Can Eczema Cause Itchy Scalp

Treatment For Seborrheic Dermatitis

Specific treatment for seborrheic dermatitis will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the condition

• Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the condition

• Your opinion or preference

Although the condition responds to treatment, it may happen again. Treatment depends on the inflammation’s location. It is usually effective in relieving symptoms. Treatments may include:

• Antiinflammatory creams or lotions, such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors

• Antifungal topicals

• Medicated shampoo for adults, as prescribed by your healthcare provider

Risk Factors And Triggers: What Are The Causes Of Eczema On The Scalp

Although the exact causes of eczema arent fully known, there are a number of risk factors and triggers that can increase your risk of developing scalp eczema or exacerbate the condition.

Here are the risk factors of scalp eczema:

• Genetics
• Neurological or psychiatric conditions
• Immune system conditions or weaknesses
• Stressful medical conditions
• Other existing skin conditions

Here are the triggers of scalp eczema:

• Illness
• Harsh chemicals in products like soap, shampoo and conditioner
• Irritants in these products such as nickel or cobalt
• Exposure to something youre allergic to
• Medications such as psoralen , interferon, and lithium
• Extreme sweating

Scalp eczema may also be caused by an overproduction of sebum , which can encourage a natural skin fungus called Malassezia to multiply. This fungal overgrowth can cause the scalp to become irritated, which can lead to scalp eczema.

One Last Thing About Scalp Eczema Treatment

Scalp eczema can be uncomfortable, but there are several over-the-counter solutions that can help relieve your symptoms.

But as always, consulting a professional can help you manage this skin condition. In particular, you may want to see a dermatologist to help identify the triggers for scalp eczema and get a prescription treatment if the remedies youve tried arent effective.

Importantly, see your dermatologist as soon as possible if your eczema-related skin patches drain fluid or pus, form crusts, or become very red or painful.

Additional reporting by Diana Rodriguez.

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Scalp Eczema Risk Factors

There are many factors that come into play with eczema. Your hormones, stress, genes, diet, and health issues can all be affected if your scalp develops eczema.

Illnesses that weaken your immune system and allergies can also make you more prone to eczema. Some more factors that are linked to developing scalp eczema are lack of sleep, sweating, stress, greasy hair, dry skin, and irritants.

Best For Curly Hair: Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo

Addressing scalp eczema when you have curls can be a bit more problematic curly hair is naturally prone to be drier than straight hair because the oils your scalp produces have a harder time making their way down the hair shaft. Gonzalez recommends this sudser for those with coarse, coiled hair because it imparts plenty of moisture and isnt stripping, yet still has pyrithione zinc to treat the scalp.

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While The Exact Cause Of Your Unhappy Scalp Can Be A Little Tricky To Pinpoint The Most Common Causes Include:

1) Seborrheic Dermatitis – a skin condition that is a more severe form of dandruff featuring an oily and irritated scalp.

2) Malassezia – a type of yeast that causes excessive skin cell growth and aggravates the scalp.

3) Contact Dermatitis – this happens when your skin is introduced to an irritant which could mean the products you’re using on your scalp is irritating it to the point of making it itchy and red. Try to choose chemical-free shampoos.

4) Lack of Shampooing – If you aren’t washing your hair enough, the scalp typically accumulates skin cells and results in itching and flaking.

In addition, certain illnesses can also put people at higher risk for oily hair, which can result in itching. Dandruff is not particular in terms of what age it can become a problem, but men tend to have it more often than women.

Best Set: Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Shampoo & Conditioner

This duo is specially formulated at a pH of 5.5 in order to ensure a healthy moisture balance on your scalp. Its hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, both attributes that Shaurya says are important to look for in an eczema shampoo. Also noteworthy: Theres no water added in the shampoo. Instead, the first ingredient is skin-soothing, organic aloe vera, and it also boasts healing manuka honey.

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Allergic Eczema On The Scalp

If eczema is limited to the head, these itchy red patches are the result of an allergic reaction.

Eczema symptoms include more than just the infamous redness, which can be difficult to see on the scalp. Oozing and scabs are also present in acute eczema. Sometimes, the only symptom is dandruff, but always accompanied by intense itching.

Other Types Of Eczema

The eczema you find on your scalp is a type called seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhoeic eczema. In infants, this is known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis but is also called seborrhoeic eczema or, more commonly, cradle cap.

Eczema is the collective name for a group of skin conditions that give the sufferer patches of itchy and dry rashes. Other types of eczema include:

• Atopic dermatitis: the most common form of eczema, it usually starts in childhood and tends to get milder or go away completely by adulthood.
• Contact dermatitis: occurs when your skin comes into contact with a particular substance or chemical which irritates it or causes an allergic reaction.
• Discoid eczema: a type of eczema that appears in disc-shaped or oval patches on the skin.
• Varicose eczema: this type of eczema is more common later in life, and most often affects the lower legs. It is caused by problems with blood flow through the veins.
• Dyshidrotic eczema : a type of eczema that causes small blisters to form across the feet and palms of the hands. More common in women.

There are other main types of eczema however, there are many different forms. If you think you may have eczema but you are unsure which form, you can always speak to your doctor.

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When To See A Medical Professional

Treatment for an itchy scalp varies depending on the cause. If youre experiencing any of these symptoms and have severe discomfort, consult with a dermatologist who can accurately diagnose your condition.

Many conditions that cause scalp itch can be treated at home and with over-the-counter remedies. However scalp psoriasis may require medicated shampoo or prescription medication. Those with contact dermatitis should eliminate one product from their routine at a time that contains common allergens such as fragrance and preservatives until symptoms improve to determine the culprit. Dandruff, contact and atopic dermatitis, and dry scalp can be treated with over-the-counter shampoos and scalp treatments.

Will My Hair Grow Back

YES, Normally hair loss due to scratching is temporary and will come back once the redness and itchy patches subside.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common eczema condition that often affects the scalp and if treated quickly will have little effect on your hair loss.

Reducing the itching will reduce hair loss, Simple!

Having an understanding hairdresser or barber is also important if you have eczema on your head. Dealing with eczema is hard enough without being ridiculed by a hairdresser or barber. I had a very bad experience with this when I was younger. Read my story here.

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Types Of Eczema Include:

Medicated Shampoos Lotions And Creams

Just like your skin requires regular moisturizing, your scalp needs it too. You can use medicated products such as shampoo, lotion, or cream to massage your scalp regularly.

Since it can be tricky to work the moisture through your hair so it reaches the scalp, it is essential to part your hair into sections before application. With this step, the medicine is absorbed effectively into the affected areas.

Medicated emollients lotions and spray-on oil can also be used to keep the scalp moisturized and hydrated.

If your scalp is too scaly, you can use a combination of salicylic acid and tar preparation . Apply the formula and leave it on overnight, or at least for four hours and shampoo your hair in the morning.

Dont forget to cover your hair with a shower cap or a cotton turban if you leave the medicine on overnight as the process may get messy.

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Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis often presents with scaly patches on the skin that appear greasy. The skin beneath the patches is red and the scales flake off, like the flaking experienced with dandruff. Some people may also have itching, which can be severe. In most cases, there are periods of time when the condition worsens followed by periods of improvement . Flares may be more frequent with high stress levels, hormonal changes, heavy alcohol use or when the air is cold and dry.

Ogx Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Conditioner

OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Conditioner.

Tea tree oil, as the name suggests, comes from the same tree that produces chai leaves. Its oil is an excellent natural cure for scalp itch brought about by head lice. The extract is also lethal to head lice, while gentle on the hair and scalp. The OGX Extra Strength Refreshing Scalp + Teatree Mint Conditioner comes packed with tea tree oil, peppermint, and witch hazel to give a fresh burst to the senses.

Pros

• It nourishes and moisturizes hair, resulting in soft and shiny locks
• This product works wonders for an oily scalp and hair that has been treated with color
• It is effective in small quantities

Cons:

• Not suitable for the 3-4 curly hair type, as it might lead to knitting and breaking of hair cells

Read Also: Psoriasis And Eczema Treatment Center Of Western Michigan

Prevention Of Scalp Eczema

At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that any intervention will decrease the chances of having scalp eczema in babies. Regardless, general practices such as maintaining good hygiene of the baby, keeping baby in good health, avoiding contact with any allergen, etc. can help prevent eczema flare ups to some extent.

Some doctors advise avoiding shampoo for children under one year. There is concern that it can dry and irritate the skin. If you decide to get shampoo for our child, make sure its a gentle shampoo and works well with eczema. I personally use the Mustela Foam Shampoo, which works well for my child and it is very gentle. Of course, talk to your physician first.

What To Do About Hair Loss

No matter how much or how little hair you’ve lost, you have options. You dont have to live with thinning hair or bald patches. At Hair Club, we understand that its about more than just your hair. Its about matching your outside to who you are inside. Thats why we offer a comprehensive suite of proven solutions that can help men and women of any age with any level of hair loss.

with one of our trained experts today. Youll learn about your level of hair loss, the condition of your scalp and which solution can give you the results you want.

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Consult With A Hair Restoration Doctor Today

Eczema affects everyone differently and by its very nature requires different approaches to deal with it properly. The best way to evaluate whether hair restoration procedures will work for you in this instance would be to consult a physician who specializes in hair restoration. Here at RHRLI, we offer free consultations in our state-of-the-art facilities located in Jericho, NY, and Manhattan using the ARTAS® robot. We can assess whether robotic hair restoration is the right treatment for you. Find out more by contacting us today.

Seborrheic Dermatitis Is Not Eczema

In infants, this condition is widely known as cradle cap. In adults, it is referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.These patches, which produce dandruff that is often white or yellow, are not eczema. In fact, what you have is inflammation which can also itch. However, the condition is caused by a fungus rather than by an allergic reaction, which is why the term seborrheic eczema is inappropriate.

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Symptoms Of Eczema On The Scalp

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of eczema on the scalp:

• Patches or areas of skin that are dry, scaly or flaky
• Dandruff on your scalp or in hair
• Skin may also be greasy or waxy
• Redness
• In more extreme circumstances, oozing or weeping lesions
• Possible discharge from the ear if eczema has affected the ear canal

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you may want to confirm a diagnosis of eczema with your doctor and start looking into medication that could help with your skin problem.

What Worsens Dermatitis What Triggers It

Try your best to figure out what triggers your dermatitis. Its important to remember that it can affect people differently.

Is your dermatitis triggered by a chemical you clean with? Do you get it every time you go to your uncles house, because hes a smoker? Does your scalp feel itchy since you started that new shampoo? Did that rash on the inside of your wrist appear after you tried that new perfume? Does excessive sunlight make your dermatitis better or worse? Do you feel itchy every time you wear that wool sweater?

Remember what else worsens dermatitis: stress, hot showers, allergens like pollen and pet dander, etc. Find out what worsens your dermatitis and do your best to avoid it.

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When Should You Seek Medical Help

If the itchiness doesnt go away in a few days and is accompanied by hair loss, pain, sores, or intense itching, see your doctor.

An itchy scalp due to a fungal infection, lice, and some other conditions wont go away without medical treatment.

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor may take a scraping of your scalp. In a lab, skin cells can be tested for the presence of fungi, bacteria, or lice. However, most doctors can diagnose the cause of your itchy scalp through a careful examination and review of your medical history.

Treatment for your itchy scalp depends on its cause. For example, dandruff is treated through frequent hair washing with special topical agents. Each scalp medication works in a unique way, such as reducing oil on the scalp or killing fungus.

Some medications that might be used to treat dandruff include:

• antifungal creams
• keratolytics, such as salicylic acid or coal tar
• pyrithione zinc
• topical steroids

Head lice requires medical treatments, such as washing the hair with a pediculicide or using a medicine that kills lice. A fine-tooth comb can remove lice eggs while the medication kills active lice.

In addition to these treatments, people living in close contact may need preventive treatment. All clothes, bedding, and towels that came in contact with the infected person must be washed or dry cleaned in temperatures greater than 130°F.

To reduce allergic reactions, try to avoid using products that contain:

• dyes
• fragrances

• combs

Can It Be Something Else

Eczema on the scalp may be confused with some other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis . Please see your physician who can easily distinguish between cradle and eczema on the scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common skin condition that is confused with eczema on the scalp. It should be kept in mind that seborrheic dermatitis appears during the babys second week of life and may persist until 4 to 6 months. At this point, it tends to go away on its own. It is mostly mild and self-limiting and appears less red than scalp eczema. The rash in cradle cap is not itchy or painful, which is the opposite in the case of scalp eczema.

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What Is Dermatitis And What Does It Look Like

Dermatitis is a word used to describe a number of skin irritations and rashes caused by genetics, an overactive immune system, infections, allergies, irritating substances and more. Common symptoms include dry skin, redness and itchiness.

In the word dermatitis, derm means skin and itis means inflammation. The word as a whole means inflammation of the skin. The rashes range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of problems, depending on their cause.

Dermatitis causes no serious harm to your body. It is not contagious, and it does not mean that your skin is unclean or infected. There are treatment methods and medications that can manage your symptoms.