Effective Treatments for Scalp Eczema
Do you struggle with itchiness, flakiness, or redness on your scalp?
You might be wondering, “What is scalp eczema, and how do I treat it?”
Scalp eczema, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that can leave your scalp feeling irritated and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are effective treatments to help heal and manage this condition. Let’s discuss the must-have anti-eczema tools you need.
What Is Scalp Eczema?
Scalp eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects the scalp, causing symptoms like redness, flaking, itchiness, and irritation. It’s often triggered by:
- Overproduction of oil: This can feed yeast on the scalp, leading to inflammation.
- Irritating hair care products: Shampoos with harsh detergents that contain fragrance (parfum), essential oils, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are common culprits.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like vitamins B2, B5, and nicotinamide can contribute to scalp eczema.
How to Heal Scalp Eczema
So, how can you treat scalp eczema?
It requires lifestyle changes, gentle hair care, and addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies.
1. Avoid Harsh Shampoos
One of the most common triggers for scalp eczema is harsh shampoos containing sulfates like SLS and SLES, fragrance (parfum) and alkaline ingredients. These ingredients strip the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and look for soothing ingredients like aloe vera or zinc pyrithione.
2. Nourish Your Body from Within
Scalp eczema can sometimes signal that your body is lacking key nutrients. Research shows that deficiencies in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and nicotinamide can worsen eczema symptoms, and deficiency in vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is linked to seborrheic dermatitis.
Why These Nutrients Matter:
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Supports healthy skin by reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair. Methylated vitamin B2 is especially effective as it’s already in its active form, making it easier for your body to absorb.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Helps the body produce coenzyme A, which is crucial for skin repair and maintaining moisture.
- Nicotinamide: A form of vitamin B3 that reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier
- Zinc: Supports wound healing and prevents zinc deficiency signs such as alopecia (hair loss) and skin rashes.
Our Skin Friend AM supplement contains these key nutrients in methylated (bioavailable/active) forms, making it an excellent choice for addressing deficiencies linked to scalp eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
How to Treat Scalp Eczema
Treating scalp eczema involves a combination of targeted products, gentle routines, and nutritional support.
Incorporate a Gentle Scalp Care Routine
- Wash Less Often: Overwashing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and irritation. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times per week.
- Moisturize the Scalp: Use a lightweight, non-greasy scalp moisturizer or oil to soothe itchiness and lock in hydration. Avoid coconut oil or nut-based oils if you’re prone to allergies. Eczema Friend is an eczema cream that treats scalp eczema. Apply a thin layer to the scalp overnight and wash it out in the morning. Click here to buy Eczema Friend.
Use Topical Treatments
Look for products with active ingredients like:
- Dexpanthenol 50 mg/g: High dose dexpanthenol is scientifically proven to treat eczema and it is a key ingredient in treatment shampoos.
Take Control of Scalp Eczema
Managing scalp eczema is finding the right balance between external care and internal support. Avoid harsh shampoos, nourish your scalp with gentle products that contain dexpanthenol, and address nutritional gaps with targeted supplements.
The AM supplement is formulated to support skin health from the inside out, offering the nutrients your body needs to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Click here to buy Skin Friend AM for scalp health.
By making these changes, you can soothe irritation, reduce flare-ups, and restore comfort to your scalp.
References
Mahabadi N, Bhusal A, Banks SW. Riboflavin Deficiency. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470460/
Sanvictores T, Chauhan S. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563233/
Lappas M, Permezel M. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of nicotinamide, a vitamin B(3) derivative, are elicited by FoxO3 in human gestational tissues: implications for preterm birth. J Nutr Biochem. 2011 Dec;22(12):1195-201. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.10.009. Epub 2011 Mar 16. PMID: 21414766.
Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T, Inoue S. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol. 2000 Sep;143(3):524-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x. PMID: 10971324.
Cho YS, Kim HO, Woo SM, Lee DH. Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis-Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 6;11(14):3943. doi: 10.3390/jcm11143943. PMID: 35887707; PMCID: PMC9322723.
