Can I Dye My Hair If I Have Scalp Eczema
Many hair dyes contain ingredients that may irritate the scalp or cause an allergic reaction. If you want to dye your hair, choose a product that is free of phenylenediamines, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. If you already have a flare-up, wait for a few days for it to subside.
Remember to do a patch test before you begin the hair-dyeing process. Deep conditioning your scalp with a hydrating conditioner at least two days before dyeing your hair ensures that the scalp does not become dry and flaky.
Note:
Hair does not react to dye, but sensitive scalps do. Consult with your doctor if you want to dye your hair.
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.
Talk To Your Doctor About Prescription Treatment
If you do not get rid of eczema despite trying to do all the things that are listed here, you should talk to your doctor about your problems so that you can get a suitable eczema scalp treatment. Doctors can recommend powerful treatment regimens. The doctor can recommend lotions, creams, shampoos or even oral medications. Some of these treatment options can be very expensive. They may also have adverse side effects in the long run. Get as much information as you can from your doctor so that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. Your doctor will recommend medication based on your individual situation.
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What Causes Eczema On Head
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.
Sensitive Scalps Need The Gentlest Of Care
But if the source of irritation is external, it is very important to use a gentle shampoo, thoroughly rinse the hair and not use exfoliant shampoo on a daily basis. There are also cosmetic products that can be applied after washing hair to soothe overly sensitive scalps. Blow-drying and styling hair must be done gently. Dermatologists also point out that avoiding stressful situations is important as stress can trigger increased sensitivity.
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Light Therapy For Scalp Eczema
About 70% of people get treated for eczema with light therapy or phototherapy. The most common type of light therapy used for scalp eczema treatment is a narrowband ultraviolet B light, which is present in natural sunlight in small amounts.
Broadband UVB phototherapy, PUVA, and UVA1 are other forms of light therapy used to treat some cases of scalp eczema.
Causes Of Eczema On The Scalp
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, though its believed to be caused by genetic and environmental factors that decrease the skins protective barrier and cause inflammatory reactions.
Several risk factors have been found to trigger eczema flare-ups in both children and adults. Common triggers include:
- Stress and illness
- HIV
- Alcoholism
Age is another factor. Infants up to 3 months and adults ages 30 to 60 are at a higher risk for developing scalp eczema.
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Medications For Eczema On The Scalp
For some people, natural or home remedies may sufficiently subdue their scalp eczema. However, over-the-counter or prescription medication tends to be the most successful and effective method of combating scalp eczema symptoms.
Below weve listed the main types of scalp eczema medication.
What Is Scalp Eczema
Scalp Eczema is a more specific type of eczema that affects the scalp. It causes your scalp to become itchy, dry, and inflamed which can be very uncomfortable for the person experiencing these symptoms. The most common type of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis. Its a most visible symptom is dandruff. In conjunction, those who suffer from this form of eczema may also have redness, scaly patches, swelling, itchiness, and burning in the affected areas of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis normally begins to develop during puberty or during adulthood. If these symptoms are seen in infants, it is genuinely referred to as cradle cap. Luckily, most cases of cradle cap tend to dissipate by the time the infant is one year old.
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Symptoms Of Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore.
Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.
Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin.
Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.
People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe .
In Babies: Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis that commonly develops in babies between 2 weeks and 12 months. You might notice red or dark, scaly or crusty yellow patches on their scalp. Or it could start in the face or diaper area and spread elsewhere. Itâs usually not serious and often goes away on its own in a few weeks. Talk to your doctor if symptoms worsen or lead to other problems like infection.
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Why Is My Hair So Oily After One Day
The dreaded greasy hair look is due to a build-up of sebum, a natural oil produced by the sebaceous gland. The trick is to break the cycle of over-shampooing, says celebrity hairstylist Meaghan A. Frayne. It is also recommended that those with greasy hair start each shampoo before getting water on their hair.
How To Prevent Eczema On The Scalp
As well as using medication to treat scalp eczema, there are certain changes you can make to your lifestyle to prevent eczema outbreaks from getting worse or happening in the first place.
Here are some ways to prevent eczema on the scalp:
- Reducing stress: in some cases, eczema flare-ups can be triggered by stressful situations and feelings of anxiety. Exercise, meditation, eating healthily and maintaining good sleep hygiene are all good ways to reduce stress levels.
- Keeping your scalp clean: washing your hair and head regularly with warm water and a gentle shampoo can keep eczema at bay and wash away sweat and buildups on the skin which can trigger eczema.
- Avoiding suspected irritants: limit exposure to certain chemicals or products such as harsh soaps and shampoos, hair dye, and extremely hot water. Certain medications may also make eczema flare-up too.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
Another way to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis on scalp is Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment. Apple cider vinegar is the true powerhouse having a long history in skin care treatment.
It consists Malic Acid which is very powerful in opposition to different types of fungus and yeast. Put a half cup of water in a bowl add two tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar on it and mix well.
Dip the small ball of cotton in the solution and apply on the scaly areas, Let it for ten to twenty minutes and then wash off with cool and clean water.
What Are The Different Types Of Eczema That Affect The Scalp
The scalp is an area of the body that can be affected by different types of eczema. The characteristics of the scalp during the chronic and acute phases of eczema are:
- Chronic phase: Dry, itchy and scaly.
- Acute phase: Inflamed, weepy and painful.
The different types of eczema that affect the scalp include:
- Seborrheic eczema: It is the most common type and can affect babies , children and adults. The skin appears red and scaly, and dandruff is present as well.
- Atopic eczema: The scalp skin becomes red, dry and itchy and can get easily infected.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: It develops due to the body reacting to a particular substance to which a person may be allergic.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: It occurs when the skin surface is irritated by a substance that causes it to become red, dry and itchy.
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What Causes Scalp Eczema
Eczema is a term thats used to describe several different conditions, one of which is atopic dermatitis. All of these conditions are caused by a disruption in the skin barrier that usually keeps irritants out and hydration in. But if that barrier isnt working properly, the skin can become dry, red, irritated, and sensitive to irritants and allergens. That barrier disruption may be driven by a gene variation, the Mayo Clinic says.
There are some triggers that your scalp is especially likely to come in contact with, like ingredients in your shampoo, conditioner, and hair styling products. If you brush your hair aggressively, wash your hair too frequently, or heat-style your hair often, those could also aggravate dry skin on your scalp or trigger eczema symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Itchy white flakes of skin on your scalp . When scratched, the flakes come loose, mix in with your hair, or fall onto your neck and shoulders.
- Red scales on your skin.
- Crusty yellow scales on infants heads . Cradle cap shouldnt itch, but scratching may cause additional inflammation in the area and break the skin, leading to bleeding or mild infections.
- Blepharitis .
- Pinkish plaques of scales on both sides of your face.
- Flaky patches on your chest and at your hairline that are shaped like a flower petal or a ring.
- Redness in the folds and creases of your genitals, armpits and beneath your breasts.
- Inflamed hair follicles on your cheeks and the upper half of your trunk.
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Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Having dealt with eczema since she was a toddler, she has extensive experience with all of the many over-the-counter eczema products, shampoos included, out there.
What Do The Ecz
Seborrheic dermatitis isnt contagious and is not an allergy, although some allergies can mimic it, said Dr. Peter Lio, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine. A correct diagnosis, he added, requires careful evaluation by a dermatologist.
Seborrheic dermatitis can also overlap with atopic dermatitis, especially in infants. We see this overlap in young adults, as well, usually in those with more severe atopic dermatitis, Lio said. They can develop a condition that some call head and neck dermatitis that seems to be very closely related to seborrheic dermatitis and is treated similarly.
- National Eczema Association | 505 San Marin Drive, #B300 | Novato, CA 94945
- 415-499-3474 or 800-818-7546
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How Do I Take Care Of Myself
If you have seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, you can try some of the over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. If one shampoo doesnt work, look at the active ingredient and try another product with a different active ingredient . Shampoos should remain on your scalp for at least five minutes before rinsing off.
If you think you have seborrheic dermatitis on your face or body, see your healthcare provider or dermatologist. They will examine you to determine the extent and severity of your condition. You will work together to develop the best treatment approach to get your condition under control and manage flare-ups. Follow all instructions and never hesitate to call your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
Apply Raw Honey To Your Hair
Raw honey has antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. You should apply it to your hair after cleaning to get rid of the remaining bacteria and fungi. Raw honey can be very helpful if you have been suffering from itching. It can also alleviate skin flakes. To apply the honey, you have to dilute it with warm water. The mixture should contain 90 percent honey and 10 percent water. However, you should keep in mind the fact that raw honey is not a treatment for eczema. It is just meant to kill bacteria, fungi as well as help you heal scalp skin lesions fast. When you apply the raw honey, leave it on for at least 3 hours. Try to use this regimen every day for at least one month.
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Atopic Dermatitis On The Scalp The Causes Symptoms And How Best To Calm And Care For Skin
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease which can flare-up on the scalp and in the hairline. This article explains how to recognize if you or your child have Atopic Dermatitis versus other common scalp conditions. We look at the possible causes and triggers and make suggestions about how to care for atopic skin on the scalp.
How do I know if I have Atopic Dermatitis on my scalp?
If you or your child have red, itchy skin on your head and already experience Atopic Dermatitis on other areas of your body then it is likely that the symptoms on your scalp are linked. Atopic Dermatitis is especially common in babies and children but many adults have it too. You can find out more in Atopic Dermatitis and babies, Atopic Dermatitis and children and Atopic Dermatitis and adults.
If you or your child do not have Atopic Dermatitis, then there are several other types of Dermatitis that are also common on the scalp and which present similar symptoms. These include:
Seborrheic Dermatitis
A common condition in babies where it is known as Cradle Cap. Thought by many scientist to be a type of fungal infection typical symptoms are thick, crusty, yellowish flakes of skin on the infants scalp, though it can also appear on the eyes and nose. Unlike Atopic Dermatitis, It is rarely itchy. Most children grow out of it as they get older and are normally symptom free by the age of three. You can find out more about Seborrheic Dermatitis in general here.
Dandruff
Psoriasis
Contact Dermatitis:
Rub Oil On Your Scalp
If massages do not help you to get rid of the scales, you should rub oil on your scalp a few times to get rid of the scales. Products like CBD oil that you can find on sites like CTFO and tea tree oil may be ones worth doing some research into. As they are said to help with inflammation, this should hopefully minimize the itchiness of the scalp.
You can use either mineral oil or petroleum jelly on the areas that have scaly skin. do not use olive oil. Before you start rubbing, allow the oil to sink into your skin by leaving it on for a few minutes. Rub the oil or petroleum jelly on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Rinsing is important because it helps to prevent the buildup of oil. The buildup of oil on your scalp can worsen your condition.
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What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp.
Seborrheic refers to the sebaceous glands while derm means skin. Its called dandruff when its on a teenagers or adults scalp, and cradle cap when its on a babys.
Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body. These are areas with the most sebaceous gland activity: your upper back and chest, face/forehead, the creases at the base of your nose, behind your ears, navel , eyebrows, under your breasts and in the creases/bends of your arms, legs and groin.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a lifelong condition that appears, disappears with treatment, and flares up from time to time.
How We Test Eczema Shampoos
Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain products you can read more about our product review methodology here.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Kautilya Shaurya is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. He specializes in both general and cosmetic dermatology.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Annie Gonzalez is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL. Her specialties include both adult and pediatric dermatology and chronic skin conditions.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any eczema shampoos from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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