Scalp eczema is a common form of eczema that causes skin irritation on the scalp, often appearing as dandruff. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and climate, and is often treated with special shampoos, moisturizers, and topical creams. In severe cases, corticosteroid creams or oral steroids may be prescribed. Identifying triggers, such as exposure to irritants or increased stress, is important in managing the condition.
Eczema is an umbrella term used to describe skin conditions that are red, scaly, dry, and sometimes swollen, including diaper rash and poison ivy breakouts. Scalp eczema, the most common form of eczema, is specific to skin irritation on the scalp. This often manifests as dandruff and can sometimes be painful. Treatment includes special shampoos and moisturizers and topical creams.
Scalp eczema can be caused by a number of factors. Some types are caused by exposure to an irritant, such as a detergent. Mostly, scalp eczema refers to seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that occurs in some people when a number of factors combine. These include stress and climate as well as immunological and pedigree factors.
The oily, hairy parts of the head and the rest of the body are more susceptible to eczema. This includes the scalp, eyebrows, underarms and the so-called “t-zone” on the face. Although eczema can cause irritation anywhere on the body, the scalp is the most common. The exact cause of scalp eczema is unknown, but some researchers suggest that the root of the problem lies in the overproduction of a yeast that resides on the skin of the body called malasezzia. Changes in the surrounding climate or even excessive sweating can lead to the overgrowth of this yeast and subsequent skin rashes.
Scalp eczema varies in degree and intensity. Mild eczema causes dry, flaky skin, while more severe cases lead to blisters and oozing patches of skin. Episodes of scalp eczema can last a few hours to a few days, but chronic eczema can be endured for life. If scalp eczema is genetic, a person is predisposed to the condition and often can’t do anything to avoid flare-ups. The severity of the episodes, however, can sometimes be managed. It is important to take care of your skin and avoid contact with irritants that could aggravate the problem. Some common scalp irritants include shampoos, conditioners, and hair styling products.
There is no laboratory test to definitively diagnose eczema. A doctor typically orders a patch test, which exposes the skin to various types of irritants to find a possible allergic reaction that may be causing it. In severe cases, some skin cancers may manifest in a similar way to eczema, so a skin biopsy may be done to rule this out.
To treat scalp eczema, doctors might prescribe any number of corticosteroid creams, or even oral steroids, to reduce inflammation and prevent the condition from getting worse. Over-the-counter antihistamines might provide relief from a breakout. Dandruff shampoos work specifically to try and reduce the amount of moisture lost in the scalp. In almost all cases, the goal is to identify triggers such as increased stress, exposure to an irritant, or even shampooing too frequently.
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