Eczema is a common skin condition of which scalp eczema is most common. Treating eczema of the scalp normally consists of both home remedies and different scalp eczema treating products.
Eczema is a skin condition, which can affect people in all age groups. However, it is seen that this condition is more common in infants. Often this condition does resolve by the time the child reaches 3 years of age. However, there are some cases, where the person has to suffer from the condition for life long. Studies point to family history of eczema or other allergic conditions like asthma. It is seen that girls are more prone to the condition as compared to boys.
The common symptoms of scalp eczema is red and scaly scalp skin,. Flakes will appear on the skin along with greasy appearance. The skin will continue to itch and have oozing lesions, which eventually produce blisters. The scalp eczema treatment depends on the causes of the condition. More often than not, seborrheic dermatitis – as scalp eczema is also known, is caused due to overproduction of natural oils. This in turn, causes growth of fungus on the skin and gives rise to dandruff like symptoms.
Scalp Eczema Natural Treatment
For treating scalp eczema, the first measure is not to use shampoos which contain soap. The shampoos containing ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate or similar ingredients should be avoided as well. It is recommended that one sticks to fruit based and non scented shampoos. The other shampoos tend to irritate the scalp which further aggravates the condition. Shampoos that contain natural oils like olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, etc., are recommended.
It is important to nourish the scalp at regular intervals. Often using shampoos has a drying effect on the scalp. Hence, the scalp should be nourished with regular application of natural oils. Oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, lavender oil, etc., are recommended for people with eczema. These oils help in restoring moisture in the scalp.
However, one must not go overboard with this treatment, as it will cause the hair to be greasy along with the scalp and further aggravate the condition. Along with all these oils, tea tree oil can be used as well. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents, which help in reducing signs of infections and reducing inflammation. This oil can also be used for treating scalp eczema in children.
Some of the home remedies, which can be used for alleviating the symptoms of scalp eczema include:
- One teaspoon of sandalwood powder be mixed with same quantity of camphor to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the rashes, but make sure that the rashes are not bleeding. Wash after sometime.
- Jojoba oil mixed with tea tree oil in equal quantity is a good remedy for treating scalp eczema. It is best to leave the oil on the scalp overnight.
- Pine tar soap is said to be very effective in treating scalp eczema conditions. Wash the scalp with the said soap using lukewarm water to treat the condition.
- Exposing the affected part to direct sunlight everyday in the morning is also said to be of help in treating the condition.
- Slice an onion into rings, rub the rings on the affected part and leave it for an hour, before washing it off. This remedy should be repeated for every wash to see the effects.
- Another simple remedy for treating scalp eczema is the use of vinegar. Dab some vinegar on a cotton ball and massage it on the affected part and wash off.
Along with the different scalp eczema treatment products like shampoos, it is important to have a healthy diet. It is recommended that foods, which can irritate the skin and cause the skin to be affected have to be avoided for faster relief from the condition. It is best to keep oneself away from bread and bread products that contain yeast as yeast in the body further fuels the infection.
Similarly refined sugars, saturated fats, etc., should also be avoided. A person with scalp eczema should have a diet that is rich in vitamin B. Hence, food products like leafy vegetables, nuts, soy beans, etc., should be a part of the regular diet. Foods rich in zinc and fiber also have to be a part of the diet.
If none of the above mentioned scalp eczema treatment options seem to work, then it is best to consult a dermatologist to treat the condition. Taking a look at the condition, the dermatologist will be in better position to treat it. It is best not to neglect this, for it can cause severe hair loss as well. Last but not the least, do not to scratch the affected part, even if it is itchy, as scratching is known to spread the infection.
