Simone Biles is opening up about a skin condition that quietly affected her for years.
The decorated gymnast recently revealed she was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. The conditions caused intense itching, flaking and irritation.
Biles said her seborrheic dermatitis affected her face and scalp. She also experienced eczema on her arms. For years, the 29-year-old initially believed the flakes on her scalp were simply dandruff.
Her symptoms eventually became difficult to ignore. Biles said the itching became so intense that she sometimes scratched until she bled.
“I was itching and flaking. I would itch so hard and use a comb that I would bleed,” Biles told People.
The experience eventually pushed the Olympic champion to seek professional treatment.
Biles Dealt with Symptoms while Training
Biles said she noticed symptoms several years ago while training ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The itching and flaking were especially noticeable around the crown of her head. She initially turned to over-the-counter products for relief.
Biles also developed dry, itchy patches on her arms. She hoped the symptoms would eventually disappear. However, they became worse.
Her demanding training and travel schedule also contributed to her delay in seeing a dermatologist. Biles was spending much of her time inside the gym.
She later admitted feeling embarrassed about what viewers could potentially see during competitions. Close-up television cameras made the condition particularly difficult to hide.
During the Paris Olympics, Biles even discussed her skin concerns publicly. She wanted to address the visible flaking before viewers commented about it online.
Eventually, Biles visited a dermatologist and received answers. She was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis on her face and scalp. Doctors also diagnosed eczema on her arms.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, seborrheic dermatitis can cause an itchy rash, irritation and scaling.
Treatment varies depending on the patient and severity. Dermatologists may recommend medicated shampoos, antifungal treatments or topical medications.
Turning Her Experience into Awareness
Biles is now sharing her experience through the “Skin to Believe In” campaign. She partnered with Arcutis Biotherapeutics for the initiative, which launched Sept. 29.
The campaign focuses on seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. It encourages people experiencing symptoms to speak with health care professionals about treatment options.
Biles currently uses prescription roflumilast products to manage both conditions. She uses Zoryve foam for seborrheic dermatitis and Zoryve cream for eczema.
Her decision to discuss the diagnosis adds another personal health conversation to her public platform.
Biles has previously spoken openly about mental health and the pressures athletes face. Her latest campaign turns attention toward conditions people may feel pressured to conceal.
It also carries a simple message about seeking professional help when home remedies are not working.
“I’ve learned that we can’t fix every problem on our own and it’s OK to seek help,” Biles said.
Biles’ experience also highlights how easily persistent scalp symptoms can be mistaken for ordinary dandruff. After years of trying to manage the issue herself, getting a diagnosis gave her a clearer path forward.