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.

eczema scalp, scalp rash

How to Help Seborrheic Dermatitis 

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin disease which occurs due to many environmental and physiological reasons. It is also commonly known as eczema. Although it is not a contagious disease by itself, the causes of eczema can be contagious. 

• Environmental reasons:

Lack of moisture in the air can aggravate the risk of eczema. Many chemical compounds mixed with the surrounding air can cause Seborrheic Dermatitis in someone. This is especially important for those who are allergic to many substances and compounds. Pollen from plants and salts from rainwater can also be the cause for the disease. 

• Physiological problems:

Sometimes human skin refuses to produce the natural oils necessary to remove dead skin and replace it with old ones. Lack of natural body oil causes the skin flakes to remain on the skin surface, inhibiting the growth of new skin.

Low immune system can also be the cause for Seborrheic Dermatitis. 

• Food habits:

Saturated fats and complex sugar can be harmful to someone who already has dry skin. This can aggravate the situation and cause eczema. Excessive carbohydrates in the diet can give rise to Candida which is also one of the chief causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis.

Lack of water in the system can also cause skin to dry up due to dehydration. 

Precautions and treatment 

1. Anyone suffering from eczema has to understand that the chances of complete cure may not be viable in most of the cases. However, through controlled habits and medication life can go back to normal in course of time. Certain climatic conditions are responsible for the severity of eczema. Summer and monsoon are seasons during which eczema patients suffer the most. Both seasons are uncomfortable and the breeding period of most bacteria and fungi. This raises the chances of these micro organisms attacking the immune system of the patient and making things worse for him/her.

1. Eating habits need to change drastically. Those suffering from Seborrheic Dermatitis need to stay away from carbohydrates as much as possible. Complex sugar and fats are a complete no-no. Stick to high protein diet. Also stay away from lactose compounds such as milk, curd, cheese, butter and cottage cheese. Instead have soy products. Lactose bacteria can aggravate eczema conditions.

1. Wash body with warm water and use gentle bath soap. Don’t scrub too much. Don’t use la bar soap or pumice stone to rub your body during a bath. Use a loofah and a mild liquid body wash for this purpose. Stay away from products that contain high levels of detergents as this will make your skin drier.
2. Wash your clothes separately to avoid chances of them catching on to some bacteria or fungi from elsewhere.

1. Use intensive moisturizers and sun protectors to hydrate your skin and avoid UV rays directly hitting your skin. Don’t use razors or other hair removing products on the skin as this will worsen the flaky condition of the skin.
2. Drink lots of water and consume a lot of green vegetables. Also include beta carotene compounds (carrots, radish and beetroot) into your daily diet to strengthen your immune system.

scalp dermatitis, scalp rash, Seborrheic Dermatitis