Eczema, a skin condition, is also called seborrheic eczema or eczematous dermatitis. Symptoms include itching, flaking and redness. Eczema on the scalp can make the scalp inflamed and scaly with pimples. When newborns suffer from this condition, it is called cradle cap. It can be caused by stress, allergies, cysts and viral infections. Eczema on the scalp can cause symptoms on the face as well. Although it is difficult to completely cure this condition, there are several ways to relieve symptoms.
Shampoos
According to MayoClinic.com, hair should be washed regularly using fruit-based and all-natural shampoos in order to minimize scalp irritation. Sufferers can massage the hair with onion juice or vinegar, or rub a freshly cut onion on the hair prior to washing. Shampoos with coconut and yucca-based surfactants will help nourish the scalp and relieve dryness and itchiness. Birch can also be used to soothe itchiness and scalp sores. The bark of the birch tree should be boiled, then applied to the scalp after cooling and straining the mixture.
Oil Treatments
Sufferers can periodically -- once every three or four days -- apply olive oil to the scalp. Hemp oil and lavender are effective in nourishing and moisturizing the scalp as well. According to the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology," tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents which can prevent infections and reduce inflammation. Flax seed oil and other products with omega-3 fatty acids can be added to a daily diet.
Healthy Diet
Eczema sufferers should avoid food products that can irritate the skin and cause additional problems and discomfort related to the disorder. According to MayoClinic.com, seborrheic dermatitis has been directly linked to yeast in the body. Therefore, sufferers should avoid bread products, refined sugars and saturated fats, as these encourage yeast growth. A healthy diet should include foods rich in vitamin B, such as bananas, soybeans, avocados, leafy vegetables and nuts. To regulate oil activity produced by the seborrheic glands, sufferers should also consume foods rich in zinc, including eggs yolks, fish and whole grains. Fiber can also help treat eczema of the scalp.
