How to know if you have eczema on your scalp?

Your scalp feels itchy, dry, and irritated. Dandruff? Maybe not. Could it be eczema on your scalp? Let’s dive in like a deep-sea diver!

What is Eczema on the Scalp?

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 31 million Americans with symptoms like redness, itchiness or flakiness of the skin. When eczema appears on the scalp, hair loss may occur and scaly patches can develop.

Symptoms of Eczema On Your Scalp

How do you know if it’s eczema instead of regular dandruff or psoriasis?Take notes, because here are some common signs and symptoms:

  • Patchy or irregular rashes
  • Flaky/Scaly skin
  • Red bumps
  • Itching
  • Minor swelling

If these sound familiar or you find any crusty areas on your head – yeah I know – go see a medical professional before taking any other action.

The Causes of Eczema

At this point in time doctors aren’t really sure why people get eczema but they believe genetics play a big part with possible triggers being:

  • Environment (heat)
  • Sensitive immune system
  • Dry Skin
  • Staph Infection

Maybe just stay outta intense summer heat to avoid making things worse.

How Is It Diagnosed?

You could waste hours googling various causes of scalp irritation under different lighting conditions for photos that look like yours OR call your friendly neighborhood dermatologist who will most likely take biopsies from infected areas.

There’s no magical test that tells whether someone has scalp eczemaso getting diagnosed by a doctor is key.

Can You Treat It At Home?

There are several options for treating the symptoms of scalp eczema at home. Always remember that seeing a doctor is key before any diagnosis.

GO easy on some shampoos

Dry skin aggravates eczema so using sulfate-free, gentle shampoos could reduce dryness and itchiness.
Instead opt for ones with ingredients like Tea Tree or Salicylic Acid which help get rid of dead skin cells reducing inflammation without irritating your scalp even more.

Not too hot nor too Cold

JUST RIGHT! Find yourself not wanting to take cold showers in the wintertime? No worries you don’t have to… just avoid showering with water too hot as this dries out your skin.

Use Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil doesn’t really do anything magical other than hydrating dry hair but it’s suggested as a way to prevent hair breakage in people who may scratch out their irritation up there!

In terms of natural remedies, applying coconut oil overnight can act as a conditioner while potentially soothing inflamed areas by keeping things hydrated – give it a try perhaps?

Prescription Options

Despite these potential DIY remedies though you may need prescription treatment from doctors based on what exactly they diagnose

A few different medicines used include: steroids,topical calcineurin inhibitors tar preparation and/or oral medications depending upon severity.

Other ways dermatologists often treat Eczema also involve UV light therapy though definitely NOT something you want to be figuring out yourself!

When To Visit The Doctor… For Real

If after taking steps such as properly moisturizing your head if symptoms persist visitadoctor. Notice blistering or puss formation then do not hesitate get checked immediately because If left untreated serious conditions can develop into permanent scarring caused by permanent damage underneath tissue layers affected .

Scalp Eczema isn’t contagious but it sure could lead to complications affecting life down the road if ignored today –consult that medical professional before anything else – STAT!

Summary & Takeaway

Eczema on the scalp is common and comes with symptoms like itchy, flaky or scaly skin among others. Although there isn’t a surefire cause, genetics could be one of them while triggers include stuff such as extremely dry environmental conditions.

To be diagnosed properly seeing a dermatologist is key followed by consulting in regards to prescription treatments depending upon seriousness of diagnosis– so please don’t assume treatment without consultation or complete information from medical professionals!

The next time you notice an itch it’d probably be wise to think twice about why your head scratchin’!

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