How Do You Treat Eczema When It's in Your Hair?

Eczema of the scalp is also known as seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes itchy, red patches on your scalp that are uncomfortable but not dangerous. Prescribed medication to treat the skin condition can be costly, as the treatment is a daily shampoo that controls the dermatitis and requires monthly purchasing to keep the condition from flaring up. Over-the-counter medications for seborrheic dermatitis are effective at reducing the severity of the condition and are significantly cheaper than prescribed treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-dandruff shampoo
• Antifungal cream
• Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
• Cotton gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoos. Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain selenium sulfide, salicylic acid or tar help alleviate the symptoms of dry patches and itchiness when used daily. These active ingredients soothe scalp irritation while maintaining your hair's natural oils, which are required to keep the scalp healthy and moisturized.

• 2

  Apply a dime-sized amount of anti-fungal cream directly on the itchy patch. An over-the-counter anti-fungal cream that contains clotrimazole reduces irritation when used as directed. Alternately, massage a dime-sized amount of hydrocortisone cream onto the itchy area on your scalp to reduce redness and dryness.

• 3

  Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners. Shampoos and conditioners that contain sodium lauryl sulfate strip the hair of natural oils needed to prevent scalp itch. Switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to avoid exacerbation of your skin condition.

• 4

  Avoid scratching. It is tempting to scratch your scalp when it itches, but scratching worsens the condition and can lead to infection due to bacteria on your nails and fingers. Wear gloves at night during bedtime if you have a tendency to scratch your scalp in your sleep.