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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