Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Identifying Symptoms and Causes
• Method 2 of 4: Treating scalp eczema with over-the-counter treatments (for adults)
• Method 3 of 4: Treating scalp eczema in babies and children
• Method 4 of 4: Treating scalp eczema with prescription drugs
• Warnings

Eczema is a skin disease caused by a lack of sebum and moisture. Usually, the skin is able to independently maintain their necessary balance, creating a kind of barrier against harmful environmental influences, irritation and infections. Scalp eczema can be caused by seborrheic or atopic dermatitis. Other names for this condition are dandruff, seborrheic eczema, seborrheic psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis (in newborns). These types of dermatitis can also cause eczema on the face, chest, armpits, back, and groin. While they can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience, they are not contagious and are not the result of poor hygiene practices. Knowing about the causes and symptoms of eczema can help you heal your scalp.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Identifying Symptoms and Causes

1. 1 Pay attention to common symptoms. Eczema can cause problems with the scalp or other affected areas of the skin. Common symptoms include flaky skin (dandruff), itching, redness of the skin, flakes or crusting on the skin, oiliness and hair loss
   • Inflammation leads to red spots and increased activity of the sebaceous glands, which cause oily and yellowing of the skin in some people.
   • In infants, eczema often occurs on the scalp and can appear as red, dry scaly plaques, and in more severe cases, as thick white or yellow oily scales.
   • Other skin conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and lupus may mimic eczema in symptoms. However, they differ from eczema in the location of the lesions and the number of layers of integumentary tissue involved in the pathological process.
   • If you are unsure if your symptoms are signs of eczema, see your dermatologist. They can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and whether they are severe enough to warrant treatment.
2. 2 Learn about the causes of eczema. In addition to disrupting the sebaceous glands and pathological dry skin, doctors believe that a certain type of yeast, Malassezia furfur, plays a role in the onset of seborrheic eczema. The yeast of the genus Malassezia is usually present on the surface of the skin. In people with seborrheic eczema, this yeast invades the surface layers of the skin and secretes substances that increase the production of fatty acids. This leads to inflammation, increases dryness of the skin and provokes dandruff.
   • If your eczema is atopic and there are cases of eczema in the family, yeast may not be involved. Doctors believe that many people with atopic eczema have a damaged skin barrier due to a genetic change in the structural proteins of the skin.
3. 3 Identify risk factors. There is no consensus among doctors about why some people develop seborrheic eczema, while others do not, however, suggested risk factors have been identified:
   • being overweight or obese;
   • fatigue;
   • environmental influences (e.g. dry weather);
   • stress;
   • other skin problems (such as acne);
   • some illnesses, including stroke, HIV, Parkinson's disease, and head injuries.
4. 4 Avoid hair and skin care products that contain alcohol. Alcohol removes the protective sebaceous layer from the surface of the skin, which leads to dryness. This can worsen flaking and itching and cause seborrheic eczema.
   • Be gentle when washing your skin and scalp. Don't rub it! When shampooing, gently massage the skin with your fingers. Your goal is to cleanse your hair, but not remove the protective greasy layer from your scalp.
5. 5 Don't scratch itchy spots. Of course, it can be difficult to hold back and not itch when you feel very dry and itchy. However, try not to scratch the affected area, as this can cause further irritation and bleeding.
   • Rubbing your skin hard can even cause a secondary infection.
6. 6 Be prepared for eczema to return. It is unlikely that you will be able to completely cure your eczema even with effective treatment. Scalp eczema disappears with treatment. However, it usually returns and requires continuous treatment. Fortunately, many treatments can be applied for a long time.

Method 2 of 4: Treating scalp eczema with over-the-counter treatments (for adults)

1. 1 Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Even over-the-counter drugs may have contraindications for certain diseases and other conditions, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them.
   • If you have an allergy, any medical condition, you are constantly taking any medications, you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to consult your doctor before starting any treatment.
   • Do not start treatment for children without first consulting a pediatrician. Treatment for scalp eczema in children is different from that in adults and is discussed in a separate section of this article.
2. 2 Use over-the-counter products. There are various over-the-counter shampoos and oils available to treat scalp eczema. Try these remedies when the first symptoms of the disease appear. You can use them daily for an extended period of time.
   • These shampoos are not intended for use on children! Use them only for adults with scalp eczema.
3. 3 Wash your hair properly. Regardless of which shampoo you use, there are some general guidelines to follow when washing your hair with any of the shampoos and oils. Rubbing your scalp too vigorously while washing or using shampoos containing alcohol can worsen your eczema.
   • Rinse hair with warm (not hot) water before washing.
   • Apply the medicated shampoo to the scalp and hair, rubbing it into the scalp with gentle massaging movements. Do not rub or scrape your scalp. You can scratch your skin until it bleeds and even get an infection.
   • Leave the drug for the time recommended on the package. Generally, you should keep it for at least 5 minutes.
   • Rinse hair thoroughly with warm (not hot) water and pat dry with a clean towel.
   • Shampoos containing birch tar can be harmful if swallowed. Avoid getting these shampoos in your eyes or mouth.
   • Some products, such as ketoconazole shampoo, may be more effective if you alternate them with other hair products twice a week.
4. 4 Wash your hair with selenium sulfide shampoo. This shampoo kills the yeast that can trigger scalp eczema. Getting rid of the yeast can heal dryness, inflammation, or itching.
   • The most common side effects include dry or oily hair or scalp. Less common side effects include hair discoloration, hair loss, and irritation.
   • You must use this shampoo at least twice a week for it to take effect.
5. 5 Apply tea tree oil to your hair. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has natural antifungal properties that can help treat scalp eczema. There was a clinical study that showed some improvement when using a shampoo with a 5% concentration of tea tree oil. The only common side effect is scalp irritation.
   • This product can be used daily.
   • Do not take tea tree oil internally as it is toxic. Avoid getting it in your eyes or mouth.
   • Tea tree oil has estrogenic and antiandrogenic effects and can induce hormonal changes such as breast growth in prepubertal boys.
6. 6 Massage the scalp with egg oil. Egg (yolk) oil contains natural immunoglobulins that help treat scalp eczema with regular use.
   • This remedy should be used twice a week, leaving it on the scalp overnight for at least a year.
   • Egg oil is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes the growth of new epithelial cells.
7. 7 Use a zinc pyrithione shampoo. Many anti-dandruff shampoos use zinc pyrithione as the active ingredient. Scientists don't know exactly why it helps treat eczema of the scalp, but speculate that the effect is due to the substance's antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also helps slow down the production of skin cells, which can help reduce flaking. The only known side effect is scalp irritation.
   • This remedy method can be used three times a week.
   • Look for shampoos with 1% or 2% zinc pyrithione concentration. Zinc pyrithione is also available as a cream.
8. 8 Try a salicylic acid shampoo. This shampoo has exfoliating properties and helps heal the flaky upper layers of the scalp. It is effective at a concentration of 1.8 to 3%. The only side effect is skin irritation.
9. 9 Try ketoconazole. Ketoconazole is very effective in treating scalp eczema. It is found in various OTC products such as shampoos (Nizoral, Mycozoral), foams, creams and gels, and is also available in prescription pill form.
   • OTC drugs are less potent than prescription drugs.
   • Side effects may include changes in hair texture, discoloration, scalp irritation, oiliness or dryness of the scalp or hair.
   • Shampoo with 1–2% ketoconazole is effective and safe, including for babies. It can be applied twice a day for two weeks.
10. 10 Apply raw honey to your hair. Although not a shampoo, raw (unheated) honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be used to relieve itching and reduce flaky skin. Honey is not a cure for eczema, although it can help heal skin damage.
    • Dissolve raw honey in warm water at a ratio of 90% honey to 10% water.
    • Massage honey into scalp for 2-3 minutes. Do not scrape or rub too hard. Rinse off with warm water.
    • Every other day, rub honey into itchy areas of the scalp and leave it on for 3 hours. Wash off after 3 hours. Continue doing this for 4 weeks.
11. 11 Try tar shampoo. This shampoo helps to reduce the rate of cell division on the scalp. It also reduces the growth of fungi and softens the scales and crusts on the scalp. However, it is not as safe as other OTC drugs, so it's a good idea to try other options first.
    • Use this shampoo twice a day for up to four weeks.
    • Possible side effects include an itchy scalp, patchy hair loss, contact dermatitis on the fingers, and discoloration of the skin.
    • Check with your doctor before using tar shampoo.It is contraindicated in children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. It can also interact with certain medications and cause allergic reactions.

Method 3 of 4: Treating scalp eczema in babies and children

1. 1 Wait for the skin to clear on its own. For many infants and young children, scalp eczema goes away without treatment within a few weeks. In some cases, the scalp may take several months to heal. While it may look unsightly, most children do not experience any discomfort with eczema.
   • If the condition persists, consult your pediatrician to discuss treatment options.
   • As with adults, in children, eczema symptoms may disappear after treatment and reappear over time.
2. 2 Treating seborrhea in children is different from treating it in adults. Treatment for infants and children under two years of age is different from treatment for adults. Do not even use over-the-counter drugs for adults on children under 2 years of age.
3. 3 Remove scales by massaging the baby's scalp. Most of the seborrhea scales on the baby's scalp can be removed with gentle massage movements. Use your fingers or a washcloth. Dampen your baby's hair with warm water and massage gently into the scalp. Don't rub your skin!
   • Do not use harsh exfoliators or exfoliating cleaners such as brushes, loofah scourers, or hard sponges.
4. 4 Use a mild baby shampoo. Shampoos designed to treat eczema in adults may be too harsh for a child's delicate skin. Use your regular mild baby shampoo such as Johnson & Johnson or Aveeno Baby.
   • Wash your baby's hair daily.
   • Shampoo with 1-2% ketoconazole is effective and safe for infants, although you should always consult your pediatrician before starting treatment. It can be used twice a day for two weeks.
5. 5 Massage the oil into your scalp. If you cannot remove scales during the massage, you can rub petroleum jelly or mineral oil into the flaky areas. Don't use olive oil.
   • Leave the oil on your skin for a few minutes. Then wash your baby's hair with a mild baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and comb the hair as usual.
   • Be sure to thoroughly rinse the oil off your scalp every time. Otherwise, oil can build up on the skin and worsen its condition.
6. 6 Bathe your baby daily. Give your child a warm (not hot) bath every 2-3 days. Do not bathe your baby for more than 10 minutes.
   • Do not use skin irritants such as harsh soaps, bubble baths, Epsom salts, or other bath additives. They can irritate your baby's skin and make eczema worse.

Method 4 of 4: Treating scalp eczema with prescription drugs

1. 1 Talk to your doctor about prescription treatments. Patients who do not benefit from over-the-counter drugs or treatments, or who are unhappy with the results of treatment may need other drugs. Doctors may prescribe stronger regimens, including creams, lotions, shampoos, and even oral medications if over-the-counter shampoos are ineffective. Ultraviolet treatment may also be an option.
   • Treatment with antifungal shampoos and corticosteroid medications is usually effective. However, these products are expensive and can cause unwanted side effects with long-term use. These and other shampoos are only prescribed if over-the-counter treatments have not been successful.
2. 2 Use shampoos with antifungal ingredients. The most common type of prescription shampoo for scalp eczema is an antifungal shampoo. Most antifungal shampoos contain 1% ciclopirox and 2% ketoconazole.
   • The most common side effects of these shampoos are irritation, burning, dry scalp, and itching.
   • These shampoos are usually used daily, or at least twice a week for a set period. Always follow the directions on the packaging or your doctor's orders.
3. 3 Try corticosteroid shampoos. They help reduce inflammation and reduce itching and flaking of the scalp. Common corticosteroid shampoos contain ingredients such as 1.0% hydrocortisone, 0.1% betamethasone, 0.1% clobetasol, and 0.01% fluocinolone.
   • Side effects usually occur after prolonged use and can include thinning of the skin, itching, burning sensation of the skin, and hypopigmentation (loss of color pigments in the skin, resulting in skin lightening). Most people who use these shampoos for a short period of time do not experience any negative side effects.
   • These prescription shampoos contain steroids and some of the medication can be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you have diabetes or hypersensitivity to steroids, you should discuss these points with your doctor.
   • Keep in mind that corticosteroid shampoos are more expensive than other treatments.
   • These shampoos can be used daily or twice daily for the prescribed duration.
   • Using antifungal and corticosteroid shampoos at the same time may be safe and produce better results. Talk to your doctor about combining the two treatments.
4. 4 Try other treatments. For scalp eczema, shampoos are the most common form of treatment. However, you can also try creams, lotions, oils, or foams that contain one or more of the above medicinal ingredients.
   • Prescription antifungal agents called azoles are highly effective treatments for scalp eczema. Ketoconazole is the most commonly prescribed drug and has already proven its effectiveness in many clinical studies.
   • Another common antifungal drug is hydroxypyridone. It comes in the form of a cream, gel, or solution.
   • Corticosteroids may also be prescribed in the form of a cream or topical ointment.
5. 5 Try light therapy. Light therapy, or phototherapy, sometimes helps with scalp eczema. It is commonly combined with a medication such as psoralen.
   • Since light therapy involves exposure to ultraviolet light, it carries an increased risk of skin cancer.
   • This type of treatment is usually prescribed for people whose eczema is caused by extensive atopic or seborrheic dermatitis. This type of treatment is not suitable for infants or young children.
6. 6 Talk with your doctor about other treatment options. There are other treatments for scalp eczema, but these are usually only used as a last resort because they can cause serious side effects. However, if other treatments have not worked, you may want to consult with your doctor about other treatment options.
   • Creams or lotions containing tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) can be effective in treating scalp eczema. However, they increase the risk of cancer and are more expensive than corticosteroids.
   • Terbinafine (Lamisil) and butenafine are oral antifungals for treating scalp eczema. They can interact with certain enzymes in the body and cause allergic reactions or liver problems. This limits their use for scalp eczema.

Warnings

• This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your doctor before starting any treatment, including over-the-counter treatments.