Key Symptoms Of Dandruff
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that occurs when skin cells cluster together and create white or yellowish patches, or scales, on the scalp. The scales flake into your hair, or onto your neck, shoulders, or clothes. Dandruff can also appear on your beard or eyebrows.
A small amount of skin flaking is normal, but some people also experience itching, redness, and irritation from dandruff that require relief. Use Selsun blue® antidandruff shampooto address these symptoms.
What Shampoo Can You Use For Eczema
Ahead, the best eczema shampoos sure to bring sweet relief to your stressed-out scalp.
- Best Overall: Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo.
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo Scalp Build-Up Control.
- Best for Sensitive Scalps: Exederm Eczema and Dermatitis Shampoo.
- Best for Dryness: Kiehls Amino Acid Shampoo.
Causes Of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Although the causes of SD are not completely understood, it appears to result from a combination of the following three factors: sebaceous gland secretion, presence of Malassezia yeast, and the host immune response.6
Sebum is an important component of skin surface lipids and contains high amounts of squalene, wax esters, and triglycerides.10 Persons with SD do not necessarily have excess sebaceous gland activity, but the composition of their skin surface lipid may be altered, creating a more supportive environment for growth of lipid-dependent micro-organisms.10
The role of the host immune response in the pathogenesis of SD is uncertain. Some researchers have reported increased numbers of natural killer cells, CD16 cells, and inflammatory interleukins and activation of complement in the lesional skin of patients with SD compared with their own nonlesional skin or the skin of healthy controls.6 Nevertheless, total antibody levels are no higher in SD patients than in controls and a host response specific to Malassezia yeasts has not been identified.9 The prevalence of SD in persons infected with HIV suggests that the condition is mediated by the immune system however, the response of SD to successful retroviral therapy is variable.5
Thus, a definitive understanding of the pathophysiology of SD awaits further research, but the role of Malassezia yeasts as causative or contributing agents appears to be well established.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Cause Of Eczema On Hands
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena T/sal Shampoo Scalp Build
Youre likely used to seeing salicylic acid in skincare , but it can be equally beneficial in an eczema shampoo. The beta-hydroxy acid is choice for dissolving excess oil, making this formula a good pick for those dealing not only with seborrheic dermatitis but also dandruff or psoriasis. Its one of Gonzalezs picks, who points out that it also has the added benefit of being fragrance-free.
Try The Following Home Remedy For Cradle Cap:
- National Eczema Association | 505 San Marin Drive, #B300 | Novato, CA 94945
- 415-499-3474 or 800-818-7546
You May Like: Difference Between Heat Rash And Eczema In Babies
Seborrheic Dermatitis In Children
Seborrheic dermatitis on an infants scalp is known as cradle cap.
Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in areas of the body where there are a lot of oil-producing glands such as the scalp, nose and back. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually appears on the scalp and is commonly known as cradle cap. In older children and adults, seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is typically called dandruff.
The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of factors including genes, yeast that lives naturally on the skin, stress, chemical irritants and/or dry, cold weather that causes the skin to overproduce oil. In infants, researchers believe seborrheic dermatitis is triggered in part by hormones from the mother.
Unlike other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not the result of an allergy.
What You Can Do
Before your appointment, list your answers to the following questions:
- What are your symptoms, and when did they start?
- Does anything seem to trigger your symptoms?
- What medications are you taking, including those you take by mouth as well as creams or ointments?
- What treatments have you tried so far? Has anything helped?
Read Also: What Causes Eczema In Adults
How Can You Use Dandruff Shampoo To Ease Eczema
Eczema is a term used to describe skin that is itchy and red. The inflamed areas may show up as dry, cracked skin, or they may have rash-like bumps that weep when they are scratched. Backs of knees and other areas where skin is often flexed are especially prone to the itching or rash. Doctors call this condition atopic dermatitis. They may prescribe a range of medications, from steroid creams to drugs that suppress the immune system. Some readers have found, however, that they can use dandruff shampoo to ease eczema.
Is It Wrong To Eat Food With Selenium
No. Selenium is an essential nutrient for humans and animals. People receive a majority of their daily selenium intake from food, and to a lesser extent, from water. However, selenium can be harmful when regularly taken in amounts higher than those needed .
The seriousness of the adverse effects depends on how much selenium is taken and how often. Brittle hair and deformed nails can develop even if mildly excessive amounts of selenium are taken over long periods.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people may also lose feeling and control in their arms and legs in extreme cases. Swallowing a large amount of selenium supplement pills could be life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Dont Miss: Types Of Eczema On Arms
Also Check: Is Dial Soap Good For Eczema
Is Selsun Blue Ok For Dyed Hair
The first is Head and Shoulders, whose active ingredient is pyrithione zinc. Start with that and use it about two to three times a week. The next is called Selsun Blue, whose active ingredient is selenium sulfide. This ones effective, but if you have color treated hair beware because it might affect the color.
Is Selsun Blue Shampoo Good
Selsun Blue is one of the best selling dandruff shampoos in the USA. I used this shampoo for many years and it controlled my dandruff virtually the whole time. Selenium Sulfide is actually one of the harsher active ingredients in dandruff shampoos. Its also proven to be relatively effective as well.
Recommended Reading: What To Do With Weeping Eczema
Does Selsun Blue Have Sulfates
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Menthol, Cocamide DEA, DMDM Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, FD& amp,C Blue 1, D& amp,C Red 33, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride.
Does Breastmilk Help Cradle Cap
Good news Cradle cap is easily treatable! Simply wash your babys hair once a day with a mild baby shampoo. There are many parents who have found breast milk to be an effective cradle cap treatment. Add a small amount of breast milk to your babys shampoo and gently massage the scalp with the mixture.
You May Like: Best Otc Medicine For Eczema
Is Selsun Blue Safe For Hair
The first is Head and Shoulders, whose active ingredient is pyrithione zinc. Start with that and use it about two to three times a week. The next is called Selsun Blue, whose active ingredient is selenium sulfide. This ones effective, but if you have color treated hair beware because it might affect the color.
Selsun Blue Shampoo For Skin Problems:
A. Readers have been telling us for years that the original formula Selsun Blue dandruff shampoo can be helpful for the redness and blemishes brought on by rosacea. The active ingredient in the shampoo, selenium sulfide, may help control the Demodex skin mite population that triggers the inflammation associated with rosacea. People use the shampoo to wash their faces gently.
You are the first one to suggest that Selsun Blue might also be helpful against atopic dermatitis . Some research suggests that low selenium levels in the body may be associated with this skin condition . German researchers suspect Malassezia yeast on the skin as a prime driver of head and neck atopic dermatitis . The selenium sulfide in Selsun Blue shampoo works very well against this type of yeast overgrowth.
You May Like: Eczema On Soles Of Feet Pictures
Most Read Life Stories
Q. I used to have good blood-sugar readings when I was on glyburide. Since I was put on atorvastatin to lower cholesterol, I have had trouble with high blood sugar.
I read in your Guide to Managing Diabetes that statins can affect blood glucose, but the clinical pharmacist at the VA said you are wrong. She insisted that atorvastatin does not affect HbA1c or blood sugar.
They now have me on both glipizide and Onglyza, and the clinical pharmacist admitted that my HbA1c will not come down. She still insists I have to keep taking these medicines even if they are not working to control my diabetes.
A. We are puzzled your pharmacist was not aware of the official prescribing information for atorvastatin : Increases in HbA1c and fasting serum glucose levels have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors 1/8statins3/8, including LIPITOR.
HbA1c is a measure of how high blood-sugar levels have been during the past three months. Clinical trials and other studies have shown that statins can indeed raise blood-sugar levels, making it harder to control diabetes.
We are sending you our Guide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health so that you and your doctor can discuss possible alternatives for your cholesterol. Anyone who would like a copy can be download it for $2 from our site: peoplespharmacy.com.
What Are Some Things I Need To Know Or Do While I Take Selsun Blue
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Selsun Blue . This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- If you use Selsun Blue too often, your skin problem may become worse.
- Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
- Do not put on irritated skin.
- Do not put on open sores or broken skin.
- This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If Selsun Blue is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Selsun Blue while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
Also Check: Topical Steroids For Eczema Over The Counter
Do I Have Dandruff: Key Symptoms & Causes
2:40 MINUTE READ TIME
Is it just a patch of dry skin thats causing irritation on your scalp, or do you have dandruff? What color is dandruff so you can recognize it? Could it be another skin disorder? There are many skin conditions that can affect the scalp, some with overlapping symptoms of dandruff. To make sure youre addressing the root cause of your discomfort, read on to find out the differences.
Baby Dandruff: Signs Symptoms Causes And Treatments
Young children have extremely delicate, sensitive skin. This makes it easy for their skin to become dry and irritated. When dry, flaky skin develops on an infants head, its known as baby dandruff.
While baby dandruff can look like a serious condition, its actually nothing to be alarmed about. Many babies develop dandruff at some point during their infancy. Its not a sign of poor hygiene or any kind of illness. Baby dandruff normally goes away within a week or so.
In this post, the baby experts at Mustela will go over the signs, symptoms, and causes of baby dandruff. Then well explain eight easy ways to care for your little ones dry scalp.
Also Check: How To Stop Itching Hands Eczema
What Causes Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a side effect of the mother’s hormones. During a pregnancy, the mother’s body produces high levels of hormones. These cross into the unborn baby’s body as well. After the baby is born, the leftover hormones make the baby’s skin secrete sebum, the oily yellow material which causes cradle cap.
Besides cradle cap, mother’s hormones can cause other harmless skin conditions like newborn acne.
How To Use Selenium Sulfide Preparations
It is very important that you use selenium sulfide preparations strictly as directed on the label or as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than recommended.
For dandruff:
- Wet hair and scalp with lukewarm water
- Apply enough selenium sulfide shampoo to the scalp to work up a lather
- Allow lather to remain on scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off
- Repeat with a second wash then rinse well
- Wash hands well and clean under nails to remove any shampoo
- Use 1% or 2.5% shampoo twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then once weekly for 2, 3 or 4 weeks, and then only when necessary
For skin infections:
- Apply selenium sulfide lotion to affected areas of the body
- Work up a lather using a small amount of water
- Allow the medicine to stay in contact with your skin for about 10 minutes
- Rinse body well to remove all the medicine
- Use the 2.5% lotion once per day for 7 days
Do not use if your scalp or the skin to be treated is cut or scratched. Do not leave on hair, scalp or skin for periods longer than directed and ensure all selenium sulfide is rinsed off well.
Avoid getting selenium sulfide in your eyes. If accidental contact with eyes occurs, rinse them well with clear water for several minutes.
Dont Miss: Oil Based Ointments For Eczema
Read Also: Crema Para Eczema En Las Manos
How Is It Diagnosed
The diagnosis is usually made from the history and appearance of the skin in the affected area. Normally there is no need for any particular tests, unless the doctor thinks it may be a fungal infection, in which case skin scrapings are taken to test for fungus. If there is some doubt about the diagnosis, a biopsy may be necessary, but this is rare.
How Is Dandruff Treated
In most cases, over-the-counter dandruff shampoo can control a person’s dandruff. Check the labels for these common “active ingredients”:
- selenium sulfide 1% shampoo
- zinc pyrithione shampoo
- tar-based shampoo . Tar-based shampoos can make the scalp more sensitive to sunlight, so users should wear a hat outside. Don’t use a tar shampoo on dyed or treated hair. Long-term use can stain skin, hair, and nails.
- ketoconazole shampoo
Follow the label directions on how much to use and how often. When your dandruff improves, it’s OK to use dandruff shampoo less often. Once a week might be enough to keep flakes off your shoulders.
If dandruff doesn’t get better after 46 weeks, try another shampoo with a different active ingredient.
Talk to the pharmacist if you have any questions about dandruff shampoos.
Read Also: What Types Of Eczema Are There
Is Selsun Blue Safe For Babies
If cradle cap continues after you have washed the scalp, talk to your doctor about using a dandruff shampoo, such as Selsun Blue, Head & amp, Shoulders, or Sebulex. Be careful with these products, because they can irritate your babys eyes.
Can I use dandruff shampoo on my baby?
Daily use of anti-dandruff shampoo is not approved for children under 2 years of age, but twice a week is fine, even for infants. While the hair is lathered, massage the scalp with a soft brush or a rough washcloth for five minutes .
Can Selsun Blue treat cradle cap?
Most lotions and creams dont help cradle cap. We recommend use of selenium-containing shampoo, such as Selsun Blue.
Is selenium sulfide safe for babies?
Selenium sulfide topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 years old without a doctors advice.
What shampoo is good for baby dandruff?
To care for your babys dandruff or cradle cap, try Mustelas Foam Shampoo For Newborns. This ultra-gentle shampoo is specially formulated to cleanse your babys hair and scalp while softening and rinsing away flakes associated with cradle cap.
Other Skin Conditions That Can Affect The Scalp
There are several other skin disorders that can have overlapping symptoms with dandruff, along with some key differences. Having one of these conditions may increase your chances of having dandruff:
- Psoriasis: Instead of white or yellowish patches on the scalp, patches caused by psoriasis are often silver or powdery in appearance, and can spread to other areas of the body such as elbows and knees, lower back, fingernails and toenails, palms and feet.
- Eczema: In addition to the scalp, often affects the arms, backs of the knees, and cheeks. Unlike dandruff, eczema can cause small bumps that may release fluid when scratched.
- Rosacea: Distinguished by red, flushed skin, usually visible on the face, that often stings or burns.
Recommended Reading: Why Does My Baby Have Eczema
When Should I Replace Ion Exchange Resin
Replacement resin is typically used when a particular type of resin is no longer working or when the original resin has become damaged or lost its potency. Here are some tips on when to replace ion exchange resin:
1. When the resin begins to show signs of wear, such as cracks or chips.2. When the resin is no longer performing as it should.3. When the resin begins to produce a disagreeable smell.4. When the resin begins to show signs of corrosion.