What Are Some Of The Treatment Options Available For Seborrheic Dermatitis
There are multiple over-the-counter options available for the treatment of scalp eczema, including :
- Zinc pyrithione shampoos contain an antifungal agent with demonstrated activity against Malassezia species.
- Tar-based shampoos slow down the flaking associated with dandruff.
- Salicylic acid-containing shampoos can reduce inflammation and scaling caused by the condition.
- Selenium sulfide shampoos contain a different antifungal agent that fights against the fungus associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
- Ketoconazole shampoos also contain an antifungal medication.
It is critical to use all of these products as instructed on the product label. Some products are used daily, while others might only be used once a week. Youll also want to rinse them out well after use because several can cause discoloration if they stay on your scalp for too long. If one type of shampoo seems to lose its effectiveness over time, you can try a second type and alternate between the two to control your dandruff.
Suppose over-the-counter options fail to help with your dandruff. In that case, some prescription-strength shampoos and foams contain a higher medication concentration and may be more effective. The most commonly prescribed medications contain ketoconazole or salicylic acid and should only be used under a healthcare providers supervision.
Other prescription options for seborrheic dermatitis include topical steroids, antibiotics, topical calcineurin inhibitors , and antifungal medications .
Home Remedies And Lifestyle
There are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that you can do to help soothe an itchy scalp, but they should only be used if youre certain of the cause. If poor hygiene is the culprit, make sure you clean your hair and rinse off any products. It’s also important to maintain a regular hair-washing routine.
If your hair is tightly curled or textured, washing your hair once a week may be enough. For people with straight hair, excess oil can build up more easily, which means they should wash their hair daily or every other day.
If the skin on your scalp is dry and causing your itchy scalp, moisturizing the area can help. You can do that with different kinds of oils, such as coconut,peppermint, or tea tree. Tea tree oil, in particular, has other uses, including being an effective agent to rid the hair of head lice, small insects that infest the head and neck.
Meditation may also be effective for helping treat an itchy scalp caused by stress-induced hives, a skin rash triggered by a reaction, or flare-up of eczema, itchy inflammation of the skin. Meditation has been proven to reduce overall stress, with one particular study finding that people who practiced meditation regularly saw a reduction in eczema symptoms.
Prevent Skin Damage Caused By Scratching
Constant scratching can break the skin. To prevent bleeding and an infection, dermatologists recommend the following:
Keep your child’s nails short: Checking nails after your child’s bath lets you know when the nails need trimming.
Cover itchy skin: When skin is covered, children seem less likely to scratch. When dressing your child, be sure to:
Dress your child in lose-fitting clothes made from a soft, natural fiber-like cotton, a cotton blend, silk, or bamboo.
Consider using eczema mittens and eczema sleeves.
Eczema mittens can be effective when eczema flares on your baby’s face. Your baby may still scratch, but the scratching will cause less damage because the fingernails cannot dig into the skin.
Itch relief can be fickle
You may find that a technique works one day and not the next. If one technique fails, try another.
Related AAD resources
ReferencesEichenfield, LF, Tom WL, et al. Part 2: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul 71:116-32.
Sidbury R, Tom WL, et al. Part 4: Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Part 4: Prevention of disease flares and use of adjunctive therapies and approaches. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014: 71 1218-33.
All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology
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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.
Effective Home Remedies For Eczema On Scalp
Eczema is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is often referred to as seborrheic dermatitis found, for the most part, on the scalp. This form of dermatitis is commonly known as dandruff. However, if one invests some time, energy, and effort, this condition can be controlled at home with the help of home remedies for eczema on the scalp.
Scalp eczema is often characterized as a stubborn form of skin condition since it may persist for years. The condition may resurface after a number of years and may disappear overnight. For this reason, it is important to manage the symptoms of this form of eczema since it is not completely curable like other conditions.
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Shampoos And Other Hair Care Products
Certain hair care products are designed to contain the symptoms ofâ¯scalp eczemaâ¯and offer immediate relief from the itching and other symptoms. There are medicated shampoos that are hailed for their ability to soothe your irritated scalp and keep dandruff in check. Such shampoos contain different active ingredients that offer respite from scalp eczema caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis. They are:
- Coal tar
- Anti-dandruff active
- Selenium sulphide
The onus here lies on choosing shampoo that have the right active ingredients and address the root cause of the problem. It is advisable to use a dandruff shampoo with anti-dandruff active since it has proven to be effective in hundreds of clinical studies. And, in case these shampoos do not give you the relief you seek, you can opt for something stronger likeâ¯Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Shampoosâ¯that are created using selenium sulphide.â¯
Head & Shoulders Clinically Proven Solutions Anti-Dandruff Shampooâ¯contains selenium sulphide that fights severe dandruff. This shampoo is clinically proven to control flaking and itching. Moreover, this shampoo is gentle enough for daily use. It gently moisturises your scalp and leaves you with soft, healthy hair that smells fresh and great!
What Treatment Options Are Available
Treatments for seborrheic dermatitis and other types of scalp conditions will vary based on the type you have. If you know what triggers your condition, you can make certain lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
But if lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications arent enough, contact your healthcare provider. Also contact them if youre experiencing severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms.
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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.
When You Need To Call A Doctor For Scalp Eczema
If you have tried a number of different treatments and theyre not proving to be effective, or you suspect that your skin is infected, then you should speak to your doctor. They may provide stronger prescription medication for you, or refer you to a dermatologist for expert advice on skin conditions.
You should also see your doctor if your condition is causing you anxiety, embarrassment, trouble sleeping or stopping you from continuing with everyday life.
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Best For Sensitive Scalps: Exederm Eczema And Dermatitis Shampoo
Yes, its fair to say that anyone dealing with scalp eczema has sensitive skin, but if any little thing seems to trigger a flair, this pick is for you. Another crazy gentle formula, Shaurya calls this, one of the most hypoallergenic shampoos on the market, with minimal ingredients that will cause irritation. It too boasts the National Eczema Associations seal of approval and is good not only for eczema but any kind of scalp dermatitis.
Treatment You Receive At A Dermatologists Office Or Clinic
If the psoriasis fails to clear with treatment applied to the scalp or you have thick psoriasis on your scalp, your dermatologist may recommend the following.
Injections of corticosteroids: Your dermatologist can inject a corticosteroid directly into the scalp psoriasis. While this can be effective, its use is limited to a few times.
Excimer laser and other light treatments: This laser can treat psoriasis in difficult-to-treat areas like the scalp, feet, and hands. When used to treat the scalp, your dermatologist may use a device that looks like a blow dryer. A benefit of using this to treat scalp psoriasis is that this laser treats only the areas that need it.
The drawback to this treatment is that you will need to travel to your dermatologists office or a psoriasis clinic two or three times per week. Each treatment session takes about 10 minutes. Most patients need to continue these visits for several weeks. If your schedule wont permit this, be sure to tell your dermatologist.
While getting these treatments, you may also need to use another treatment at home.
Excimer laser treatment is usually painless, but possible side effects include redness and sunburn-like pain.
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Treatment Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
BETTY ANNE JOHNSON, M.D., PH.D., and JULIA R. NUNLEY, M.D., Medical College of Virginia Campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Am Fam Physician. 2000 May 1 61:2703-2710.
Patient information: See related handout on seborrheic dermatitis, written by the authors of this article.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent. Lipophilic yeasts of the Malassezia genus, as well as genetic, environmental and general health factors, contribute to this disorder. Scalp seborrhea varies from mild dandruff to dense, diffuse, adherent scale. Facial and trunk seborrhea is characterized by powdery or greasy scale in skin folds and along hair margins. Treatment options include application of selenium sulfide, pyrithione zinc or ketoconazole-containing shampoos, topical ketoconazole cream or terbinafine solution, topical sodium sulfacetamide and topical corticosteroids.
The etiology of seborrheic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors, including hormonal, have been implicated. This chronic inflammatory skin disorder is generally confined to areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent. When seborrheic dermatitis occurs in the neonatal period, it usually disappears by six to 12 months of age, suggesting that it may be a response to maternal hormone stimulation.1
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.
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How Do You Treat Eczema On The Scalp
Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, scaly, red skin.
There are several types of eczema that commonly occur on the scalp:
Eczema is a chronic condition that can worsen and also go into periods with no symptoms . Eczema on the scalp is treated with home treatments and medications.
Home treatment for eczema on the scalp includes:
- Moisturizing the scalp
- Apply emollient creams, lotions, or gels, or spray-on oils to the scalp
- Coconut oil or non-fragranced mineral oil
- Petroleum jelly
What Are The Signs Of Scalp Dermatitis
Scalp inflammation might also be called scalp eczema and typically presents similarly to eczema on other parts of the body, Dr. Debra Wattenberg, who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, told TODAY.
“At the end of the day, the symptoms are almost identical to eczema,” she explained. “You can have itchiness and dryness, and those who are prone to atopic dermatitis can be more itchy on the scalp than those who aren’t.”
“Dermatitis refers to just inflammation of the skin,” said Francis. “Anytime there’s a rash or symptoms like itching or pain or tenderness, that really signifies that there is some kind of inflammation. You can also see redness or flakes. Any kind of flaking of the skin means the skin is shedding off. These symptoms basically define scalp dermatitis.”
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How Do You Treat Eczema On The Scalp Topic Guide
Home Remedies: The Itchy Irritation Of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps and other irritants, apply medicated creams or ointments, and moisturize your skin.
To help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, try these self-care measures:
See your doctor if your atopic dermatitis symptoms distract you from your daily routines or prevent you from sleeping.
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What Questions Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
- Do my symptoms indicate seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis or psoriasis?
- What over-the-counter treatment or combination of treatments would work best for me?
- Is there a specific brand of dandruff shampoo, cream or lotion that you recommend?
- Is there a prescription shampoo, cream or lotion you can prescribe?
- How often should I see a dermatologist regarding this condition?
- What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to a shampoo/cream/lotion?
- Is my acne treatment covered by my insurance?
Although seborrheic dermatitis is itchy and uncomfortable, it does not harm your health. The condition can be managed with treatment. Itchy skin and white flakes on your black shirts shouldnt be a normal part of your day!
Reasons Your Scalp Itches And How To Get Relief
When your scalp itches, it can be difficult to think about anything else. You may feel that the itch will never stop, but relief is possible. Getting rid of the itch begins with finding out why your scalp itches. Here are 10 reasons for an itchy scalp along with dermatologists advice on what can bring relief.
Dandruff. If your scalp is dry and itchy and you see flakes on your hair or clothing, you may have dandruff.
How to get relief: If you have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments can help. You can find out how to get the best results from these products by watching the short video, How to treat dandruff.
Dandruff
Dandruff often causes visible flakes on the scalp.
Hives. These are red, raised, and very itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. Sometimes, hives go away and come back. If hives come and go for longer than 6 weeks, theyre called chronic hives.How to get relief: Hives often go away on their own, but if theyre long-lasting, treatment can help. Dermatologists frequently treat hives.
Hives
When hives form on the scalp, you’ll often have a rash of itchy red bumps that look like the ones shown here.
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