful, making it important to remember that it is truly a skin disease, not just a cosmetic concern.
In addition to addressing his physical health, Homa opened up about his mental health, which is routinely tested during a grueling PGA season. He works on his headspace continuously and tries to evolve, hoping one day to have it handled. He emphasized the importance of mental management during competition, working with his psychologist and coach. Homa uses his two sons—Cam, 3, and Austin, 6 months—as motivation to stay on track, focusing on controlling what he can control and letting outcomes go. As part of the Free to Be Me campaign, Homa encourages millions of Americans living with seborrheic dermatitis to speak with healthcare providers about long-term treatment options.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.usmagazine.com/sports/news/max-homa-reveals-medical-condition-opens-up-about-mental-health-excl/