Hair loss is something that most of us will experience sometime in our lives, but the reasons for and factors behind hair loss vary from person to person.
Hair loss is often the result of various problems, some of which are; alopecia, male pattern baldness, aging, and pregnancy. Some skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can sometimes result in hair loss. Today, we will explain how these skin conditions can lead to hair loss.
What is Eczema?
Atopic Dermatitis – eczema brings patches of itchy, sticky, inflamed skin to different parts of the body, requiring steroid creams. Topical ointments soothe the skin and improve its condition.
Scalp eczema is another form of eczema characterized by inflamed, itchy, dry skin on your scalp. The condition occurs in many different forms, and it can sometimes affect the scalp and hair growth.
Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common type of scalp eczema, and its most unsightly symptom is dandruff.
The Symptoms of Scalp Eczema (Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Skin patches on your head may indicate scalp eczema. They could be:
- The skin is red and scaly.
- The skin appears flaky.
- The texture of your scalp is greasy or waxy.
- It feels as if it is burning or itchy
- Weeping or oozing lesions
- It may cause an ear discharge if eczema from the scalp extends into the ear canal.
There is a common misconception that psoriasis and scalp eczema is the same. However, it is essential to note that psoriasis usually causes white spots that do bleed when scratched. It is possible to develop scalp eczema that is also accompanied by psoriasis.
The Cause of Scalp Eczema
Inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the scalp can cause seborrheic dermatitis, a chronically inflamed condition caused by excessive sebum release. However, it is not contagious.
The sebaceous glands can also direct seborrheic dermatitis to other oily areas of the skin, including the face, ears, chest, back, armpits, and genitals.
Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with yeasts of the Malassezia genus, ordinarily present in the skin but overgrows in people with the skin condition.
Researchers don’t fully understand whether a nonspecific immune reaction is to blame or the link between the yeast and eczema symptoms.
Malassezia and its metabolites produce substances that can cause an inflammatory response in the skin and immune cells.
Can Eczema Cause Hair Loss?
A mild form of dermatitis, seborrheic eczema is also known as seborrheic dermatitis. Men, women, and children of all ages can be affected by this skin condition.
Seborrheic eczema typically presents as inflamed patches of skin that may be red or covered with greasy white or yellow scales. In most cases, the patches appear on the scalp, face, ears, or chest since these areas can become sweaty or greasy.
Though it is unknown what causes Seborrheic eczema, the yeast Malassezia contributes to the disease.
Even though yeast is present on everyone’s skin, individuals who suffer from seborrheic eczema condition have an immune system susceptible to it, causing stress and inflammation of the skin.
Keeping seborrheic eczema untreated may entail hair loss. An unhealthy and inflamed environment makes it difficult for the follicles to grow.
It has also been found that an individual suffering from eczema is apt to pick and scratch the scalp, resulting in hair loss.
Seborrheic eczema currently has no cure; prevention is the best course of action, and avoiding environmental irritants can help you avoid symptoms. It is crucial not to pick or scratch the inflamed patches on your scalp since this can result in the thinning of the hair.
You should visit your doctor if you believe you have seborrheic eczema symptoms, which may help further.
Although seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and mainly occurs in men, anyone predisposed to its occurrence can still suffer from it.
Hair loss results from the skin on the scalp becoming inflamed and raw, causing itching, which then contributes to skin flakiness.
Seborrheic dermatitis develops from excessive sebum in the sebaceous glands of the skin, just like acne. As a result, malassezia overgrows. Malassezia is a fungus that naturally occurs on the skin’s surface.
If Malassezia is left unchecked, it can cause more inflammation, and the hair follicles become physically unable to push hair through and are thinning over time if left untreated.
Eczema sufferers can lose hair due to excessive itching because their hair is constantly pulled out and follicles are damaged.
What are the causes of scalp eczema?
Stress and extreme weather are among those that worsen scalp eczema symptoms.
Other possible causes of scalp eczema:
- Changes in hormones
- Some Illness that leads to infection
- Detergents and soaps contain harsh chemicals
- Lotions containing alcohol or heavy alcohol intake.
- Excessive sweating
- Exposure to allergens
Treatment Options for Eczema on Your Scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis and scalp eczema have no cure, but medications can reduce their symptoms.
A medicated dandruff shampoo can be used to treat scalp irritation and itching.
Using these shampoos two or three times a week can help ease the inflammation and eliminate flaky, scaly skin. These items are to be looked for:
- A Salicylic acid
- The coal tar
- Zinc supports a lot with hair loss
- The creams, ointments, and sprays made with these ingredients can also be applied to soothe the irritated skin and stop the flaking.
The goal is to prevent flare-ups of scalp eczema.
Taking care of your skin and controlling your risk factors and triggers can lessen the severity of seborrheic dermatitis.
Keep these recommendations in mind to manage scalp eczema and prevent flare-ups:
- Allergens and irritants should be avoided.
- Don’t use too much shampoo on your scalp, and do not use hot water. Only a quarter-sized dollop of a gentle shampoo makes your scalp shine.
- Managing stress well is essential.
- Since sweat can trigger an allergic reaction, you should wash your hair after sweating or exercising heavily.
Final Thoughts on Scalp Eczema Treatment
Many over-the-counter medications will help relieve your scalp eczema symptoms, but several are at your disposal that can help.
If the remedy you’ve used is not working or doesn’t help you clear scalp eczema, you may want to consult a dermatologist.
See your dermatologist immediately if you have an eczema-related skin patch that drains liquid or pus, forms crusts, or becomes very red or painful.