How do I Choose the Best Eczema Scalp Treatment?

In order to choose the best eczema scalp treatment, it’s important to know why you have the condition. Experts have linked several possible causes for the rough, dry, itchy patches of skin known as eczema. One of the most common links is the immune system’s inability to effectively combat an irritant. Some findings suggest allergies and even asthma are linked to eczema. The reason a person develops scalp eczema usually determines how severe the eczema is, which in turn helps determine the best eczema scalp treatment.

Typically, people can treat mild cases of scalp eczema at home using an over-the-counter eczema scalp treatment. These nonprescription scalp eczema remedies might include inexpensive medicated shampoos and scalp ointments or pomades available at pharmacies and even supermarkets. Exact ingredients depend on the remedy, but many treatments include selenium sulfide, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and certain oils. Regardless of the treatment and its ingredients, it’s important to use the product as directed to see the best results. This could mean using a medicated shampoo a certain number of times a week, or applying a cream to your scalp and only washing it out after a certain time period has passed.

In addition to using an over-the-counter eczema scalp treatment, there are several steps you can take for better scalp care. For example, you can avoid using harsh styling products like mousse, gel, and hairspray, or search for gentler versions designed for sensitive scalps. When you wash your hair, be careful to use the soft parts of your finger and not the tips or fingernails, and make sure to thoroughly rinse the shampoo from your hair. Excessive heat can irritate and cause your scalp to become even drier, so try washing your hair with lukewarm water, avoiding using a hair dryer whenever possible, and protecting your scalp with a hat when you’re outdoors. Increasing your intake of foods or supplements with Omega-3 fats might help, too.

Of course, you might find your scalp eczema doesn’t respond to over-the-counter remedies or changes in your grooming habits. This could mean you have a more serious case or that your eczema is caused by another underlying health problem such as an allergy, asthma, or an irritant your immune system has trouble fighting. A doctor will be able to determine the severity and cause of your eczema. Depending on the results, he might need to treat an underlying health problem. After that, your doctor might want to test over-the-counter remedies again and, if they still don’t work, prescribe a stronger steroid-based ointment.