Dry itchy scalp

Seborrheic eczema of the scalp: with bee power against scaly patches

If your scalp repeatedly feels irritated or flaky, you are not alone: around 5% of Germans have experience with seborrheic eczema on the scalp¹. Typical symptoms of eczema are redness, greasy, yellow dandruff and itching - sometimes also on the hairline, face or ears. The scalp in particular, as a sebaceous gland hotspot, is often affected by seborrhoeic dermatitis.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and a suitable skincare routine, you can help to support the balance of your scalp. Bedrop offers you purely natural products for this - with bee power for your scalp care and with advice and tips for your everyday life with scalp eczema.

What is seborrheic eczema?

Seborrhoeic eczema (or seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin condition. It occurs preferentially where there are many sebaceous glands - for example on the scalp, face, ears, chest or back² ³. It is characterized by greasy, yellowish scales and usually mild redness with occasional itching or a feeling of tightness.

In contrast to other diseases such as psoriasis (large, silvery scales) or neurodermatitis (the skin is often very dry and itchy), the scales of seborrhoeic eczema are significantly greasier and the redness less pronounced³.

Comparison of the most common scalp diseases:

Seborrheic eczema

• 
  Type of dandruff: greasy, yellowish
  
• 
  Main symptoms: mild redness, itching
  
• 
  Affected areas: Scalp, face, ears
  
• 
  Contagious? No
  

Psoriasis

• 
  Type of dandruff: large, silvery-white
  
• 
  Main symptoms: severe redness, thick plaques
  
• 
  Affected areas: Scalp, elbows, knees
  
• 
  Contagious? No
  

Neurodermatitis

• 
  Type of dandruff: small, rather dry
  
• 
  Main symptoms: severe itching, dry skin
  
• 
  Affected areas: Bends, face, neck
  
• 
  Contagious? No
  

Brief summary: Seborrhoeic eczema spreads mainly on the scalp and face, is not contagious and requires specialist medical clarification, especially to differentiate it from other skin diseases such as psoriasis or neurodermatitis¹.

Who is particularly affected by seborrhoeic eczema of the scalp?

Young adults (20-40 years) are particularly affected, men are affected more frequently than average³ ⁴. Babies can also get so-called "scalp gneiss" - it is usually harmless and only occurs temporarily. In addition to a familial predisposition, the risk also increases with certain illnesses.

Important: Sebhorrheic dermatitis of the scalp is clearly visible but not dangerous. With appropriate care, eczema can usually be kept well under control².

Typical symptoms: How to recognize seborrheic eczema on the scalp

These symptoms are typical:

• Redness (often at the hairline, ears, nose)
• Greasy, yellowish scales (sticky rather than trickling)
• Itching and the feeling that the scalp is "taut"
• Sometimes: crusts or small areas of inflammation on the head

Seborrhoeic eczema is clearly distinguished from normal dandruff by the greasiness and color of the dandruff. It is usually chronic and returns again and again in flare-ups. The dandruff and redness can be distressing - which is why knowledge, understanding and optimal care are helpful to improve your well-being.

What triggers seborrheic eczema?

Even if not all the details have been fully clarified yet, the following factors are considered to be the most important causes of scalp eczema:

• Overproduction of sebum

the scalp becomes oily

• Yeast fungus Malassezia

lives on everyone's skin, but can trigger inflammation if disturbed¹²³. Although Malassezia yeasts are not the only triggers, they play an important role when the natural balance of the skin is disturbed

• Genetic predisposition and disruption of the skin barrier
  
  
• Weakened immune system and certain pre-existing conditions

Checklist: What aggravates seborrheic eczema?

Known flare-up triggers:

1. Stress (emotional/psychological)
2. Hormonal changes
3. Unfavorable diet (lots of sugar, fat, alcohol, spicy food)
4. Cold, dry heating air
5. Incorrect care products (aggressive shampoos, water that is too hot, excessive dry scrubbing of the hair)

Expert tip: Relaxation, a healthy diet and natural, gentle care can help to minimize new relapses.

For example, our bedrop hair care set consisting of BEELIXIER HAIR OIL with manuka honey and moisturizing and regenerating oils as well as the royal jelly shampoo with a protective, moisturizing formulation.

Important: Our recommendations and products are intended as a complementary skincare routine and do not replace medical treatment.

Seborrheic eczema of the scalp: Treatment & care

Optimal treatment is based on three pillars:

1. Antifungal antifungals:

(e.g. ketoconazole, selenium disulfide) For sebhorroic eczema, there are shampoos, creams or solutions with medicinal active ingredients that are applied locally to get the yeast fungus Malassezia¹²³under control.

1. Preparations containing cortisone:

Can help with acute inflammation in the short term, but only after consulting a doctor.

1. Gentle, moisturizing care:

Mild, nourishing and moisturizing ingredients can support the skin barrier and be used preventively. At bedrop you will find a shampoo for eczema of the scalp with a unique combination of organic royal jelly, manuka honey and propolis extract, which not only cares for your hair but also has nourishing and regenerating properties.

In the long term, the combination of medical treatment and a natural, gentle care routine can help to better manage flare-ups and support your well-being³.

Natural care & home remedies for sensitive, flaky scalp

Step-by-step guide: scalp care for seborrhoeic eczema

1. Use a gentle shampoo

pH-neutral, without aggressive additives.

1. Optional:

Massage natural oils such as BEELIXIER HAIR OIL into the scalp.

1. Air-dry hair or blow-dry on a low setting.

1. Only wash with lukewarm water, do not rub!

1. Avoid headgear and excessive heat if possible.

Everyday and lifestyle tips:

You can achieve a lot even with small adjustments in everyday life:

• Reduce stress:

through relaxation rituals or sport

• Gentle cleansing:

never rub the scalp, but gently pat it dry or gently massage in products

• use mild shampoos

• Wash hair 2-3 times a week or as required³
  
  
• Avoidheat stress with a lukewarm blow-dry
  
  
• Healthy diet and sufficient omega-3, little industrial sugar

🐝 Learn more about:

- Perioral dermatitis

- Psoriasis