After a recent 1-on-1 consultation in Johannesburg, a client mentioned that her child suffers from scalp eczema. I nonchalantly mentioned that I do as well, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. It occurred to me that I have never really mentioned it, and never wrote about it on Good Hair Diaries. Well, today I am going to explain what it is, what the medical treatments are and how I treat/cope with it naturally.
What is Scalp Eczema?
Scalp Eczema (also known as Seborrhoeic Eczema) simply means that the rash appears in those areas of the skin with large numbers of grease (sebaceous) glands, such as the scalp and sides of the nose. Adult seborrhoeic eczema usually starts on the scalp as dandruff that can progress to redness, irritation and increased scaling, which becomes seborrhoeic eczema. As the scalp becomes inflamed, the eczema may spread onto the face and neck.
What Causes Scalp Eczema?
The cause of seborrhoeic eczema is not entirely clear. However, it has come to light that a yeast called pityrosporum ovale (also known as malassezia furfur) is found on the skin of people with seborrhoeic eczema. At present it is not clear if this yeast is the sole cause or merely a contributing factor to seborrhoeic eczema however it thrives in areas of the body where there are increased numbers of sebaceous glands
What Medical Treatments Exist?
Keeping skin moisturized using emollients (medical moisturisers) is key to managing all types of eczema with topical steroids commonly used to bring flare ups under control.
How Does Good Hair Diaries Treat Her Scalp Eczema?
I have tried topical steroid creams in the past, and I can honestly say that they aren't for me. I don't use aqueous creams on my scalp since they are two heavy. There are 3 major things that I added to my hair regimen that have made a world of difference to my scalp.
1. Exfoliate My Scalp
Every other week I mix together olive oil, castor oil and brown sugar and massage my scalp. this helps to loosen scales and tightness. I'm not rough and the process does not hurt.
2. Hot Oil Treatments
I try to do a hot oil treatment weekly, and this helps to sooth my scalp. The oils I use are also antibacterial and antimicrobial, so they help to keep my scalp a healthy place for hair to grow. I prefer to use coconut and castor oil whenever possible.
3. Sulfate Free Shampoos
Sulfates really dry my scalp and cause eczema flares ups, so I try not to use them too often. If I must use them to remove product build-up, I will pre-poo with oil first and add oils to my deep conditioner afterwards as well. This is a crucial step in my hair regimen.
So there you have it! I have scalp eczema and it's not the end of the world, but I do have keep on top of it weekly to prevent any damage and discomfort to my scalp.
What scalp struggles do you have? Let us know in the comment section below and I may write about it.
Have a Good Hair Day and remember to Love Your Hair!!!
1 comments
I have been prescribed every pill, ointment and scalp treatment and parted with many monies to treat my scalp's eczema - it has gotten so bad that I have thinning/bald patches on my crown. Reading this makes so much sense and I will add the exfoliating treatment and hot oil to improve my scalp's health.
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