I’ve noticed that a lot of people are not familiar with the condition that is eczema and some that are aware of this condition do not know it is something that can affect the scalp and the health of the hair. A good number of hair stylists and hairdressers would just assume your hair is dirty or not washed properly.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes the skin (and scalp) to be dry, flaky, itchy and red. It is not contagious and can be as a result of allergies, autoimmune disorders and even asthma. It is a life long disease that has no cure.
I have been dealing with eczema from my childhood into my adulthood and recently started developing eczema patches on my scalp. Doctors would usually prescribe a steroid cream to treat eczema but I was always wary about continuously applying it on my scalp and wondered if there are other milder ways to manage the patches on my scalp. So of course I did some research and found out there are indeed natural remedies to help with the irritation;
Research has shown that essential oils can help reduce itching and flare ups.
Tea tree oil:
As tea tree oil has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, it is a very efficient way of managing eczema/dermatitis flare ups on your scalp. It works the best when diluted with water or used in conjunction with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. You can put a few drops (about 8) in a spray bottle with water or olive oil and directly spray onto the flare ups on your scalp. It will help relieve the irritation and heal the patches.
Lavender oil:
Lavender oil works both as an antiseptic and also has anti-fungal and anti-flammatory properties. This makes it a very good natural remedy for eczema/dermatitis. It cleanses the skin and subsides irritation on the skin caused by eczema. You can add two drops into your carrier oil/water or even mix it with tea tree oil along with a carrier oil.
Patchouli oil:
Studies have shown that patchouli oil has an anti-flammatory effect. This may help suppress the eczema/dermatitis flare up you have on your skin/scalp.
Some other essential oils that may help relieve eczema/dermatitis on the hair and skin are; primrose oil, peppermint oil, jojoba oil and borage oil
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera has been proven to be effective for eczema. It has anti-flammatory properties which will help soothe the scalp.
Apple cider vinegar:
Beauty gurus swear by Apple cider vinegar rinse due to its antimicrobial properties that may help tame an irritation or flare up caused by eczema and dermatitis. Studies have shown that it is effective in getting rid of build up and subside severe symptoms of eczema on the scalp. It will also restore the pH balance of your hair. You should always dilute apple cider vinegar when doing a hair rinse.
*Note: with the essential oils you should always dilute them with a carrier oil such as; olive oil or with water. You should also do a patch test on the less sensitive part of your skin as they work differently for each individual.