Psoriasis or eczema of the scalp: How to tell them apart?
Publié le 24-03-2023 et mis à jour le 15-10-2024
If you experience itchy , red , or scaly scalp , you may have psoriasis or eczema . These skin conditions can be difficult to tell apart, but it's important to know how to recognize them so you can get the right treatment. In this article, we look at the differences between scalp psoriasis and eczema, including their symptoms , causes , and treatments .
I. What is psoriasis?
1. Symptoms of psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, but can also affect the scalp.
Symptoms ofscalp psoriasiscan vary depending on the severity of the disease. The most common form ofscalp psoriasisis plaque psoriasis, which appears as red, scaly patches on thehead strong> scalp.
These patches may be itchy and painful . Silvery scales that slough off the skin may accumulate on the scalp and be visible on clothing. Scalp crusts may also be a symptom of scalp psoriasis.
Scalp psoriasis can also cause significant inflammation , which can lead to pain and a burning sensation in the scalp . Hair can become dry and brittle, which can lead to hair loss or loss of volume.
In more severe cases, scalp psoriasis can cause severe inflammation and permanent hair loss. People with scalp psoriasis may also be more prone to skin infections and folliculitis.
2. Causes of psoriasis
What are the symptoms of scalp psoriasis?
Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include red, scaly patches, itching, pain, and possible hair loss.
The exact causes of scalp psoriasis are not completely known. However, it is widely accepted that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body's immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and overgrowth of skin cells.
This excessive proliferation of cells leads to the formation of red, scaly plaques that are typical of psoriasis.
Genetic factors also play an important role in the development of scalp psoriasis. People with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop the disease.
Studies have identified several genes associated with psoriasis, suggesting that the disease is partly inherited.
Other risk factors may also contribute to the development of scalp psoriasis. Stress, skin infections, skin damage, and allergic reactions can all make psoriasis symptoms worse.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty and menopause, can also impact the development of psoriasis.
Finally, lifestyle can also play a role in the development of scalp psoriasis. Dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise can all make psoriasis symptoms worse.
3. Psoriasis, natural solutions
Although there is no natural cure for scalp psoriasis, there are several options to help reduce symptoms and improve the health of your scalp >. Natural solutions can help to calm inflammation and itching, hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of plaques.
One of the natural solutions for scalp psoriasis is the use of essential oils.
Essential oils such as lavender oil and tea tree oil can help relieve itching and inflammation. These oils can be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and then massaged into the scalp to help reduce symptoms.
Diet can also play an important role in combating scalp psoriasis.
Foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, nuts and seeds can help reduce inflammation in the body. Avoid processed foods, sugar and refined carbohydrates, as they can make symptoms worse.
Finally, stress can make scalp psoriasis symptoms worse, so it's important to take time to relax and reduce stress. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve overall skin health.
Although scalp psoriasis is a chronic condition, there are natural solutions to help relieve symptoms and improve the health of your scalp. Essential oils, diet and stress management are natural options to consider. It's important to talk to your doctor before trying natural remedies for scalp psoriasis to avoid interactions with other treatments.
II. What is eczema?
L'eczema of the scalp is a common condition that can cause bothersome and uncomfortable symptoms.
What are the possible causes of scalp eczema?
Causes of scalp eczema include genetic factors, allergies, stress, infections and the use of certain hair products.
1. Symptoms of eczema
Symptoms of scalp eczema can vary from person to person, but the most common are intense itching , redness , scaling , crusting , pimples on the scalp , patches , pain , and hair loss .
Itchingis one of the most common symptoms of scalp eczema and can cause significant irritation. Rednessis also common and can be localized or widespread on the scalp. scalesare patches of dry skin that shed from the scalp, while scabs can be dry and thick or wet and sticky. Red, scaly patches may also appear on the scalp, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment.
In some cases, scalp eczema can also cause pain or burning sensations, and if the condition is left untreated, it can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
2. Causes of eczema
Scalp Eczema is a common skin condition that can be caused by several different factors. The causes of scalp eczema can vary from person to person, but here are some of the most common causes:
- Genetics: Studies have shown that scalp eczemacan be caused by genetic factors. If you have a family history of eczema, you are more likely to develop this condition.
- Hair Products: Using certain hair products, such as shampoos, hair dyes, and styling products, can cause or worsenscalp eczema. Some ingredients in these products may irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
- Allergies: Food or environmental allergies can cause scalp eczema in some people. Common allergens include foods, chemicals, dust mites and dust.
- Stress: Emotional stress can cause or worsen scalp eczema. Stress can affect the immune system, increasing the risk of developing eczema.
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as psoriasis, asthma and allergies, can increase the risk of developing scalp eczema.
- Climate: Climate changes can cause scalp eczema in some people. Cold, dry temperatures can dry out the skin, which can make eczema worse.
- Infections: Fungal and bacterial infections can cause scalp eczema in some people. These infections can cause skin inflammation and itching.
These causes can be combinedand interact with each other to cause scalp eczema.
3. Eczema, natural solutions
There are several natural solutions that can help treat scalp eczema. While these natural remedies aren't a miracle cure, they can help relieve symptoms and prevent eczema flare-ups. Here are some of the most common natural solutions:
- Essential Oils: Essential oils can help relieve inflammation and itching of the scalp. Certain essential oils, such as lavender oil, tea tree oil, and rosemary oil, can help reduce inflammation and relieve itching.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel can help reduce inflammation and hydrate the skin. It can be applied directly to the scalp to help relieve itching and reduce redness.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is another popular natural remedy for scalp eczema. Coconut oil can help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. It can be applied directly to the scalp and left on for a few hours before washing out.
- Diet: Some research suggests that diet may play a role in scalp eczema. Certain foods, such as dairy products, eggs, and nuts, may worsen eczema symptoms in some people. On the other hand, other foods, such as fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation.
- Stress reduction: Stress can make scalp eczema worse in some people. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress and improve skin health.
- Use gentle and natural shampoos and avoid products that contain too many allergens.
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Avoid very hot water, and rinse your hair with lukewarm water so as not to irritate the cuticle.
How does stress affect the scalp?
Stress can cause itching, burning, and crusting of the scalp, worsening conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
III. Food supplements to treat eczema and psoriasis
In addition to topical treatments, it is highly recommended to nourish your scalp from the inside with hair care supplements. In fact, external treatments only cover 20% of the skin layer and therefore only the epidermis. To reach the remaining 80%, you have to act from within. This is an action that only food supplements can perform.
Hair is composed of nearly 95% keratin , a protein naturally synthesized by the body from sulfur amino acids, B vitamins and minerals. It is essential to maintain good blood circulation in the micro-vessels and to soothe the scalp from the inside by providing all of these active ingredients.
Our range of hair food supplements brings together different formulas to combat scalp problems and their causes.
It is at the heart of the scalp that the delivery of nutrients and oxygen necessary for hair growth takes place.
THE Detox Microcirculation is a plant-based formula that promotes the elimination of toxins, revives blood circulation and facilitates the delivery of essential nutrients to the heart of the bulb to prevent oily dandruff, itching and excess sebum.
Omega-3s from our Absolute Omega 3 help reduce inflammation of very dry scalp. For healthy hair fiber and shiny hair, our Shoot Complex deeply nourishes the hair bulb by providing it with a high dose of all the active ingredients constituting the keratin.
Zinc Absolute provides a high dose of zinc, a trace mineral that guarantees a healthy scalp and has soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits to calm irritated scalp.
The two other formulas to favor for eczema are: Soothed Skin Complex and Absolu Probioderme .
- Our Soothed Skin Complex , rich in SOD, protects the dermis from external aggressions, prevents cells from becoming damaged and soothes the itching and redness caused by eczema, regardless of its type.
- Absolu Probioderme contains different strains of skin-derived probiotics that restore the pH of the epidermis, and reduce the marks left by skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are essential to our microcosm throughout our body. Our gut has one, but so does our skin. The skin must be equipped with good bacteria to be healthy and balanced.
Just as hydroalcoholic gels kill all the bacteria present on the skin of the hands and often dry them out, certain hair care products attack the scalp, dry it out, kill the good bacteria, then the scalp is no longer protected. Symptoms of hair eczema most often appear at this time.
To integrate your hair care routine with your food supplements, choose a moisturizing shampoo without surfactants, limit heat sources, space out shampoos as much as possible, and massage your scalp using light circular movements.
What essential oils are recommended for scalp psoriasis?
Essential oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil are recommended for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
How Does Diet Affect Psoriasis and Scalp Eczema?
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation, while processed foods can make symptoms worse.
