What Are The Causes Of Seborrheic Dermatitis What Aggravates It
Researchers arent sure of the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis. They think there may be many causes. Factors that are thought to play a role include:
- A type of yeast called Malassezia, which is present on everyones skin, but overgrow in some people.
- An increased level of androgens .
- An increased level of skin lipids.
- An inflammatory reaction.
- Family history .
Other factors that trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis include:
- History of other skin disorders, including rosacea, psoriasis and acne.
How To Treat The Symptoms
Be careful how often you use anti-fungal shampoos because they can be drying on the hair as well as the scalp. Use anti-fungal shampoos when you have a flare up, and in between, use a normal shampoo that will not dry out your hair such as Wild Naturals Eczema and Psoriasis Shampoo. It has aloe barbadensis gel, which helps sooth the skin, and Cocamidopropyl betaine which is a gentle cleansing ingredient.
Use a pre-shampoo treatment for your scalp to alleviate itching and dryness. Philip Kingsleys Stimulating Scalp Mask, has menthol, camphor, and peppermint which will help soothe the scalp. Apply this mask on the scalp before you shampoo. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse, and cleanse your hair with a shampoo of your choice.
Phillip Kingsley has a mask that can be used to gently exfoliate the scalp and control sebum. The Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask has zinc in it which helps combat flakes, as well as reduce sebum production. Betaine Salicylate is the ingredient that gently removes flakes without drying out the scalp. Betaine Salicylate moisturizes and leaves a cool feeling on the skin.
Sulfates can cause seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups for people who are sensitive to them. There are sulfate free anti fungal shampoos. Help Hair Scalp Therapy Shampoo, is pH balanced, sulfate and paraben free. The active ingredient is 2% zinc pyrithione.
What products do you use to treat eczema of the scalp?
For more helpful articles like this, !
Types Of Eczema That Affect The Scalp
Seborrhoeic eczema is one of the most common types of eczema seen on the scalp and hairline. It can affect babies , children and adults. The skin appears red and scaly and there is often dandruff as well, which can vary in severity. There may also be a rash on other parts of the face, such as around the eyebrows, eyelids and sides of the nose. Seborrhoeic eczema can become infected. See the National Eczema Society factsheets on Adult seborrhoeic dermatitis and Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis and cradle cap for more details.
Atopic eczema is another common type of eczema that can affect the scalp at all ages. The skin is red, dry and itchy and can easily become infected, especially if scratched and when there is broken skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis can develop as a result of your body reacting to a particular substance to which you are allergic. Everyday items that can cause allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp include the following:
- Hair shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays and other hair products
- Hair dyes, perm solutions
See the National Eczema Society booklet on Contact dermatitis for more details.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs when the skins surface is irritated by a substance that causes the skin to become dry, red and itchy. For example, shampoos, mousses, hair gels, hair spray, perm solution and fragrance can all cause irritant contact dermatitis. See the National Eczema Society booklet on Contact dermatitis for more details.
Also Check: Home Remedies For Eczema On Neck
What Are Allergic Contact Dermatitis And Seborrheic Dermatitis
Several types of dermatitis can affect the scalp, including allergic contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis can be triggered by the ingredients in hair products, including the hair used for braids and extensions. Seborrheic dermatitis, which is caused by an overabundance of oil and yeast on the scalp, can cause dry scaly patches, redness, and dandruff. Both types of dermatitis are marked by an itchy scalp.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Eczema
The signs of eczema :
- are mainly dry, itchy skin. Because it is so itchy, it is often called the itch that rashes.
- include redness, scales, and bumps that can leak fluid and then crust over
- tend to come and go. When they get worse, it is called a flare-up.
- may be more noticeable at night
Symptoms can vary:
- Infants younger than 1 year old usually have the eczema rash on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. It may spread to the knees, elbows, and trunk .
- Older kids and teens usually get the rash in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, on the neck, or on the inner wrists and ankles. Their skin is often scalier and drier than when the eczema first began. It also can be thicker, darker, or scarred from all the scratching .
You May Like: Remedios Naturales Para El Eczema
Do Not Scratch The Itchy Patches
It is difficult to keep yourself from scratching especially when your scalp feels itchy. However, if you want to get rid of eczema on scalp fast, you have to refrain from the temptation to scratch the itchy patches. Every time you feel like scratching your scalp, try to find something else to do. Scratching the affected areas not only cause irritation, it can lead to bleeding. You can also develop secondary infections when you scratch your scalp excessively. You should also resist the urge to touch your scalp to prevent infection.
What Is Scalp Dermatitis
Scalp dermatitis is a wide-ranging condition, according to Dr. Shani Francis, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.
Scalp dermatitis is a very broad condition, and it has several diagnoses that are very common, and some rare diagnoses, Francis said.
There are several different kinds of dermatitis, each caused by different factors and requiring different treatments. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff, while contact dermatitis typically occurs in a particular area, in response to an allergen or irritant. Other, less common types of scalp dermatitis can be caused by infections or even internal illnesses like cancer, according to Francis.
Dermatitis is something you shouldnt blow off, Francis said. Its usually something that could be harmless, but there are also rare things that can present on the scalp that definitely need to be diagnosed by a board-certified dermatologist.
Also Check: How To Make My Eczema Stop Itching
You May Like: Is Eczema A Sign Of Hiv
Wash Only With Gentle Shampoos And Conditioners
Eczema is often triggered or worsened by irritant or allergic reactions, including reactions to harsh hair- or skin-care products. Its possible for anyone to get this type of reactionwith or without eczema, Dr. Bailey says. But if you do have eczema, you are more susceptible to these reactions and they can trigger your eczema symptoms.
If a hair product might be causing contact dermatitis that worsens your eczema, your doctor will likely recommend that you ditch it and see where that gets you, New York City dermatologist Doris Day, M.D., author of Beyond Beautiful, tells SELF. Theyll likely suggest gentle shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products that wont strip your scalp of moisture or otherwise make your eczema harder to handle.
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Eczema At Home For Babies
Does Scalp Eczema Prevent Hair Growth
Eczema causes uncontrollable itching, which can lead to damage to the scalp. If you continuously scratch your head until it bleeds, you risk damaging the hair follicles. This can make trying to grow your hair very difficult because you have to wait until the follicles are healed to see any results. It’s important to note the distinct differences between hair loss vs hair breakage. The hair shed you see from eczema is likely breakage caused by itching and irritation.
Any bald patches on your scalp or hair loss should be a temporary issue. Once your scalp eczema has cleared up, the hair should start growing again. To promote a healthy scalp and hair be sure to use a product that is designed for your specific African hair growth needs, like Allurium Beauty’s hair serum. Find out firsthand what makes it one of the best hair growth products for African American hair.
You May Like: Tanning Bed For Eczema Treatment
What Can I Expect If I Have Seborrheic Dermatitis
Cradle cap happens in most babies. Its generally a harmless condition that doesnt cause pain, itching or discomfort. It appears within the first weeks to months of life and is rarely seen after 12 months of age in most babies. It can be easily managed with simple at-home care.
In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp or the face and body is a condition that comes and goes throughout life. Fortunately, it can be controlled with treatment. The condition improves quickly with regular treatment.
See your healthcare provider if your condition doesn’t respond to self-treatment, or if the affected area becomes painful, forms crusts, or drains fluid or pus.
Stay Away From Harsh Sulfates
One key to keeping flares at bay is to stay away from shampoos that contains sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. Itâs a detergent and surfactant — a strong grease-buster that also makes products foamy. Reactions to SLS are common: One large study found that 42% of people tested had an irritation response to it.
SLS doesnât always irritate normal skin. Shampoo formulas that have SLS often balance it out with other additives to soften its effects. While this might make the shampoo more gentle, it still ups the number of ingredients.
Some studies have shown that Asian skin in general tends to be more sensitive than Caucasian skin when it comes to irritants — such as SLS — in over-the-counter products.
Read Also: What To Do To Help Eczema
Scalp Eczema: Symptoms Causes And Treatments
An itchy, dry scalp can be caused by a number of skin conditions, such as psoriasis, head lice, and fungal infections. One common cause is atopic dermatitis also known as eczema.
Scalp eczema is a form of eczema that affects up to 5 percent of the general population. Eczema of the scalp can show up in babies as young as 3 weeks old, when it may be referred to as cradle cap. Cradle cap can affect up to 70 percent of young infants. Although many infants and children outgrow scalp eczema, it can reappear during puberty and linger into adulthood.
This article will discuss the different types of eczema, the symptoms of scalp eczema, potential causes, and effective treatments that can help you get your scalp eczema under control.
Treatment For Trichorrhexis Nodosa
Home remedies for trichorrhexis nodosa, according to Aguh, may include washing and conditioning hair more frequently, using a protein treatment, and incorporating oil after applying a leave-in conditioner all things that may have been neglected by someone throwing a wig over the problem. Ideally, a sulfate-free or gentle-sulfate shampoo and moisturizing conditioner would be used once or twice a week, and after a few months, someone may begin to see new growth.
Limiting the use of heat tools to no more than once a week, and only on clean, dry hair can also help, as well as careful detangling and protecting the hair from extreme cold or drying conditions. Its also better to wait at least two weeks after getting hair relaxed or waved, processes that can weaken hair, before using permanent hair color.
You May Like: Eczema Treatment For Babies Home Remedies
How To Prevent Reactions
You can become allergic to a product or substance at any time, even if youve used it before. Thats why its important to do a patch test prior to using hair dye, even if its a tried-and-true brand.
If you have an allergic reaction to hair dye, even mildly, stop using the product completely. You may have a more severe reaction with added use as your system becomes sensitized to the chemical.
If you use black temporary tattoos, you may be exposed to additional amounts of PPD. This can also sensitize your system, making you more vulnerable to an allergic reaction to hair dye.
People who are sensitive to PPD may also be allergic to other substances. These include anesthetics, such as benzocaine and procaine. Make sure to inform your doctor, dentist, and anyone who works on your hair about any allergies you have or suspect you have.
Afro Scalp Treatment At The Holborn Clinic
Diagnosing the condition is the first thing we must achieve. After which we can offer if appropriate a course of treatment. Treatments may be a one off or involve a number of visits. Our treatments are unique, gentle and very effective. The key is to remove the crusting that effectively blocks the skin causing an increased immune response. Removing the crusting is a specialist role and should not be attempted at home. You may well damage the skin and cause a secondary infection.
Read Also: Can Cosentyx Be Used For Eczema
Choice Of Topical Corticosteroid
There are different strengths of topical corticosteroids that can be prescribed depending on the severity of your eczema. Discoid eczema usually needs a stronger type of corticosteroid than other types of eczema.
You might be prescribed a cream to be used on visible areas, such as face and hands, and an ointment to be used at night or for more severe flare-ups.
What Is Seborrheic Dermititis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is an ugly skin and scalp condition that affects more people than you would think. For years I thought that I had severe dandruff and would pack on the grease thinking that it would solve my problem. Guess what? It made it worse! When I was younger, my mother would always ask me why I didnt grease my scalp.
I tried to tell her that I did every day, but she didnt believe me because my scalp was constantly dry and flaky. After years of trying to combat this dandruff with grease, I realized that what I had was far more serious than dandruff. I had such huge flakes on my scalp it looked like I was trying to grow cornflakes! My hairline was red and bumpy and there were even flakes in my eyebrows and ears.
When I would remove the flakes, hair would come up with it. After having gone through this for years, I decided Id had enough and sought expert advice. I decided I had to see a dermatologist.
It was at this point that I was diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis. Surprisingly, it is one of the top five diagnoses for African American dermatology patients and it is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects your scalp and other parts of your body. The oiliest areas of your body like your scalp, chest, ears, or forehead can be affected by seborrheic dermatitis.
Read Also: What Helps Eczema On Hands
Whats The Difference Between Seborrheic Dermatitis And Psoriasis
Psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can mimic each other. Both are patches of red skin with flakes. Both can be found on your scalp and back.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% to 4% of the population. The scales of psoriasis are often thicker than that of seborrheic dermatitis. The edges of those scales are very well-defined. On the scalp, psoriasis scales are closer to a silver color than white or yellow.
There is a condition called sebopsoriasis where seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis overlap. In that case you have the symptoms of both: both white flakes and silver flakes, both on the scalp or back, both itchy.
If youre concerned about whether you have psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, consult your healthcare provider. Treatment for one may not work as treatment for the other.
Also Check: Dr Teals Eczema Therapy
When Should One Seek Medical Attention
All three agreed that if symptoms did not lessen after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, patients should seek professional care. Francis also added that extreme symptoms, like bleeding, pain or hair loss, should be brought to a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Either a primary care physician or a dermatologist can give an initial assessment, but its likely that persistent cases will require attention from a dermatologist.
If youre not getting better, or it just doesnt feel right, you should go to a dermatologist, Francis said. We have a wide range of options available to treat inflammatory conditions of the scalp.
Prescription options include antibiotics, topical steroids, non-steroidal topical treatments and injectable drugs.
Read Also: Best Shampoo And Body Wash For Baby Eczema
What Causes Discoid Eczema
The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it is often accompanied by dry skin and is thought to be triggered by irritation of the skin.
Discoid eczema tends to affect adults and is rare in children. It is more common among men aged from 50 to 70 and women in their teens or twenties.
Some people with discoid eczema may also have other types of eczema, such as atopic eczema.
Read more about the causes of discoid eczema.
Eczema Of Black & Afro
This is an inflammatory condition, which can feel incredibly itchy but not always, the patient often complains the hair looks or feels lank, with afro hair that it looks dull. It is found in the areas where the sebaceous glands are present. The affected area can look inflamed with the skin appearing red. It can be found in the eyebrow region and extend onto the forehead. Patients who complain of this condition notice powder like scales on their shoulders. Contrary to belief, this is not a dry scalp problem but actually due to an increase of oil- or rather the content of the sebum that is naturally produced changing.
At Sussex Trichology, we advise against the rubbing in of oil, particularly in black hair. Despite many African patients having a strong habit formed, whereby oil is applied every day to the scalp and hair line. We can advise you on the best afro hair treatment, the type of situations that can cause Seborrhoea Eczema and a scalp that is oily are: changes in the hormone levels , certain topically used products: so often in black hair care salons, relaxing chemicals can cause irritation or cause this condition, medication taken or being unwell.
You May Like: Shea Moisture Eczema And Psoriasis Body Wash