Flaking and redness of the scalp is an eczema symptom known as scalp eczema. Having scalp eczema is a clear sign of sebaceous dermatitis. Of all the different types of eczema, only sebaceous dermatitis causes scalp eczema. Despite having this unique eczema symptom, this type of eczema is fairly easy to prevent.
Sebaceous dermatitis or sebaceous eczema is called so because it solely affects skin areas that have sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands secrete oil outwardly towards the skin. The oil, called sebum, has the purpose of serving as a natural skin moisturizer in contrary to sweat which helps cool off the body. But sebaceous glands are not distributed across the entire body. They are only found under the scalp which explains why we get greasy hair sometimes; under our facial skin, hence the oily face; the chest, and the upper back. These are the same areas that become affected by sebaceous dermatitis.
The first clear sign of sebaceous dermatitis is a mild case of scalp eczema. With mild scalp eczema, white, grey, or yellowish flakes become visible on the scalp. Some redness and itching can also be noted on areas of the scalp where the dandruff like flakes emerged. But scalp eczema can also come along with face eczema and eczema of the torso. At these instances, the flaking, itching, and redness can also be seen on the face, the front, and the back. Once sebaceous dermatitis has reached its “full bloom,” the flakes tend to be thicker, scalier, and oilier. Itchy pimples may also show up underneath flaking skin, especially with face eczema and eczema on the torso. Balding is the ultimate consequence of scalp eczema but it happens rarely.
Sebaceous dermatitis can be caused by many things, with stress being the most common. However, stress does not merely refer to psychological dealings with scalp eczema and sebaceous dermatitis in general. Illness, inadequate sleep, sudden changes in the climate, and poor health are all stress factors that are known to trigger or aggravate sebaceous dermatitis. Basically, anything that disrupts the body can be referred to as “stress” in this context.
Given that sebaceous dermatitis is caused and worsened by stress, it is a condition that’s fairly easy to avoid with good health practices and a change in lifestyle. By simply taking care of one’s body, untoward symptoms such as scalp eczema, eczema on face, and eczema of the torso can be avoided.
First of all, get enough sleep every night. Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of scalp eczema and sebaceous dermatitis. Generally, adults need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep every day. Teenagers and children need longer hours of sleep. Eating healthy may be a big step for someone like you who has sebaceous dermatitis. But it can be a tremendous help in avoiding sebaceous dermatitis and related symptoms. Eating healthy will help you avoid illnesses by boosting your immune system. In turn, you will be able to avoid triggering your condition as well.
Aside from stress, poor nutrition is also a known cause of sebaceous dermatitis. In particular, the inadequate intake of vitamins such as riboflavin, pyridoxine, and biotin have been linked to sebaceous dermatitis. In such cases that the condition is caused by the lack of these nutrients, supplementation may be able to help.
Sebaceous dermatitis and its symptoms such as scalp eczema, face eczema, and eczema of the torso can be avoided. Since they are mainly triggered by stress and the lack of certain vitamins in the nutrition, one simply has to avoid stress by making lifestyle changes and get necessary supplementation to counteract malnutrition.