Eczema does not only affect the easy-to-see parts of your body, but it can impact your scalp as well. Scalp eczema is one specific type of eczema that causes scratchy, dry and inflamed, skin to form on your scalp. The most common kind of scalp eczema is known as seborrheic dermatitis, and its most unwelcome symptom is dandruff.
What is scalp eczema?
Scalp eczema is a kind of eczema that causes inflamed, itchy, dry skin to form on your scalp. The most common kind of scalp eczema is called seborrheic dermatitis, and its most unpleasant symptom is dandruff.
Many skin problems such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and folliculitis might trigger signs comparable to scalp eczema. Psoriasis and scalp eczema are often confused with each other. However, psoriasis generally has a whiter scale than scalp eczema, and psoriasis leads to delicate skin patches that quickly bleed when scratched. It is not uncommon for scalp eczema and psoriasis to occur together.
Scientists don’t fully understand the precise connection between yeast and eczema symptoms. However, research recommends that a nonspecific immune response might be to blame. Some interaction between Malassezia, their metabolites (compounds produced during the metabolic process), and skin and immune cells leads to an inflammatory reaction.
Types of eczema that can affect the scalp
The shedding of white skin flakes is typically the most visible sign of scalp eczema. Significantly, as soon as someone becomes sensitized to Malassezia, the yeast will constantly trigger an immune reaction.
Eczema that affects the scalp may in some cases be seborrheic dermatitis, which individuals likewise describe as dandruff. This type of eczema is the most common type that impacts the scalp. In children, it is known as cradle cap.
There might be itchy, red, and sometimes swollen skin that is normal for different kinds of eczema.
Scalp eczema can become a stubborn condition that persists for many years. It may come and go without other indicators, and it can vanish on its own. Signs of scalp eczema can be effectively managed, but the condition can not be treated totally.
Seborrhoeic eczema is one of the most common eczema seen on the scalp and hairline. It can affect babies (cradle cap), kids, and adults. The skin appears red and scaly, and there’s frequently dandruff as well, which could range in severity. There can be a rash on the face around the eyebrows, eyelids, and sides of the nose. Seborrhoeic eczema can emerge as infected.
Atopic eczema is another common kind of eczema that can affect the scalp. The skin becomes red, dry, and itchy and might effortlessly emerge as inflamed, specifically if scratched and when there’s damaged skin.
Allergic contact dermatitis can develop due to your body reacting to a specific substance to that you are allergic. Everyday objects which can motive allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp include the following:
- Hair shampoos, conditioners, gels, sprays, and different hair products
- Hair dyes, perm solutions
- Bathing caps, hairnets – specifically the ones containing rubber
- Hair clips and headgear – specifically the ones containing rubber or nickel.
- Irritant contact dermatitis is a kind of eczema that occurs while the skin’s surface is dissatisfied by an ingredient that causes the skin to emerge as dry, red, and itchy.
Scalp eczema causes patches of skin to emerge as red, flaky, and itchy. It can also affect different oily areas of the body, including the face, nose, eyebrows, and eyelids.
This form of eczema also can affect the ear canal. When it does, it could bring about the discharge of fluid from the ear.
Scalp eczema can motive the skin to end up greasy, waxy, or maybe blistered. In addition, these patches of skin can end up inflamed and could release clear fluid.
The coloration of the skin can change in the affected area, even after it has healed.
Scalp eczema Causes
The actual motive of scalp eczema is unknown; however, various factors are frequently related to triggering scalp eczema. These encompass hormonal changes, genetics, stress, and chronic illnesses.
Scalp Eczema Home Treatments
If you think you may have scalp eczema, the first thing to do is get the proper analysis from a board-licensed dermatologist. Then, they would possibly prescribe specific remedies like drugs to lessen irritation and calm an overactive immune system.
But there are a few things you could do at home to assist soothe your eczema, mainly when it comes to your hair-washing habits:
For instance, if you experience the signs and symptoms of eczema on your scalp, you may assume you have an especially horrific case of dandruff, which could bring about itching, scaliness, and flakes that drift down onto your clothes. In response, you may decide to wash your hair more frequently, however, which can make matters worse as it strips the scalp and hair of their natural moisturizing oils and might contribute to dryness and irritation.
Wash only with mild shampoos and conditioners
Eczema is frequently caused or worsened by an irritant or allergic reactions, including reactions to short hair- or skin-care products. It’s viable for everyone to get this type of reaction—without or with eczema. But in case you do have eczema, you’re more liable to these reactions, and they could trigger your eczema symptoms.
If a hair product might be inflicting contact dermatitis that worsens your eczema, your physician will likely suggest that you ditch it and see where that gets you. They’ll probably advise mild shampoos, conditioners, and different hair products that won’t strip your scalp of moisture or otherwise make your eczema more challenging to handle.
Keep showers brief and lukewarm.
This is precisely proper in case you take long, super hot showers, are often shampooing to conflict with what you think is dandruff, or are scrubbing vigorously to do the same. Using anything hotter than warm water can worsen eczema, as can exposing yourself to water for more than 10 to fifteen mins at a time. Plus, scrubbing hard at scalp eczema can scratch your skin, which would possibly make your condition worse.
Plenty of products at your nearby drugstore might promise to assist with an itchy scalp. However, the use of something like an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo won’t treat your eczema. It could even make it worse, relying on what’s in it. So it’s best to speak to your physician. Even if you don’t have scalp eczema, your physician can pick out what’s going on, provide a remedy, and make your itchy scalp one less thing hanging over your head.
Scalp eczema natural treatments
- Fish Oil Supplements: Consuming fish oil supplements is highly advised for total immune function as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil supplements can help you decrease flare-ups of seborrheic dermatitis efficiently.
- Aloe Vera: Apply freshly drawn out aloe vera gel to the afflicted area and leave it on. Aloe vera is popular for its natural anti-inflammatory properties and works well in treating seborrheic dermatitis.
- Tea Tree Oil: Mix 8 to twelve drops of tea tree oil in a provider oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Apply this mix to the affected location. This might ease you from itching while healing the flaky spots on your scalp or skin.
- Olive Oil: An application of olive oil to the affected area on your scalp and leave it on for about an hour. Then, get rid of the loosened scales with the help of a soft brush. Later, clean your hair using a moderate Ayurvedic shampoo.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Soaking the spots of seborrheic dermatitis in apple cider vinegar will loosen up the scales. Likewise, apple cider vinegar reduces the inflammation in the flare-up area.
To deal with seborrheic dermatitis on your scalp, clean your hair with a moderate Ayurvedic shampoo initially. Then, use the diluted apple cider vinegar service to your scalp. Let the option sit on your scalp for about 15 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
Ayurvedic treatment of scalp eczema or Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Ayurvedic View of Scalp Eczema: Ayurveda refers to seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp as ‘Darunaka.’ Darunaka is thought about as a hair root condition, and it is among the most prevalent reasons for hair loss, as per Ayurveda. According to Ayurveda, each specific consists of three biological forces: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Your general health depends upon the balanced state of these tridoshas.
Darunaka is a condition that happens when there are Vata and Kapha doshas aggravation in your body. This imbalance leads to an elevation in Pitta levels, triggering inflammation in the afflicted area.
Darunaka is related to tvak sphutana (scalp scaling), kandu (itching), keshachyuti (scattered hair fall), rukshata (dryness and roughness of the scalp), svapa (loss of touch feeling), and daruna (tolerance issues), according to Ayurveda.
Based on ancient Ayurvedic texts, some effective ways to treat Darunka or scalp eczema are with natural medicinal herbs.
- Ayurvedic Hair Care Routine
A constant hair care program with a powerful herbal formula essentially brings balance to your vitiated dosha levels. Hence, include a natural Ayurvedic hair care regimen containing active ingredients to control seborrheic dermatitis.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): It functions as a natural antioxidant that boosts immunity to manage seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups.
Guduchi (Giloy): It is a herb with considerable anti-inflammatory properties, and it assists soothe elevated Pitta levels in your body.
Nimba (Neem): It is best understood for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While it soothes pitta, neem in your hair care items alleviates burning and itching.
Daruharidra (Berberis aristata): It can help curb fungal and bacterial growth in the afflicted location while imparting a soothing effect by reducing Pitta levels.
Yashtimadhu (Mulethi): It can help prevent flare-ups as it assists in balancing your doshas by managing your hormonal levels.
Pick Ayurvedic hair care products with the above herbal active ingredients based on your current dosha levels.
- Ayurvedic Diet
Include foods that manage the Vata and Kapha doshas aggravation in your diet to reduce seborrheic dermatitis. Some foods that can help are those that taste bitter such as bitter gourd can manage seborrheic dermatitis. Consume foods abundant in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers, and many sweet potatoes, leafy greens, tomatoes, and almonds regularly. You are required to avoid foods that are excessively salty or sour, dairy, and cold products.
- Ayurvedic Therapies
Undergoing Ayurvedic panchakarma therapies can provide relief. Panchakarma treatments include Abhyangam, Murdha thailam, Nasyam, Virechan, and others with dosha-specific herbal formulas to recover seborrheic dermatitis or scalp eczema.
Hot oil treatment with Marichyadi thailam can be the most effective Ayurvedic therapy to treat seborrheic dermatitis, which must be administered after examining your body’s dosha predominance.
Avoid areas with dry and cold weather conditions. Try to safeguard your scalp and skin with the required accessories to lower the effects of such weather conditions on your body.
Scalp Eczema Prevention
- Avoid exposure to any suspected irritants and allergens.
- Clean your scalp thoroughly; however, keep away from drying it out by using only a quarter-sized dollop of mild shampoo and warm, in no way hot water.
- Manage stress well.
- Shampoo your hair after sweating heavily, such as after a workout, since perspiration may cause.
- Scalp eczema frequently responds to remedy. However, it also often returns. For a few people, exposure to the sun may enhance signs and symptoms.
Scalp eczema triggers & risk factors
Scalp eczema might be activated by stress, hormones, and health problem. No one really understands what triggers scalp eczema. However, it impacts up to 5 percent of the general population. A little more men are impacted than women.
Genes, hormones, illness, and stress have actually all been understood to activate scalp eczema in some individuals. Other medical conditions can make individuals more prone to scalp eczema. These consist of:
- illness that damage the body’s immune system or nervous system
- skin problems, such as psoriasis, rosacea, or acne
- allergic reactions, such as asthma and hay fever
- other kinds of eczema
See: Ayurveda Herbs For Anxiety Remedies
Other risk factors linked to scalp eczema consist of the following:
- cold, dry weather condition
- lack of sleep
- dry skin
- oily hair
Scalp eczema may be uncomfortable. However, there are numerous over-the-counter solutions at your disposal that can help relieve your symptoms.
But as always, consulting an expert can help you get this skin situation under control. In particular, you may need to see a dermatologist to help discover the triggers for scalp eczema and get a prescription treatment if the treatments you’ve attempted are not powerful or do not help you tame scalp eczema.
Importantly, see your dermatologist as quickly as possible in case your eczema-associated skin patches drain fluid or pus, form crusts, or turn out to be very red or painful.