What is scalp eczema?
Scalp eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. In short, he comes and goes. The agents responsible for triggering a flare-up are clearly identified. Stress or allergy in some cases, especially in young children. In this case, eczema often presents in a form similar to cradle cap. It is often treated by a eczema shampoo specific.
Do you have more or less significant dry patches, or even simple dandruff? Can these patches turn red on the scalp? Perhaps they are accompanied by itching and hair loss? Are you looking for a good shampoo for eczema ? This article is for you.
How to recognize scalp eczema?
A dermatologist will be able to make a precise diagnosis. From the plaques, he will be able to confirm which forms are eczema or psoriasis. THE symptoms of these diseases of the skin are quite close. However, if there are oozing patches, it is more likely to be eczema. If eczema is suspected, the doctor may carry out allergy tests to assess whether the condition is the result of an allergic reaction.
The causes differ. But overall the treatments for psoriasis or eczema are often the same. We will rather talk here about thescalp eczema, also known asseborrheic eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis (1). However, our recommendations will also be valid for people with scalp psoriasis. Eczema, like psoriasis, can affect different places on the body. The scalp is affected in 50% of cases on average.
THEeczema is not a contagious disease, but it cannot be cured. This means that there is currently no treatment capable of curing this inflammatory disease. However, certain treatments can relieve and soothe eczema.
How to heal eczema on the scalp?
But then how can eczema be treated without resorting to drug treatments, often based on corticosteroids? This type of medication is most often prescribed by dermatologists or healthcare professionals. Any long-term side effects can generally be harmful. Additionally, they cannot be used for patients in early childhood.
For the scalp, we have selected for you the best shampoos and hair products without cortisone, to our knowledge. Here is our detailed ranking. Make your choice. Also remember to alternate your shampoos!
The most complete shampoo for eczema on the head
LM Natura – Pso Natura Dermatological Shampoo
Ce soft shampoo is that of our laboratories. And honestly this ranking is objective. This treatment was formulated with a very simple requirement: to be the best shampoo in the world. against redness, scales and itching. It was ambitious. But the solution was relatively simple. First of all, don't do like everyone else and formulate a shampoo ultra-concentrated. It does not contain water.
You will agree, water has never cured eczema. This is why we preferred to strengthen the presence of Carapa procera oil, our exclusive. This vegetable oil has real anti-inflammatory properties et regenerating notably. In general, shampoos contain 80 to 90% water. Their cost price is certainly lower than ours. But their effectiveness too, quite logically.
An exceptional formula for scales and crusts in the hair
This shampoo is a natural remedy with a very high dose of Carapa procera oil. This oil was a little-known treasure of the ethno-pharmacopoeia. Until we discovered it. It is a rare oil. It comes from a tree that only grows in the wild. An oil with anti-inflammatory and healing properties. To this are added some ingredients to preserve the softness of the hair, Firstly. On the other hand, the formulation allowsmoisturize the scalp. In addition, omega 6 and vitamin E help to strengthen its regenerating power.
The treatment is effective thanks to its 3 in 1 action:
- Itching and tingling begin to soothe from the first shampoo, and completely in just a few days.
- This shampoo helps make redness and flakes disappear in around fifteen days on average.
- Le hair is respected as well as dry scalp.
All the active ingredients of this effective shampoo against eczema are natural, plant extracts.
This natural solution is not tested on animals, without parabens, synthetic dyes or perfumes, and without EDTA.
Its smell is pleasant, thanks to the essential oils of eucalyptus and geranium, with soothing properties.
What precautions should you take when using this eczema shampoo?
No exposure time. This shampoo is therefore practical and easy to use. The only recommendation for this local treatment: apply to very wet hair before massaging, to dilute this shampoo. It foams very well. If you notice that it doesn't lather much, add a little water to your hair.
Possible use also in case of psoriasis on the genitals or even in the beard.
This treatment is also an excellent anti-dandruff shampoo.
Moisturizing eczema shampoo against itching on the scalp
Neutrogena – T Shampoo/Strong Gel
The strong point of this shampoo is undoubtedly the fights against itchy eczema. It soothes irritation and flaky skin.
In the event of a major attack of eczema, it may prove insufficient to regain a completely impeccable scalp. Good anti-dandruff treatment, it is well hydrating, calming and respects very dry skin.
Neutrogena communicates a lot about the fact that its products are subject to dermatological tests, but ultimately, it is a legal obligation, all care must be tested. Know how to decode…
The disadvantage of this shampoo: the formulation mainly based on synthetic ingredients, apart from Coconut Acid, a coconut fatty acid, which takes care of the skin to soften it.
We regret the presence of sodium sulfate, which can irritate dry skin and sensitive skin and aggravate skin lesions. Not recommended for pregnant women. The shampoos recommended for eczema are the same as the shampoos recommended for psoriasis.
How to wash when you have an itchy scalp?
For motivated people
Bioderma – Nodé K concentrate
Nodé K concentrated soothes itching and respects the quality of the hair. It is supposed to attack scales, but it is recommended to use it with another treatment: another cream, Bioderma ointment for real effectiveness.
Leave on time of 20 minutes for the shampoo and add another 15 to 20 minutes for the cream. You understand, it takes determination.
Laboratoire Bioderma uses pure active ingredients to boost the effectiveness of its skin care products. This is worth emphasizing. Formulated with Cade oil, known for its strong smell, but also for its healing properties. No additional fragrance.
Above all moisturizing shampoo, sulfate-free
Unique – Moisturizing shampoo
This is a shampoo that we really like. This shampoo is not intended specifically for eczema, but it is very hydrating, which is why it is included in this ranking.
Between two attacks of eczema, it is essential to use a very gentle shampoo for tired or irritated scalps. This can prevent the occurrence of redness.
An excellent shampoo for washing hair between two more intensive treatments against eczema (or psoriasis).
42% organic and 99% of the ingredients are of natural origin.
Note the presence of cornflower floral water, which relieves scalp irritation, while toning it. It does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), unlike many other shampoos. A very good additional shampoo against eczema.
Shampoo for sensitive or allergic scalps
L’Oréal – Elsève
Many people suffering from scalp psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis (related to eczema) notice that most so-called “classic” shampoos cause itching or even patches on their scalp.
The founder of Lm-Natura herself struggled for many years to find a gentle shampoo for her scalp weakened by psoriasis. After scouring pharmacies, it was in mass distribution that she found a solution with this yellow Elsève shampoo. Not red, not purple: yellow.
Same for the conditioner since the sensitivity of his scalp was even stronger, the yellow Elsève proved its worth.
Do not hesitate to tell us about other shampoos that do you good or at least that do not aggravate your psoriasis or eczema. But also those that don’t cause itching, by commenting on this article!
Additional Tips for Scalp Atopic Dermatitis
Scalp eczema, choosing your hair accessories
- Better avoid excessive heat such as those from the hair dryer or the water from the shower which could cause a worsening of dermatoses. Moreover, do not hesitate to inform your hairdresser of your eczema and ask him to take precautions so as not to inflame your scalp.
- It's winter, we're cold and we turn the heating on high. Our skin does not like this dry heat, especially if it is too intense. Lower the thermostat a little.
- Significant temperature differences in general: moving from an air-conditioned room to a warm outside for example, or vice versa.
- Take it easy!
- Avoid damaging your scalp by pulling on your hair, making a bun that is too tight or violently brushing your hair with a brush or comb with aggressive teeth. These bad habits have an aggravating effect on eczema and promote hair loss. Sweetness, sweetness!
- A scalp massage with your fingertips using vegetable oils or aloe vera will stimulate microcirculation and limit dryness and itching.
- Stop scratching! To avoid being tempted to scratch your scalp or other parts of the body when it itches, sometimes to the point of bleeding because the itching is so bad, you cut your nails short, or you wear cotton gloves at night.
- We also avoid too frequent hair dyes or favor the most natural (without ammonia) possible.
How to moisturize your scalp when you have eczema?
Scalp eczema can be a source of discomfort and intense itching. To effectively hydrate your scalp and soothe the symptoms of this skin condition, it is essential to follow a suitable care routine.
First of all, opt for gentle, hypoallergenic shampoos specially designed for sensitive skin. Avoid products with harsh ingredients such as sulfates and artificial fragrances, which may make eczema worse.
Next, reach for natural soothing oils, like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, gently massaging them into the scalp to nourish and lock in moisture. Aloe vera gel is also an excellent ally, thanks to its soothing and moisturizing properties. It is recommended to avoid too frequent washing which could dry out the scalp.
Finally, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and possible treatments, to better manage scalp eczema and regain a comfortable and well-hydrated scalp.
Other Remedies for Scalp Eczema
The benefits of vegetable oils against scalp eczema
For eczema, you will need a oil with healing and/or regenerating properties, and and calm skin.
Coconut oil (3) is often recommended as a pure oil to apply to the scalp as a pre-shampoo mask. The epidermis relaxes, the scales soften and the skin regenerates. Ideal for dry skin.
This is also the case with sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, moringa oil, calendula oil, black seed oil, borage oil, argan or even the Carapa procera oil mentioned above.
Before shampooing, apply a few drops of vegetable oil to the scalp and massage gently with the pads of the fingers. To avoid being tempted to scratch, it is better to cut the fingernails of your hand. Leave it on for a few minutes or overnight, with your hair wrapped in a towel to avoid soiling your bed linen.
Essential oils, benefits for scalp eczema shampoo? Which oil to choose?
Many essential oils are recommended in the context of eczema, you need one that is antibacterial, anti-sceptical, anti-inflammatory and/or soothing. Tea tree essential oil, lavender, chamomile, Roman chamomile, German chamomile essential oil, geranium, palmarosa, thyme and even yarrow essential oils regularly appear in tea tree essential oils. grandmother's remedies (4).
Essential oils have much more powerful properties than vegetable oils but lack moisturizing or nourishing power. These essential oils must be combined with a vegetable oil, this will allow for optimization of their benefits and simpler use. Some are consumed orally, but be careful, consult a specialist or dermatologist first because some can be very dangerous.
Sodium bicarbonate
Among the ingredients that do everything, bicarbonate has a special place.
From cooking to health and teeth, baking soda is found everywhere, even to treat dermatitis.
Mixed with water and a little vegetable oil to form a paste, it will purify and cleanse the scalp. It is applied locally using fingertips using small circular movements and left on for a few minutes.
This product can dry out dry hair, so remember to nourish the ends after treatment.
Link between diet and seborrheic eczema
The link between diet and skin problems is very close, there is a direct impact of dietary habits on the health and beauty of the skin, seborrheic eczema is no exception. Certain foods are considered to be responsible for skin problems and can worsen skin conditions if over-consumed.
To limit eczema flare-ups, be sure to adopt a healthy and balanced diet by including foods beneficial for the digestive system such as green vegetables, vitamin E and C and omega 3 among others. Toxins must be eliminated.
Scalp eczema or seborrheic dermatitis
It is also called scalp dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis when parts of the body are affected. The scalp is an area of the body that is prone tocontact eczema and atopic eczema.
It is characterized by dry areas from the top of the neck to the top of the forehead by touching theback of the ears also. Most of the time and especially during flare-ups, the plaques are red and they sometimes flake off. The scales are then compared to dandruff. Severe itching joins these symptoms.
Difference between scalp eczema and scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis is also a chronic disease manifested by red patches, scales, redness and itching. These roughness of the skin are due to a abnormal cell turnover. While in a person not affected by the disease, the skin cells are renewed every 28 days, in a person with psoriasis, it is every 2 to 3 days which causes a crowding of cells on the epidermis. . This genetic predisposition is not not necessarily hereditary.
For eczema, we also see dry patches and scales as well as redness and itching. Scaling is almost systematic in scalp psoriasis, which is not the case for scalp dermatitis.
With a few minor differences, the symptoms are the same for eczema and psoriasis. On the other hand, the cause is quite different, so it is important to consult a dermatologist to identify the skin disease. For example, in the case of eczema linked to an allergy, beyond treatment to make the symptoms on the skin disappear, it may be appropriate to treat the allergy or remedy it by avoiding exposure. to certain substances or materials.
Contact eczema and its causes
Contact eczema is a allergic reaction which occurs when the skin comes into contact with a potentially allergenic substance. If the immune system senses an attack and decides that this substance is incompatible with it, eczema will be its symptom and will manifest itself where there is contact between the skin and said substance.
In the scalp case, several substances, elements or environmental factors can trigger eczema attacks. Contact eczema is easier to stop and eliminate than atopic eczema. All you have to do is identify the element that comes into contact with the skin and remove it from your habits.
An ingredient in a hair product
It is not uncommon to have an allergic reaction to an ingredient in an industrial product, particularly in mass distribution. To foam a product, two ingredients are mainly used by the cosmetics industry, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS). However, these petrochemical derivatives are recognized as being particularly irritating. Other ingredients may be involved in the event of irritation, including methylthiazoninol, silicones and denatured alcohol (alcohol denat).
A component of laundry detergent
Just like cosmetic products, laundry detergent contains ingredients that are not tolerated by your skin. Contact will occur with anything that can be washed: pillows, sheets, clothes, caps, bath towels, etc. In addition to the scalp, the entire body will be affected.
An allergenic or aggressive fabric for the skin
When buying clothing, sheets or raw fabric, it is better to wash at least once before putting them in contact with the skin. The fabric undergoes multiple transformations before being sold or sewn, with multiple more or less irritating products. To be transported, it is also subject to anti-mold and anti-insect substances.
Hair accessories
Hair accessories such as barrettes, bobby pins, elastics, headbands or other decorative elements, especially if they have metal elements, can cause an allergy. The nickel that makes up many of these fashion accessories is allergenic to many people.
Hair coloring product
There are many types of coloring, for all budgets, of all qualities, chemical or natural and in all colors! Whatever product is used, an ingredient can cause eczema, whether the product is of good or poor quality. However, there are more risks with poor quality coloring.
Natural colorings are increasingly taking over the hairdressing market; they are generally gentler and more respectful of the hair and scalp. On the other hand, they last less long and the color palette is limited at the moment.
Styling equipment
Sometimes you don't have to look any further than the brush or comb used to detangle your hair! The material used may be responsible for an allergy.
This list is not exhaustive, do not hesitate to share with us what element was the cause of your scalp eczema and how you identified it!
Scalp eczema in men
Atopic eczema As for it, it is more difficult to limit since it is linked to an allergic reaction triggered most of the time in the first months of life due to an allergen present in the air in particular. Also, it is easy to get rid of a shampoo causing eczema or to change detergent if one of the components is allergenic. But for airborne allergens, avoiding them is sometimes simply impossible.
To identify the cause of atopic eczema, tests should be carried out with the help of a dermatologist. Desensitization can then be considered.
As long as a person is not desensitized or if they cannot be, impeccable hygiene should be adopted in order to minimize the manifestations of the allergy. A healthy lifestyle both in terms of food, care used and the cleanliness of your home.
sources:
(1) Seborrheic dermatitis definition
(3) Health Passport, coconut oil
(4) Top Health, essential oils
