Can You Get Eczema on Scalp and How to Get Rid of It?

Quick answer: Several conditions can cause scalp eczema, including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Treatment depends on the cause. Gentle cleansing and avoiding irritating products can help; persistent itching, sores or hair loss need medical assessment.

Table Contents

What is Eczema?

Irritation on your scalp is often caused by eczema. Wondering what is eczema? It is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, and irritation on the skin.

It usually affects your skin and is more common on the face, skin folds, arms, and legs. However, there are certain types of eczema that can also affect your scalp, these are mostly classified as dermatitis.

Read this blog to discover more about types of scalp eczema.

Can you Get Eczema on scalp?

Yes. Atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis can affect the scalp. They can look similar, but their causes and treatments differ. Scalp eczema can occur in children and adults. If you are unsure what is causing persistent itching or flaking, a clinician can help identify it.

Types of Eczema on the Scalp

Eczema on the scalp can cause intense itching, redness, and irritation. You may feel the urge to scratch your scalp like crazy, but hold your thoughts and restrain your hands. Scratching can make your condition worse and lead to infection.

Some of the most common types of scalp eczema are:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis commonly affects the scalp and may cause greasy or dry-looking scales, itching and inflammation. Dandruff is a mild form. Infant seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is often called cradle cap.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is when the skin or scalp becomes irritated or allergic to a certain thing. The most common triggers that lead to contact dermatitis on the scalp are chemicals and fragrances in

Shampoo
Conditioners
Hair spray and gels
Hair dyes
Hair extension glue
Swimming caps
Headgear

Irritant contact dermatitis happens when a substance irritates the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune reaction to an allergen. Neither diagnosis simply means that you have a weak immune system. A dermatologist may recommend patch testing if an allergy is suspected.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis can affect the scalp at any age. It can cause dry, itchy, inflamed skin and may occur alongside eczema elsewhere on the body. It involves changes in the skin barrier and immune response, rather than simply a weak immune system. Learn more about these factors from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Eczema on Scalp Symptoms

Eczema-on-Scalp-Symptoms

If you are wondering what does eczema look like on the scalp here is your answer. Eczema symptoms may vary for every individual depending on the severity of the condition and which type they are experiencing.

However, some common symptoms that you may notice are:

Oily scalp
Dry skin
Itching
Redness
Inflammation
Irritated skin
Scaly
flaky skin
Burning sensation
Skin oozing or weeping
Skin discoloration

The redness associated with eczema may appear as red or pink in people with lighter skin tones and purple or brownish in darker skin tones.

What Causes Eczema on Scalp

The cause depends on the diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis involves skin-barrier changes, genetics and immune activity. Contact dermatitis follows exposure to an irritant or allergen. Seborrheic dermatitis involves an inflammatory response associated with Malassezia yeast, which normally lives on the skin.

Heat, sweat, stress and irritating hair products can aggravate symptoms, but triggers vary. Keeping track of products and symptoms can help you discuss possible triggers with your dermatologist. Not every itchy or flaky scalp has the same cause.

Other Similar Conditions

Ringworm

Children can develop other flaking conditions isolated to only a few coin-sized spots on the scalp that frequently can cause hair loss. The cause of this is fungus–if it occurred elsewhere on the body it would be referred to as “ringworm” . The fancy name for ringworm in the hair is tinea capitis.

Psoriasis

Much less common in children and adolescents than eczema, and tinea capitis, is psoriasis. This condition can happen in the hairline or the scalp and tends to have a red base with an overlying silver/white colored scale. When it appears on the scalp it is known as scalp psoriasis.

How to Treat Eczema on Scalp

Start by identifying the condition. Gentle cleansing and suitable moisturizers can support dry, eczema-prone skin, while an active flare may need prescribed treatment.

Eczema Shampoo

For atopic or contact dermatitis, choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that your scalp tolerates. A gentle daily shampoo and body wash cleanses the skin; it does not replace prescribed treatment for inflammation.

For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, a medicated shampoo may help control flaking, scaling and itching. Options use ingredients such as pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide or ketoconazole. Other ingredients help loosen scale. These products have different directions and age restrictions.

Follow the product label and your clinician’s instructions for frequency and contact time. Washing needs vary with the diagnosis, scalp sensitivity and hair type. A fixed schedule is not right for everyone. See the AAD’s seborrheic dermatitis treatment guidance.

Choose the Right Products

Look for fragrance-free products for sensitive skin and avoid ingredients that have caused a reaction for you. A product being natural, or free of a particular ingredient, does not guarantee that your skin will tolerate it. If a product causes burning or worsening irritation, stop using it and seek advice. For children, a dermatologist can help select eczema-friendly products.

Moisturizers

A leave-on moisturizer helps dry skin retain moisture. A rinse-off shampoo has a different role. For dry areas around the hairline, a fragrance-free moisturizing cream may be easier to apply than it is through thick hair. Ask your clinician about a scalp-suitable lotion or gel if needed.

Medication for Eczema on Scalp

A clinician may prescribe a scalp preparation to reduce inflammation. The choice and duration depend on the diagnosis, age and severity. Infection requires assessment and may need separate treatment. Persistent or severe eczema may need a broader treatment plan.

Antihistamines do not treat eczema itself. A clinician may sometimes recommend a sedating antihistamine briefly for sleep disruption, but it should not replace eczema treatment. The AAD explains this distinction.

How to treat scalp eczema in children

Use lukewarm water, a gentle cleanser when needed and your child’s prescribed care plan. Keep nails short to reduce damage from scratching. Ask the pediatrician or dermatologist before starting a medicated scalp product for a child. Patchy hair loss, broken hairs or a persistent scalp rash also need assessment because ringworm and other conditions can resemble eczema.

Best Shampoo For Eczema on Scalp

The best choice depends on why your scalp is itchy or flaky. Happy Cappy products serve different purposes:

Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash provides gentle cleansing for dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.
Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream moisturizes dry, eczema-prone skin, including accessible dry areas around the hairline.
Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is for flaking, scaling and itching associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It is not a treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Choose according to the diagnosis and product directions. If a child has persistent symptoms, or you are unsure which condition is present, ask a pediatrician or dermatologist.

Preventing Eczema on the Scalp

You may be able to reduce flare-ups by identifying your triggers and following a consistent care plan:

Avoid hair products or materials that have caused irritation or a confirmed allergy.
Use lukewarm water and rinse products out thoroughly.
Avoid scratching or picking at scales.
Keep cool and manage sweat in a way your scalp tolerates.
Continue prescribed maintenance care, and discuss persistent symptoms with your clinician.

These habits can help, but they do not guarantee that eczema will never flare.

Key Takeaways

Scalp eczema can cause itching, irritation, inflammation, and scaling on the scalp.
There are different types of eczema that can affect your scalp like seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap in babies, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.
Other common conditions can also cause symptoms resembling those of eczema such as scalp ringworm and scalp psoriasis.
If your scalp eczema is caused by contact or atopic dermatitis then use a gentle daily eczema shampoo and body wash to keep the scalp clean.
If it is caused by seborrheic dermatitis then use a medicated shampoo that contains pyrithione zinc to soothe the symptoms.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela, MD, FAAP is an award-winning pediatrician and the Founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from UT Southwestern Medical School and completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. With over 10 years of clinical experience, Dr. Eddie actively practices pediatrics in Houston, Texas, and has extensive experience treating pediatric skin conditions, including seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap) and eczema. More about Dr. Eddie.

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What is the root cause of scalp eczema?

There is no single cause. Atopic dermatitis involves skin-barrier changes and immune activity. Contact dermatitis follows irritation or an allergy. Seborrheic dermatitis has a different relationship with Malassezia yeast on the skin. Triggers such as sweat or irritating products vary by person.

What does eczema look like on the scalp?

It may cause itching, dryness, flaking and inflamed patches. Skin may look pink or red on lighter skin tones, or darker, lighter, purple or gray on darker skin tones. Greasy scales can occur with seborrheic dermatitis. Appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

How do you treat scalp eczema?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Gentle cleansing and a suitable moisturizer support dry skin, while active atopic eczema may need prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment. Medicated dandruff shampoo is used for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Persistent symptoms should be assessed rather than treated as one condition.

How do you wash your scalp with eczema, and how often?

Use lukewarm water, wash gently and rinse thoroughly. Choose a cleanser your scalp tolerates. Frequency depends on the condition and hair type. If using a medicated dandruff shampoo, follow its label and your clinician’s instructions for frequency and contact time; daily use is not automatically required.

Is coconut oil good for scalp eczema?

Coconut oil may help some dry scalps, but it is not a treatment for every cause of itching or flaking. It can also irritate some people. Ask your clinician whether it fits your diagnosis and stop if symptoms worsen.

Can oil worsen eczema on the scalp?

Some oils or fragranced oil blends can cause irritation or allergy, while others may be tolerated. A reaction does not prove that all oils are harmful. Avoid a product that worsens your symptoms and ask about a suitable scalp moisturizer.

What should you avoid with scalp eczema?

Avoid known irritants or allergens, very hot water, scratching and picking at scales. Fragrance can be a trigger. Do not assume that every preservative or every product in a broad ingredient category will cause a reaction; choose products based on your own tolerance and clinical advice.

Is scalp eczema an autoimmune disease?

Scalp eczema describes several possible inflammatory skin conditions, rather than a single autoimmune diagnosis. Atopic dermatitis involves skin-barrier and immune changes. Your clinician can identify the type of dermatitis and explain what is driving it; an itchy scalp alone does not establish an autoimmune disorder.

Can I put eczema lotion on my scalp?

A suitable leave-on moisturizer can help dry scalp skin. Hair can make thick creams difficult to apply, so a lotion or gel may be more practical. Ask your clinician which formulation suits your scalp, and stop any product that causes irritation.

How do you know if your scalp eczema is infected?

Seek prompt medical care for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, blistering, rapidly worsening symptoms, fever or feeling unwell. These signs can indicate infection or another condition requiring treatment. Itching alone does not establish an infection.

How do you treat eczema on the scalp in children?

Have persistent scalp symptoms assessed so eczema is not confused with another condition. Use gentle cleansing and the child’s prescribed care plan. Ask a pediatrician or dermatologist before starting a medicated scalp product. Patchy hair loss, broken hairs or a painful scalp need assessment.