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Allergies of the Scalp

Allergies are common and certain allergic conditions are becoming more prevalant according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. About 50 million Americans suffer from allergies and spend money on prescriptions to keep them under control. Scalp allergies are a type of skin allergy. You might eat a food or come in contact with a substance that triggers symptoms. Scalp issues include: eczema, contact or seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

  1. Eczema

    • Eczema or atopic dermatitis can affect infants, children and adults. The skin is inflamed and cannot stay well hydrated. This causes an itchy, red and sometimes swollen rash. Infants are more likely to get it on the scalp, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, but no one is immune to it. Eczema can be caused by food allergies or other factors.

    Contact Dermatitis

    • Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction to an external contaminant that can affect the scalp. The irritant is usually a chemical or substance that the body wants to avoid. Emedicine Health says that by the time you notice an allergic skin reaction you have already been exposed to it more than once. The skin reaction is an immune system overload response. The irritant could be hair dye, a shampoo ingredient, soap, a wig or even a hat.

    Seborrheic Dermatitis

    • Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) of the scalp can produce white flakes or large scaly patches that are yellow. This chronic inflammatory reaction involves sebaceous glands (skin glands that secrete sebum) and affects about three percent of individuals according to American Family Physician. The exact cause is not known, but genetic and environmental factors might predispose you to this condition.

    Scalp Psoriasis

    • Scalp psoriasis may be confused with seborrheic dermatitis, but the rash is different. With psoriasis, you might have red or pink scaly patches. There may be bumps or your skin peels according to Scalp-Psoriasis.com. The skin patches may have a silvery tone. Symptoms tend to come and go and can be aggravated by stress. Whether it is an allergy or disease remains unclear.

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