Eczema on the Scalp

It is common for people to get scalp eczema.  Eczema is a skin condition that can appear anywhere on the body.    The scalp is especially susceptible though.  This is because of the amount of oil and grease that are naturally on the scalp from the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.    

Scalp eczema is sometimes called seborrheic eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.  This type of eczema can appear on any oily or greasy area of the body.  Areas such as the t-zone of the face, eyebrows, nose, and corners of eyes tend to get eczema.  It may also be present in armpits, upper back or the chest.  Scalp eczema appears often during puberty and other times of hormonal change.   It is common for among adults between the ages of thirty and sixty. 

Some signs of scalp eczema are scaling and flaking on the scalp.  Eczema scales tend to be yellow or white.  Skin beneath the scales may be red or inflamed.  It may occur in patches on the scalp.  Sometimes is actually spreads to cover the entire scalp.  Most sufferers report the condition to be extremely itchy.  Scratching is likely to cause the area to become infected.    

Many people attribute scalp eczema to an abundance of yeast called Malassezia.  It is normal for this yeast to be present on the scalp, but at times it may be present in greater numbers and cause an outbreak of eczema.    

Scalp eczema can be treated but it is often a chronic condition.  Many of the products that are suppose to treat scalp eczema and other scalp conditions actually make them worse by using chemicals that dry the scalp.  Scalp health depends on a delicate oil balance.  There are natural ingredients that work to regulated oil and keep eczema outbreaks under control.   Zinc is one ingredient that works to balance the scalp by regulating the sebum gland.  Jojoba oil and emu oil moisturize the scalp and hair.  Thyme and sage are natural detoxifying agents for the scalp.

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Scalp Problems

It is not uncommon for individuals to suffer from scalp problems.  Most products are geared more to the hair and not the scalp, yet this is where most problems occur.   Some typical scalp problems are itch, flaking, oily scalp, dry scalp and scalp acne. 

Scalp itchy or itchy scalp and flaking are problem the most common complaint.  This may be caused by dandruff.  Dandruff flakes are relatively large and usually accompanied by scalp itch.  Some cases are worse with mounds of attached flakes on the scalp.  Most dandruff is caused by a fungus.  Seborrheic dermatitis also causes flaking and itching.  Scales from on the head with this condition.  They tend to be yellowish in color and often form over red irritated skin. 

A dry scalp will also cause flakes, but they are usually very small.  The scalp may become dry from chemical in the many hair products used.  Climate conditions also often cause the scalp to become too dry.   

At times the scalp may become is too oily.  Oil on the scalp is produced by the sebum gland.  When it overproduces too much oil can accumulate on the scalp.  An oily scalp also leads to many problems like scalp bumps and seborrhea on the scalp. 

Acne is also a common scalp problem that either be large pustule type acne or they can be small tiny red bumps on the scalp..  It is similar to facial acne.  It should not be treated with acne products that are used on the face.  They tend to be very drying and may also damage or bleach hair that can cause lasting problems to both the hair and the scalp.    

The key to a healthy scalp is the correct balance of oil.  An overly dry or even an inverse problem like a too oily scalp leads to many problems.  Most products that say they will help scalp problems are actually filled with harsh chemical that dry the scalp more.  Natural ingredients like zinc, jojoba oil, and emu oil are much better at balancing the scalp.  Zinc works naturally by regulating the sebum gland.  Jojoba oil and other similar oils like emu oil shampoo work to moisturize and balance the scalp.

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