From dry patches to red skin to dandruff, scalp eczema can cause various unwanted ailments. Thankfully, there are numerous remedies on the market, all of which promise to soothe your irritated scalp. These remedies include medicated and plant-based shampoos. When used correctly, these essential shampoo solutions will ensure the utmost hair and scalp health.
Here, we delve into the shampoo solutions available, the benefits of using them, and more on the active ingredients they contain. Read on to discover more.
What Is Scalp Eczema?
First things first, what is scalp eczema? It’s a condition that affects up to 15% of the population. Rest assured, you’re not alone if you suffer from an itchy, flaking scalp. In a nutshell, scalp eczema is a condition that causes the skin cells on the surface layer of your scalp to be compromised. This results in various ailments: seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, allergic reactions, psoriasis, and fungal infections. Investing in the correct scalp eczema shampoo can soothe, treat, and prevent scalp eczema.
Below, we go into more detail on the essential shampoo solutions available:
1. Antifungal Shampoos
Antifungal shampoos will become your best friend if you suffer from dandruff-like symptoms. Why? They help to soothe your dry scalp. These shampoos are often medicated and contain scalp-friendly ingredients. These include ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and selenium sulfide. All aid in helping to prevent or treat scalp eczema. How? By reducing itching, inflammation, and yeast counts. All are common causes of dandruff.
2. Salicylic Acid Shampoo
As well as fighting face acne, this active ingredient promises to fight scalp issues. Shampoos containing salicylic acid assist in dissolving unsightly flakes. In addition, they soothe itches and prevent redness. How? Salicylic acid is an effective exfoliator, which works wonders when trying to rid the scalp of dead surface skin cells. Its anti-inflammatory benefits also prevent scalp breakouts.
For best results, choose shampoos containing 3% salicylic acid. These are the most effective when lessening scalp buildup and removing dead skin cells. The result? New, healthy skin cells.
3. Selenium Sulfide
Shampoo solutions containing selenium sulfide are another option for those suffering from scalp eczema. This antifungal ingredient is highly effective yet can prove harsh on sensitive scalps. This is worth keeping in mind when considering shampoos containing this ingredient. For best results, take your time when using this shampoo solution and allow it to sit on your hair longer than you would a traditional shampoo. The majority suggest you leave the solution on your hair for at least five minutes.
4. Hydrating Serums and Oils
Detoxifying hair care solutions such as hydrating serums, especially those containing skin-friendly oils, Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, or baobab extracts, are great for balancing and moisturizing your scalp. When combined with zinc, these solutions provide the perfect anti-inflammatory solution.
When searching for serum solutions, choose intensive yet lightweight formulas. This prevents any buildup. In addition, look for options that boast 2% salicylic acid, as these assist in exfoliating the scalp, thus reducing scaling and breakout by clearing out your pores. These are perfectly suited to sensitive skin and can be used regularly.
Oils are another option when soothing a dry scalp. These are treatments best used overnight as they can make your hair greasy. A leave-in scalp treatment targets areas affected by water loss, injecting a surge of moisture into the skin. For best results, apply between three and five drops of scalp oil to your fingertips. Then massage it into your scalp. Leave it on overnight and rinse the next day. Popular oil treatments include coconut, jojoba, aloe vera, and any solutions infused with vitamin E.
5. Honey-Infused Scalp Treatments
Scalp treatments and solutions brimming with the natural ingredient honey are ideal for those suffering from scalp eczema. Why? Honey is a natural humectant. This helps to restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier. In addition, this ingredient boasts ectoine, which assists in repairing a damaged, dry scalp, lessening itching and redness.
Then, there is the prebiotic complex to consider, which promotes a balanced scalp. Finally, microflora helps to ensure your delicate skin stays balanced.
The Bottom Line
Dry skin on the scalp can affect the best of us, with one in ten developing this condition over their lifetime. This skin condition is caused by numerous factors. These include cold and hot weather, allergies, pollutants, stress, and eczema. Thankfully, there are various ways to treat this condition, many of which can be incorporated into your daily hair care routine.
You can quickly improve your scalp health if you avoid certain shampoos containing harsh chemicals and intense perfumes and instead invest in solutions boasting skin-loving ingredients. Doing so will ensure a dry, itchy scalp doesn’t affect your lifestyle. The result? You feel confident, healthy, and ready to take on your day.
