Dry Scalp? It May Be Eczema

Most everyone has an episode of dry scalp in their lifetime. It is usually caused by environmental factors, such as dry winter air, a drying shampoo or the harsh chemicals in hair dye or relaxers. But is your dry scalp persistent and relentless? It may not be just a simple case of dry scalp; it could be eczema.

What is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory disease. It is closely linked to asthma and can be triggered by allergies, heat, chemicals, latex, wool and synthetic fabrics, and stress. It appears to run in families. It is quite common in babies and usually alleviates or disappears by the time they start school. An outbreak may begin with just an itch before the rash appears. The rash usually consists of patches of dry, scaly skin.

Yeah, but...on my Scalp?
Why not? Your scalp is skin, too. The problem here is that it's difficult to see the typical symptoms of eczema when it's covered by thick hair. As I said before, eczema can be triggered by chemical exposure. Hair dyes, perms and relaxers, and alcohols in hairsprays may be just the trigger.

Could it be Something Else?
Of course it can. In fact, unless you suffer from eczema, asthma, or hay fever, it probably is something else. But if you or a family member have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, there's the chance that your dry scalp is something more.

Many people may have made the assumption that their persistent itchiness is dandruff and treated it as such. The difference here is that dandruff flakes are larger and yellowish. Dry scalp flakes are white and powdery or smaller flakes. The upshot of this is that it might have worked! Why? The active ingredient in many dandruff shampoos is zinc pyrithione, and zinc can be used to alleviate the symptoms of eczema.

Treatment
See your dermatologist for specific treatments. Eczema can be treated with corticosteroids and oral antihistamines, but perhaps the best treatments for patches on the head could be your regular dandruff shampoo.

Special Considerations for African American Hair
The strong chemicals in the solutions used to relax hair can exacerbate the symptoms of eczema. Be sure to consult with your dermatologist and hair stylist to choose the best relaxer for you. My stylist used the Affirm Sensitive Scalp formula, and my scalp has never been healthier!!

African American hair is already very dry, and the treatments used to alleviate the symptoms of eczema may further dry it. Unless your case is very severe and requires prescription treat, I would advise using natural products. Shampoos with tea tree oil are very soothing to the scalp. Or try adding it to your favorite shampoo. One drop in a palm full of shampoo is sufficient. Try to steer clear of shampoos with sulfates in them, which are drying to both the hair and scalp. If you choose to use dandruff shampoo, coat your hair with conditioner and use the shampoo only on the scalp.

To soothe the scalp, avoid thick greases or creams made with mineral oil and petroleum. I've had success with oils. Extra virgin olive oil is healing to the skin but a little heavy. Avocado and sweet almond oil are lighter varieties. Try mixing in a little tea tree oil to help kill any bacteria introduced by scratching.

Again, I stress the importance of seeing a dermatologist. Only he or she can properly diagnose your condition and help you chose the best treatment plan.