Say Goodbye To Scalp Eczema With These Specially Formulated shampoos For Eczema!

Do you experience a red, dry, itchy, and flaky scalp? If you are nodding your head in agreement, you might be suffering from a condition called scalp eczema. Just like your skin, you can develop eczema on your scalp as well, which is more severe than dandruff and requires a lot of care and attention to recover from. Recover takes time with the best shampoo for eczema that is available in the market.

Shampoo For Eczema: What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide every year. It manifests in symptoms such as itchy, dry, red, and inflamed skin that may ooze pus and be quite painful. When it affects the scalp, it can also cause hair fall and thinning. Despite regular shampooing, your scalp may feel oily due to eczema. To soothe the skin and restore balance, proper care, and medication are necessary, starting with identifying the trigger. Always find suitable shampoo for eczema which applicable to your type.

The condition can be triggered due to several reasons including stress, allergies, and irritants. The condition may even get worse if you are using a shampoo with harsh chemicals and fragrances. It can irritate your scalp and even flare up the symptoms of eczema. To soothe the scalp, improve its health, and restore the natural balance of the scalp, you need to choose your shampoos for eczema carefully. You can easily find shampoos in the market specially formulated for the condition. 

Understanding Eczema And Scalp Health 

Eczema is a type of dermatitis- a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation. It is referred to as a condition that leads to an itchy and scaly scalp that can be caused due to several factors. These symptoms are chronic and may spread to the whole scalp if proper treatments are not taken on time. The most common symptoms of scalp eczema are: 

• Dry skin 
• Redness
• Itchiness
• Soreness
• Thick skin 
• Burning sensation 
• Greasy hair
• Blister

The condition is often confused with other skin conditions like psoriasis, and allergic contact dermatitis. The symptoms may appear more or less the same, but there is a thin difference between all of these.

Three Types Of Eczema That Affect The Scalp

Seborrheic

This type of eczema only appears in the oily part of the skin, including the scalp, face, and back. It is one of the most common types of eczema and requires constant care as it may flare up even with mild triggering agents. In seborrheic eczema, the immune system overreacts to the growth of yeast on the skin, which triggers the symptoms, using the right shampoo for eczema can prevent this from happening.

Atopic

Atopic eczema is common among young children and is caused due to family history and environmental factors. It is non-contagious but can be painful and can appear in several parts of the body at the same time apart from the scalp. 

Contact

This type of eczema occurs when you come in contact with a certain triggering substance. You will have to identify the trigger and avoid further contact with it to manage the symptoms. 

The symptoms of the condition vary from person to person and so are the treatment options. The primary symptom of the condition is an itchy and dry scalp, however, if treatment is not taken on time, it can also damage the hair follicles and hinders hair growth. Using the right shampoo for eczema is the first step toward recovery. If the symptoms persist it is best to meet the doctor. 

Ingredients To Avoid In Shampoo For Eczema 

Shampooing your hair regularly twice a week is the primary step to keep your scalp clean and healthy. So, when suffering from eczema, the first step to recover from it would be to choose the right shampoo correctly to avoid irritants that can flare up the symptoms. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

One of the most common culprits is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a foaming agent generally added to shampoo. The drawback is that the chemical is so harsh that it can strip away the natural oil of the scalp, making the dry skin drier. It is also capable of washing off the skin’s protective barrier, making the scalp more susceptible to irritants. sodium infused shampoo for eczema can actually make worse.

Phthalates

Another chemical that makes it to this list is phthalates. The chemical is often used in shampoos as a gelling agent, to give it a pleasing smell or to balance the formula. When applied on the scalp of a person already suffering from eczema, this chemical can irritate the skin. Always watch out for ingredients like this in shampoo for eczema.

Fragrance

The fragrance of the shampoo that lingers on the scalp for a few days is a blend of several chemicals. Synthetic fragrance is very much capable of causing an allergic reaction, itchiness, and redness. It is even more common in case you have sensitive skin. 

Parabens

These are a group of preservatives that have the capacity to disrupt the hormone balance and irritate the skin and cause other health concerns. Given the side effects not only those suffering from eczema, everyone must avoid personal products containing these preservatives. 

Ingredients To Look In Shampoo For Eczema

For those who experience frequent episodes of eczema, it is requisite to look for a shampoo that contains soothing agents and does not exacerbate its symptoms. Some of the ingredients that work well on the itchy and dry scalp are: 

Aloe Vera

Aloe gel has a cooling effect on the scalp. When you apply shampoos that contain aloe gel, it will help to soothe the irritating skin and also moisturize it. aloe vera-infused shampoo for eczema can help the itchy scalp.

Coal Tar

This ingredient has been used for centuries to treat eczema and other skin-related problems. It belongs to the family of keratoplastics that helps to remove dead cells and reduces the problem of skin dryness. 

Chamomile

The essence of this herb penetrates deep into the skin and calms eczema, inflammation, and itchiness. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties work well on the scalp. 

Oatmeal

Oatmeal has a soothing anti-inflammatory property. The shampoo formulated with colloidal oatmeal can help to provide relief from itchiness and irritation. 

Salicylic Acid

This ingredient is used to treat acne and eczema. When present in the shampoo, the acid helps to soften the protein found on dry and scaly skin, which makes it easy to exfoliate and clear the scalp. 

Tea Tree Oil

The essential oil has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Using shampoo rich in oil can help to prevent scalp infections and reduce the symptoms of eczema. 

Coconut Or Jojoba Oil

Both coconut and jojoba oil are natural moisturizers. They penetrate deep into the skin and help to soothe dry, itchy skin on the scalp. Regular application can also help to reduce the frizziness of hair. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the kernels of the Butyrospermium parkii tree. It is a natural emollient(1) that is perfect for dry and itchy scalp. 

The Top 15 Shampoo For Eczema That You Can Try

There are myriad different kinds of shampoo available in the market that contain products that are good for soothing the symptoms of eczema. Some are specially formulated for adults, others for kids. Some suit thin hair, while others are the best options for curly hair. You have to pick the one that suits your hair concerns and types. However, if you are unsure, ask your doctor to prescribe one. 

DHS Sal Shampoo For Eczema

This dermatologically tested shampoo is the best choice for treating the symptoms of any kind of eczema. Formulated with salicylic acid, this shampoo helps to break down the dry and flaky skin on the scalp, making it easier to remove them when washing the hair without damaging the roots. 

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Extra Strength

This is a popular choice of shampoo among people with any type of scalp condition and is even recommended by dermatologists. Loaded with the benefits of coal tar, which is a scalp-soothing agent, this shampoo helps to reduce scaling and make your hair more manageable by locking in the moisturizer. 

Bodewell Shampoo For Eczema

This shampoo is effective on different types of hair conditions including eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis. Formulated with pyrithione zinc, Bodewell shampoo helps to reduce itchiness and flaking. The zinc in it also helps to soothe the symptoms and moisturize the scalp, which is much needed when suffering from eczema. 

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Enriched with the benefits of shea butter, coconut, jojoba oils, African black soap, bamboo charcoal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. This shampoo is the best option for naturally curly hair Using it regularly can help to retain moisture in the scalp and calm the symptoms of eczema. 

Head And Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff And Seborrheic Dermatitis Shampoo

This specially formulated shampoo by Head and Shoulders is excellent to treat all types of scalp conditions and is even vouched for by dermatologists. With 1 percent selenium sulfide, this shampoo helps to reduce the fungal growth on the scalp, which is one of the prime reasons for eczema. 

Nioxin Scalp Recovery Medicated Cleanser

Pyrithione zinc and moisturizing green tea polyphenols are the two main components of this shampoo, which works well on an itchy and flaky scalp. It also contains some amount of peppermint oil and menthol for a refreshing sensation. 

MG217 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo For Eczema

MG217’s 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo is another shampoo loaded with the benefits of coal tar, which helps to soothe the scalp and prevent the growth of eczema-causing fungus. It is quite effective in managing the symptoms of eczema and preventing excessive oiling in the hair follicles. 

Rugby Sebex Shampoo For Eczema

Do not go for the name, it may sound like a shampoo for sportsmen but is formulated for itchy and flaky scalps. Enriched with the benefits of salicylic acid, this shampoo helps to break down the dead skin build-up on the scalp by softening them. 

Vanicream Free & Clear Shampoo For Eczema

There are many good things about this shampoo that makes it one of the popular choices when it comes to getting relief from eczema. It is free from allergens, fragrances, sulfates, and preservatives- the ingredients which can flare up eczema and even worsen the symptoms. Apart from that, it is loaded with ingredients like glycerin and panthenol which can help to moisturize the scalp.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Fragrance-Free Shampoo For Eczema

This is one of the best shampoos for treating the problem of eczema in babies. The fragrance-free shampoo is enriched with the benefits of soothing ingredients like aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, chamomile, and calendula extract. It is a perfect choice for the sensitive skin of little ones. 

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Aloe + Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo

This fragrance-free formula from Briogeo is infused with the benefits of glycerin, aloe, oat bran, and panthenol. The combination of the ingredients helps to hydrate and soothe the itchy and flaky scalp, the problem commonly associated with eczema. 

Mustela Stelatopic Foam Shampoo

This is another great shampoo for the gentle skin of babies. It contains mild ingredients that work well to remove the itchy dead skin from the scalp, without harming the skin of the little ones. The best part is that the shampoo is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. 

Kiehl’s Amino Acid Shampoo

Enriched with the benefits of amino acids and coconut oil, the shampoo helps to deep clean your scalp without damaging your strands. It is the best choice of shampoo for all kinds of scalp-related concerns.

Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo For Eczema

Mild, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, there are so many reasons why this shampoo is most recommended by dermatologists. It is also infused with the benefits of organic aloe vera, and manuka honey that helps heal the itchy scalp and retain moisture. 

DHS Zinc Shampoo For Eczema

The main ingredient of this shampoo is zinc pyrithione, which has antifungal as well as antibacterial properties. Using this shampoo regularly on the itchy and scratchy scalp can help to soothe the skin and expedite the recovery. 

Tips For Using Shampoo For Eczema

Cleaning the scalp with a good soothing shampoo is an important aspect of reducing the symptoms of eczema. When you are using the shampoo keep these essential points in mind: 

• Detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb and wet it with lukewarm water. Avoid cold or hot water as they make the scalp drier. 
• Take some shampoo on your palm and rub it on your scalp properly with both hands. Be gentle and focus on cleaning your scalp, rather than your hair. 
• Rinse the froth with lukewarm water, apply some conditioner, and let it sit for a while. 
• Wash off the conditioner and dry your hair in sections with a microfiber towel. 

When you are done cleaning your hair try not to scratch the scalp, it will only make the symptoms worse. Also, let your hair air dry, using a blow dryer to style or dry your can make your scalp dry and all your efforts will go in vain. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect any individual. So, it is important to keep your scalp clean and look out for the symptoms of the condition. Detecting the signs in the early stage can help to start the treatment at the right time to avoid any complications. If you notice that your scalp is looking extra itchy and dry, detect the triggers and change your shampoo to prevent aggravation of symptoms. A hair cleanser with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, tea-tree oil, coal tar, aloe vera gel, and others is the best option for those dealing with eczema. If the condition persists, consult your doctor. Ignoring the symptoms can be painful and may worsen the condition.