Scalp Eczema: A Few Easy Steps to Manage the Itchy Skin Disorder
Eczema has been considered as one of the most difficult to manage dermatological diseases where the dead scalp skins shade up resulting in continuous itching as well as hampering the quality of life. Scalp eczema occurs frequently and last for the long time. Recurrence of scalp eczema happens due to the itch-scratch-itch cycle. It makes the skin surface rough and cracked; and invaded easily by various funguses resulting in fungal infections of the scalp.
Usually, the prevalence rate of scalp eczema is higher in women compared to men. This condition is difficult to manage due to its high relapse rate. Therefore, preventive and maintenance treatment is must to fight against scalp eczema. Men and women are continuously searching for an appropriate solution for scalp eczema. As a result they run blindly for various cosmetics items and some days later they found that all their effort has gone in vain.
Reality is that scalp eczema is a recurrent skin disease and the dermatologists are capable enough to provide you the best solution so that you can control and manage this skin condition. Usually, a dermatologist will diagnose your scalp skin condition and accordingly will provide you prescription only medicine. So if you are suffering from scalp eczema then please do not run behind the commercial advertisement rather take an immediate appointment with your dermatologist. Facts about scalp eczema: 1. As per The American Academy of Dermatology, in every year around 31.6 million Americans suffer from different forms of eczema and most of these populations do not take medical supervision. This figure may increase in future due to lack of public awareness. Most of the time the suffering population spend more on various cosmetic items rather than taking the help of dermatologists.
2. Annually in the world, about 20% of the children suffer from some forms of eczema and most of the cases they do not seek medical supervision. In the underdeveloped and developing countries this skin disorder is totally ignored, resulting in permanent skin damage of millions of children. 3. As per the United States survey held in 2007, just one third of people suffering from scalp eczema took medical supervision. Even after 10 years later in 2017, this scenario has not so much changed. Even, this scenario is worst in the underdeveloped and developing countries where patient/ dermatologist ratio is 1 in 10,000 populations. The difference between scalp eczema and dandruffIn general perception, Dandruff is different from Eczema. But the medical science concludes that dandruff is one of the forms of Scalp Eczema. Our skin produces natural oil and its role is to make the scalp nourished and supple. Once eczema occurs, then the natural oil commonly known as sebum is increased. Skin flakes along with the excess sebum released from the sebaceous glands causes the formation of greasy skin flakes which are commonly known as dandruff.
Dandruff just not only affect the scalp but it also affects the eyebrows resulting in physical and social discomfort. So the best preventive measure for managing dandruff is to manage scalp eczema. If the scalp eczema remains in untreated condition for long time, then the overall skin health will be suffered. Remember that use of popular hair wash and hair oil cannot eliminate dandruff properly. By using these cosmetic items you may have a sudden benefit, but it will turn back soon in initial condition because the underlying cause has not been treated.
Symptoms of Eczema:When a person suffers from scalp eczema, his/ her scalp skin becomes red in color and flaky which is associated with frequent itching. As a result other oily part of the face, nose and eyebrows can be affected. When scalp eczema enters into the ear cannel, then it initiates inflammation there and fluid starts to release from the ears. Discoloration occurs in the eczema affected part of the body and it is quite irreversible in nature. Treatment of Scalp Eczema:Scalp eczema cannot be cured permanently, but with proper medication, it can be controlled efficiently. Most of the scalp eczema medications are in the form of lotion, solution, spray and medicated shampoos. In normal scalp eczema condition, best choice is medicated shampoos. Effective medicated shampoos for scalp eczema contain zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and coal tar. Each of these ingredients has unique rolls for the prevention of scalp eczema.
Clinical studies suggest that by using medicated shampoo, over 90% of dandruff can be eliminated from the scalp.
For mild scalp eczema condition, using only medicated shampoo is insufficient to prevent scalp eczema. In this case best choice is using moderately potent antifungal lotion, less potent corticosteroid spray. If you have to use corticosteroid spray, then please consult with your dermatologist.
In severe scalp eczema, only effective treatment is using oral antifungal medicine and using potent corticosteroid sprays in the scalp. Again, in severe scalp eczema condition, please consult with your dermatologist before starting these medicines.