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Chronic flare-ups, itching, and visible flaking on the scalp can be hard to deal with when you have scalp eczema. Also known as scalp seborrheic dermatitis, this condition can leave you feeling frustrated and deflated if you don’t know how to manage it.
The most effective step to ensure your scalp health is often scalp treatment, like TrichoLab’s Dermatitis Care solution. Before sharing more about this, let’s understand dermatitis better, by looking into its symptoms and causes.
Scalp seborrheic dermatitis, or scalp eczema, is a skin condition involving the scalp and causes inflammation, flaking, and redness. It primarily occurs in areas concentrated with oil glands, such as the face, chest and scalp.
Scalp seborrheic dermatitis often presents as persistent dandruff on the scalp and can be mistaken for dry skin or a similar condition like psoriasis. Flare-ups may come and go with various triggers.
The symptoms of scalp seborrheic dermatitis can vary in severity but are generally consistent with the following signs:
In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis can spread beyond the scalp to areas like the eyebrows, sides of the nose, eyelids, and behind the ears.
The root cause of scalp seborrheic dermatitis is believed to be influenced by a combination of factors. Here’s an overview:
Overgrowth of Yeast (Malassezia)
A key contributing factor to seborrheic dermatitis is the overgrowth of a naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia. This yeast lives on the skin, especially in areas with more oil glands, like the scalp.
While everyone has Malassezia on their skin, individuals with seborrheic dermatitis are more sensitive to this yeast, which triggers an inflammatory response.
The overgrowth of Malassezia may result in increased production of fatty acids on the scalp, causing irritation and leading to symptoms like flaking, redness, and itching.
Excess Oil Production
Seborrheic dermatitis is most common in areas of the body where oil (sebum) is produced, like the scalp. Overactive sebaceous glands can cause excessive oil buildup, creating a perfect environment for Malassezia yeast to thrive. The combination of excess oil and yeast contributes to the inflammation and scaling that define seborrheic dermatitis.
Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving androgens (male hormones like testosterone), can cause sebum production to spike, making seborrheic dermatitis more likely.
Immune System Response
Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be linked to an abnormal immune response to the yeast Malassezia or other environmental factors. While Malassezia is present on everyone’s skin, people with seborrheic dermatitis have a hypersensitive immune reaction to its presence, leading to inflammation and the classic symptoms of the condition.
Sometimes, a weakened or compromised immune system can exacerbate seborrheic dermatitis.
Genetic Predisposition
Genetics may play a role in the development of seborrheic dermatitis. You may be more predisposed to developing the condition if you have a family history of skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis.
Genetics can influence how your skin produces oil, how sensitive your immune system is to yeast, and how likely you are to experience inflammation.
Underlying Health Conditions
People with certain health conditions are more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. These conditions include:
Skin Sensitivity
People with naturally sensitive skin may be more likely to develop seborrheic dermatitis. Their skin may react more intensely to irritants such as harsh shampoos, detergents, or certain hair care products.
These irritants can strip the scalp of natural oils, trigger inflammation, and worsen the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Microbial Imbalance
Beyond the overgrowth of Malassezia, the overall microbiome (the system of microorganisms living on the skin) can influence seborrheic dermatitis.
An imbalance in the scalp’s microbiome may disrupt the skin’s natural defences, allowing harmful organisms to flourish and aggravate the inflammatory response.
Treating scalp seborrheic dermatitis requires a multi-faceted approach, combining medicated treatments with lifestyle changes to manage symptoms effectively. For those struggling with scalp seborrheic dermatitis in Singapore, TrichoLab offers Dermatitis Care to calm and heal the scalp.
This scalp treatment utilises a specially formulated scalp-calming mask and an antifungal ampoule. They help reduce excess sebum production while restoring the scalp’s natural balance. Our comprehensive approach ensures long-lasting relief and helps keep seborrheic dermatitis under control, leading to a healthier, more comfortable scalp.
Key Benefits:
A pre-treatment in-depth scan of your scalp to assess its condition and requirements
Opens up the pores, calms and balances sensitive scalp prone to redness or irritated scalp
Effectively soothes and treating the inflammation scalp.
Choose to add on an anti-inflammatory essence and Botanical Essence.
While getting treatment can be the start of healthier scalp. It helps to be mindful of flare-ups to ensure you protect your hair health in the long run. A flare-up refers to a period when the dermatitis symptoms become more severe or intense. Flare-ups can happen suddenly or gradually and are often triggered by factors such as:
Preventing scalp eczema flare-ups involves adopting good scalp care practices and making lifestyle changes to minimise the likelihood of symptoms worsening. Some preventive measures include:
While scalp seborrheic dermatitis is not a terribly serious condition, it can be overwhelming to consider all the possible triggers and take remedial steps on your own. That’s where TrichoLab can help.
We offer expert treatment options complemented by advice and tips tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may refer you to a doctor at SL Aesthetic Clinic, as some cases may require more advanced medical care.
Eczema and psoriasis on the scalp can appear similar but they have different characteristics. Seborrheic dermatitis produces oily, flaky skin with yellowish scales, while psoriasis often leads to thicker, silvery scales and may extend beyond the scalp to other body areas.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic diagnosis, meaning it can persist over time. However, with proper management, flare-ups can be controlled, and symptoms may be minimised.
We recommend washing your hair two to three times a week with a mild, medicated shampoo designed for scalp eczema. Washing too frequently can dry out the scalp, while not washing enough can allow excess oil and yeast to build up.
Avoid shampoos containing harsh sulphates, fragrances, and alcohol, as these ingredients can irritate the scalp and exacerbate symptoms.
Look for shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, or ketoconazole. These ingredients help control yeast overgrowth and reduce inflammation. Choose mild, sulphate-free formulas that won’t dry out the scalp.
This treatment is not suitable for individuals with hair extensions, as it may affect the attachment and condition of the extensions.
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