Eczema Scalp
How to Care for Eczema on the Scalp
One of the most common types of eczema is eczema on the scalp. This condition can affect anyone from babies to adults. It’s easy to get eczema on the scalp because sebaceous glands release oil to lubricate skin and hair. Hair follicles also secrete oil. This combination makes the scalp particularly susceptible.
The environment and internal causes also contribute to eczema on the scalp. Heat, cold, the amount of sunlight and humidity are all skin irritants. These can cause your scalp to become itchy and inflamed. Often, flakes of dead skin are shed and it appears as dandruff on your hair and clothing.
Eczema on the scalp is most common among the population aged 30 to 60 years. Although men are the most likely to develop the condition, it bothers women as well. No one knows for sure what causes this type of eczema. Some dermatologists think it is a type of fungus which causes the condition but others think there many also be a hormonal element involved.
Eczema on the scalp is also known as seborrhea dermatitis because it is thought that it is result of Malassezia, a yeast. People with compromised immune systems are the most likely to have this skin condition. While it is not contagious, it is worsened by stress and any other health problems you might have.
Nutrition can affect eczema just as it can other diseases and conditions. While malnutrition could worsen the situation, getting right combination of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can have a positive effect on skin conditions. With eczema on the scalp, omega-3 fatty acids and green vegetables can prove beneficial.
Omega-3 oils can take several months to work so don’t expect immediate results. If you have a bad case of eczema on the scalp, see your doctor for treatment. Salicylic acids, pyrithione and anthralin are topical drug treatments which work with eczema and other skin conditions. Sometimes corticosteroids are used to treat eczema on the scalp as well.
In adults, this condition can persist for many years. In children, it is usually gone by the time the child reaches six months of age. Your pediatrician can advise the best treatment for babies. Often mild hydrocortisone creams are used. Shampoos can also contain treatment medications. After shampooing, you can brush away loose scales.
One thing that you can do to prevent eczema on the scalp is to refrain from the use of shampoos which have alcohol or scents. Also stay away from very harsh shampoos. When your eczema is bad, it’s a good time to take a break from exercising. Eczema increases in intensity when the body gets very hot and sweats.
If you do get sweaty, use only medium-warm water to shower and then use a moisturizer which is oil-based. You should apply topical corticosteroids as warranted. If you should develop a severe case of eczema on the scalp, you might need to get a prescription for oral antibiotics from your doctor. In the worst cases, a type of phototherapy is used which exposes your body to very specific times and amounts of UV radiation waves. This helps the immune system to settle down so that skin inflammation and irritation are reduced.
Some people suffer from eczema on the scalp because of food allergies. If you acquire scalp eczema after eating certain foods, see an allergist for diagnosis and treatment. The most common allergies are for nuts, shellfish, and dairy products. If you do have eczema on the scalp or elsewhere on the body, do not scratch it. This will cause infection and spread the eczema to other parts of the body.