Scalp eczema: practical advice and solutions D-LAB
Publié le 17-08-2021 et mis à jour le 04-03-2025
Dry scalp, itching, red patches, and dandruff… You are most likely suffering from scalp eczema!
Don't panic, in this article, we reveal our tips to restore a healthy scalp.
However, before treating your scalp, it is important to identify your type of eczema.
There are three types: seborrheic dermatitis, atopic eczema, and allergic eczema. Please note that it is still important to have the opinion of a dermatologist before starting a hair treatment, even if it is natural.
Summary
I. Seborrheic eczema 1. The causes of seborrheic eczema 2. Symptoms of this condition on the scalp II. Atopic eczema 1. The causes of atopic eczema 2. Symptoms of this form on the scalp III. Allergic eczema (also called contact eczema) 1. The causes of allergic eczema 2. Symptoms of this type of scalp condition IV. Scalp eczema: some natural solutions V. The Impact of Stress VI. Taking care of your scalp with D-LAB dietary supplements
I. Seborrheic eczema
1. The causes of seborrheic eczema
Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It often dates back to early childhood (cradle cap in infants).
In adults, their scalp is dried out which causes the appearance of dandruff. In more severe cases, inflammation of the scalp may occur.
It is mainly caused by yeasts of the Malassezia type. These fungi proliferate especially in an oily scalp.
It can also be caused by stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
2. Symptoms of this condition on the scalp
The symptoms of this condition can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are red patches, scales, and itching. These patches can be oily and yellowish and may appear on the scalp, the face, the ears, and the chest.
The treatment of seborrheic eczema depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, anti-dandruff shampoos, moisturizing creams, and ointments can be used to reduce itching and scaling.
Topical medications such as steroids and antifungals can also be used to treat more severe symptoms. Oral medications such as antifungals and immunosuppressants may also be prescribed to treat chronic seborrheic eczema.
It is important to take care of the skin when suffering from seborrheic eczema. Avoiding irritants such as perfumed cosmetics and harsh cleaning products can help prevent flare-ups. Keeping the skin clean and hydrated can also help reduce symptoms.
II. Atopic eczema
1. The causes of atopic eczema
It differs from other types of eczema because it manifests as red patches and water blisters. Adolescents and young adults are mainly affected by this type of eczema. It is generally hereditary and genetic. This eczema is caused by an allergic predisposition. Indeed, people affected by this eczema often suffer from other types of allergies simultaneously.
2. Symptoms of this form on the scalp
The symptoms of atopic eczema can vary from person to person, but red patches and itching are the most common symptoms. These patches can develop on any part of the body, but are more common on the arms, legs, face, and neck. The patches may also ooze or form crusts. Itchy scalp can be so intense that it can disrupt sleep and cause anxiety and depression in some people.
There is no cure for atopic eczema, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Topical creams and ointments can help reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. Antihistamines can help reduce itching and irritation.
III. Allergic eczema (also called contact eczema)
1. The causes of allergic eczema
Allergic eczema, also called allergic contact dermatitis, is a form of eczema that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergenic substance.
Common allergens include metals, chemicals, cosmetics, perfumes, plants, and cleaning products. This condition can cause red patches, itching, blisters, and inflammation of the skin.
Allergic eczema develops when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, causing an allergic reaction. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but red patches, itching, and blisters are the most common symptoms. Symptoms can appear immediately after contact with the allergen or take several days to manifest.
2. Symptoms of this type of scalp condition
The treatment of allergic eczema generally involves avoiding known allergens. If this is not possible, topical creams and ointments can be used to reduce itching and skin inflammation. Antihistamines can also be used to reduce itching and irritation.
It is important to take care of the skin when suffering from allergic eczema. Avoiding known irritants and allergens is crucial to prevent flare-ups. Using cotton clothing and avoiding synthetic materials can also help reduce skin irritation. Keeping the skin hydrated by using fragrance-free moisturizers is also important.
Many beauty products that we use daily contain harmful substances for the scalp. These substances are present in hair dyes, and especially in shampoos. Here are some examples to avoid: paraphenylenediamine (PPD), sodium lauryl, lauryl sulfate, benzyl benzoate, ammonium sulfate…
So prefer natural products, simple and gentle!
IV. Scalp eczema: some natural solutions
Here are some natural solutions to treat your scalp eczema:
1. Use of essential oils
Essential oils can be very helpful in soothing and naturally treating scalp eczema. For example, tea tree oil and palmarosa oil are known for their purifying and anti-fungal properties. Lavender essential oil, for its part, has soothing virtues.
2. Grandma's remedy
Grandmother's recipes are your allies! A homemade shampoo, simple to make and economical, based on baking soda and vinegar to regulate the natural pH of your hair: Mix a tablespoon of baking soda in a glass of hot water, then apply the mixture to your scalp and rinse with water.
In general:
- Use gentle and natural shampoos to avoid using products containing too many allergens.
- Avoid very hot water and rinse your hair with lukewarm water to avoid irritating the skin.
3. Homeopathy
Homeopathy can also offer natural solutions to treat scalp eczema. Remedies like Sulfur or Graphites are often recommended for their beneficial effects on the skin.
4. Natural treatment
Making natural masks to soothe eczema: an olive oil mask, an aloe vera gel mask, or a coconut oil mask... simple to make and economical!
Adopting a healthy and balanced diet can also help improve scalp health.
V. The Impact of Stress
1. The link between stress and scalp condition
Stress is an aggravating factor for scalp eczema. It can trigger flare-ups and worsen existing symptoms. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, meditation, or yoga can help reduce eczema symptoms.
2. How stress affects scalp eczema
Stress plays a crucial role in the onset and worsening of scalp eczema.
Indeed, stress can lead to an increased release of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the skin's balance and weaken the skin barrier.
This makes the scalp more vulnerable to inflammation and infections. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to scratching or rubbing habits of the scalp, thereby worsening eczema symptoms.
It is therefore essential to manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to minimize eczema flare-ups and improve overall scalp health.
VI. Taking care of your scalp with D-LAB dietary supplements
The scalp is a very delicate area that requires our full attention to prevent dandruff, itching, and excess sebum. It is essential to maintain good microcirculation and to purify it from within by providing very targeted active ingredients.
How to differentiate this condition from other skin conditions?
It is often difficult to differentiate scalp eczema from other skin conditions such as psoriasis or dermatitis. An accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential to determine the exact nature of the condition.
How to treat this condition on the scalp?
The treatment of scalp eczema may include moisturizing creams, ointments, topical medications, specific lotions, and gentle, natural shampoos.
Can this cause hair loss?
In some cases, scalp eczema can cause temporary hair loss due to inflammation and itching. However, this hair loss is generally reversible once the condition is treated.
What are the exact symptoms?
The symptoms of scalp eczema include red patches, scaling, itching, blisters, and inflammation. These symptoms can vary depending on the type of eczema.
Which shampoo for the scalp condition?
It is recommended to use gentle and natural shampoos, without fragrance and allergens, to avoid worsening the symptoms of scalp eczema.
