person with white gloves inspecting scalp eczema

Does Scalp Eczema Cause Hair Loss?

About 10-20% of the world’s population suffers from eczema, a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause red, itchy, and chronically dry skin. One type of eczema is called seborrheic dermatitis. It usually begins as stubborn dandruff on the scalp, which develops into yellow or red scaly patches, increased irritation, and even crust on the scalp. Unfortunately, scalp eczema hair loss can accompany this condition. Read on to discover what you can do about it.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Understanding Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that usually affects the scalp or areas where the skin is particularly oily. It’s characterized by patches of red and flaky skin that are often itchy. While research isn’t sure what causes this condition, they believe it may be connected to issues with the immune system or related to genetics. Symptoms result from an overproduction of sebum, an oily secretion that’s produced by the sebaceous glands.

Scalp Eczema and Hair Loss

Seborrheic dermatitis does not typically cause hair loss. That being said, excessive scratching due to an itchy or irritated scalp can damage hair follicles and result in hair loss. Inflammation on the scalp can also make it difficult for hair to grow. Picking at the affected area can lead to further inflammation and hair breakage.

In addition, one of the main symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis is the over secretion of sebum. This can lead to an overproduction of Malassezia, a natural yeast. Too much Malassezia can increase inflammation, making it even more difficult for hair to grow. This highlights just how important it is to ensure your scalp and skin are healthy.

Will my hair grow back?

If you suffer from scalp eczema hair loss, it’s important to control excessive scratching and manage symptoms. In general, symptoms are usually just temporary and can be relieved using natural treatment methods such as a hair oil for scalp eczema. Once you get scratching under control and reduce inflammation, your hair will be able to grow back.

Managing Seborrheic Dermatitis and an Itchy Scalp

To enjoy healthy hair, you first need to ensure you have a healthy scalp. Let’s take a look at some ways we can control itching and reduce inflammation:

20% Pine Tar Soap with Tallow

This natural remedy is great for wound healing thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. While you can use it as a body soap, it does wonders for the scalp when used as a shampoo to treat scalp eczema . dandruff, or psoriasis. You’ll love this natural soap that helps soothe itching, reduce scaling, and relieve inflammation.

Emily Liquid Soap Soother

This superfatted soap liquid was specially formulated using the principles of Chinese Medicine. You can use it as a natural body wash or as a shampoo to treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp eczema. It’s a great choice for both adults and babies alike.

Organic Aloe Vera for Eczema Skin Soothing Spray

This cooling spray is perfect for beating the itch! We recommend storing it in the refrigerator between uses so that you can enjoy an extra cool treat. Made with calendula and aloe vera, it’s soothing and refreshing for anywhere on the body that itches. But its non-greasy formula makes it particularly helpful for treating and itchy scalp.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/seborrheic-dermatitis-hair-loss#takeaway

https://www.hairclub.com/blog/does-eczema-cause-hair-loss/

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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.