What are the treatment options for scalp eczema when body treatments aren't working?
It's common for scalp eczema to need different treatment than eczema on other parts of the body. The scalp has unique characteristics that may require specialized approaches.
For scalp eczema, medicated shampoos are typically the first-line Show Full Answer
What are the treatment options for scalp eczema when body treatments aren't working?
It's common for scalp eczema to need different treatment than eczema on other parts of the body. The scalp has unique characteristics that may require specialized approaches.
For scalp eczema, medicated shampoos are typically the first-line treatment. Look for shampoos containing these active ingredients:
- Ketoconazole (antifungal)
- Ciclopirox (antifungal)
- Selenium sulfide (antifungal)
- Coal tar
- Salicylic acid
- Zinc pyrithione
- Corticosteroids
It's best to rotate between two or more different medicated shampoos to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.
If over-the-counter shampoos don't help, prescription options may include higher concentrations of these ingredients or additional medications like roflumilast. Some prescription treatments come as lotions, foams, gels, or creams that you apply between shampoos, or even oral medications.
A MyEczemaTeam member shared success with alternating products: "The tar shampoo, alternating days with Smart Skin Eczema treatment, is having a positive effect on my scalp eczema; no more itching and sores are slowly disappearing."
Before trying new treatments, get a formal diagnosis from a dermatologist since scalp eczema can look like other conditions.
March 4
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