Pro Golfer Max Homa Opens Up About Skin Condition and Mental Health

Homa details his 20-year struggle with seborrheic dermatitis and how his family has helped him manage his mental health on the PGA Tour.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pro golfer Max Homa has opened up about his 20-year battle with the chronic skin condition seborrheic dermatitis, which causes itchy, flaky patches. Homa said he initially tried to ignore the symptoms, but his wife encouraged him to see a dermatologist, who prescribed a topical treatment. Homa has now partnered with a biopharmaceutical company to raise awareness about the condition. He has also discussed the importance of maintaining good mental health as a professional athlete, crediting his two young sons as motivation to stay positive.

Why it matters

Homa's openness about his skin condition and mental health struggles helps destigmatize these issues and encourages others dealing with similar challenges to seek treatment. As a high-profile athlete, Homa's story also sheds light on the unique pressures and demands faced by professional golfers, who must maintain both physical and mental well-being to succeed on the PGA Tour.

The details

Homa, 35, said he had been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis since high school, but tried to ignore the irritating symptoms like flaky skin and redness. It wasn't until his wife encouraged him to see a dermatologist that Homa was properly diagnosed and prescribed a topical medication. He was then approached by the biopharmaceutical company Arcutis to be a spokesperson for their 'Free to Be Me' campaign, aimed at encouraging others with the condition to seek treatment.

  • Homa has been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis since high school, over 20 years ago.
  • Homa was diagnosed by a dermatologist after his wife encouraged him to seek medical attention.

The players

Max Homa

A 35-year-old professional golfer on the PGA Tour who has been open about his struggle with the chronic skin condition seborrheic dermatitis and the importance of maintaining good mental health.

Lacey Homa

Max Homa's wife, who encouraged him to see a dermatologist and get treatment for his seborrheic dermatitis.

Dr. Tina Bhutani

A board-certified dermatologist who explained that seborrheic dermatitis can manifest in various ways if left untreated, including becoming more visible and causing itchiness and pain.

Arcutis

A biopharmaceutical company that has partnered with Max Homa to raise awareness about seborrheic dermatitis through their 'Free to Be Me' campaign.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just looked at it as, 'I hope this just goes away someday,'”

— Max Homa, Professional Golfer (Us Weekly)

“My wife nudged me to go to a dermatologist, and when I did, I got diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis. I had always just thought it was just some simple thing, and when I actually saw it was something that is chronic. I realized that, 'Oh, I need some form of topical medicine.'”

— Max Homa, Professional Golfer (Us Weekly)

“It can go into other areas like the face, the beard area, sometimes in the ears, on the chest, on the back, so it can definitely become a lot more visible in places where you can't really hide it anymore. And then also it can be itchy, it can be painful, it can be symptomatic, so it's really important to remember that this truly is a skin disease, it's not just a cosmetic concern.”

— Dr. Tina Bhutani, Board-Certified Dermatologist (Us Weekly)

What’s next

Homa is encouraging others living with seborrheic dermatitis to speak with their healthcare providers about long-term treatment options through Arcutis' 'Free to Be Me' campaign.

The takeaway

Homa's openness about his skin condition and mental health struggles as a professional athlete highlights the importance of seeking treatment and not suffering in silence. His story destigmatizes these issues and inspires others to prioritize their overall well-being, both physically and mentally.