Eczema on scalp :(

Hezzawithkids

For years now on and off whenever I've been particularly stressed I have had a patch of eczema flare up on my scalp. It looks like I have a bad case of dandruff (eeuw!) but I know that's not the cause because it's only one small patch and its always in the same place. It eventually goes away again when I've managed to treat the cause (i.e. the source of stress) but can hang around for weeks even months.

In the meantime I've tried everything I can find the lessen the effects, e.g. every brand of medicated shampoo, scalp treatments, etc and even a foul-smelling coal-tar-like soap bar from Lush, all with no success.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm listening 'cos I can't wear any dark-coloured tops until it goes away!

VfM4meplse

I sympathise with you.

You know yourself that it's harder to treat because of it's location. I would suggest massaging some warm (not hot) olive oil into the scalp, leaving overnight (wrap your head in a towel) and using a zinc-based shampoo the next morning. Let the shampoo remain in contact with your scalp for a couple of minutes before rinding out.

If it's very itchy, then don't rule ot the possibility of a fungal infection. Ketaconazole 2% (available OTC as Nizoral, or a generic if you are lucky) used twice a week until it clears, and then fortnightly to maintain will work if that's the case.

Artytarty

http://www.trustnature.com/derm-essentials/eczema-atopic-dermatitis.html I use this and find it really good. I would order the oil though since it's on your scalp ( me too) it's easy to apply with a small nozzle, a few drops is all it takes. My chronic condition has not gone but is much much better. it smells quite strong but in a nice way. My hair does not look greasy because it is so thick and I do put quite a lot on. Took about 5 days to be delivered.
I have tried all the shampoos over the years!

VfM4meplse

Hezzawithkids wrote: »

In the meantime I've tried everything I can find the lessen the effects, e.g. every brand of medicated shampoo, scalp treatments, etc and even a foul-smelling coal-tar-like soap bar from Lush, all with no success.

Have you seen your GP about this btw? If my initial advice doesn't work, you may well benefit from a steroid scalp lotion.

Gothicfairy

Oh I am so glad to read this ( not in a horrible way about you having eczema ) it is nice to hear someone else with the same problem.
My patch is right by my hair line at my forehead so when it flares up there is nothing quite like it and it does look just like the worse case of dandruff ever.
I have naturally fine and greasy hair so oils are a big problem..I have found that natural shampoo helps ( like Lush or Simple ) but nothing really seems to clear it up and the Dr was neither use nor ornament.

Artytarty

Gothicfairy, as yours in your face then you could try the stick type application on the site I linked to. That would not make your hair more greasy.Looks like a lipstick type thing.

Gothicfairy

It is right on my hairline so it does effect the hair as well.. I tried an oil ( not the one on that site though) and it just made it look like I had used chip fat as a gel..lol

I have a widows peak and it is there more then anywhere else and can be gone for months and then back and again and nothing seems to shift it.

fluffnutter

Have you tried the proper topical treatments for eczema? Not shampoos, but the hydrocortisone creams? If not, why not chat to a pharmacist?

If these don't help, it's worth considering that it might not be eczema. Have you actually had a diagnosis? If it's bad enough, you can always ask for a referral to a dermatologist.

Hezzawithkids

Artytarty wrote: »

http://www.trustnature.com/derm-essentials/eczema-atopic-dermatitis.html I use this and find it really good. I would order the oil though since it's on your scalp ( me too) it's easy to apply with a small nozzle, a few drops is all it takes. My chronic condition has not gone but is much much better. it smells quite strong but in a nice way. My hair does not look greasy because it is so thick and I do put quite a lot on. Took about 5 days to be delivered.
I have tried all the shampoos over the years!

Hi & thanks for this. I've had a look at the website and there's loads of different oils on there, which one are you referring to?

Hezzawithkids

VfM4meplse wrote: »

Have you seen your GP about this btw? If my initial advice doesn't work, you may well benefit from a steroid scalp lotion.

Yes I saw my GP a few years ago when I first got it and it was really bad - I could literally feel mt scalp tingling every day. His only advice was (a) medicated shampoos (been there, done that) or (b) some kind of steroid tablets, which I did not fancy at all.

VitaK

I have the flare-ups on the scalp-line and most of my face. Itching beyound anything. What worked here was the shampo VfM4meplse mentioned and Doublebase gel whenever it feelt dry. I also have a steroid cream if those two are not enough.