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Eczema is a skin disorder that causes inflammation of the skin. Swelling, dryness, redness, itching, flaking, crusting, cracking and blistering are some symptoms of this persistent skin condition. Your question probably refers to seborrhoeic eczema. This form of eczema affects the head, face and trunk of the body, where the sebaceous glands are the most active, and is closely associated with dandruff. It is believed to be caused by overactive oil glands and a yeast infection. Seborrhoeic eczema causes dry or greasy flaking of the affected areas of skin - apart from the areas mentioned earlier, it also tends to affect skin folds. It is not contagious and is rarely harmful, but consulting a dermatologist is recommended. In the case of newborns and infants, it is called cradle cap, and appears in the form of thick, crusty, yellow rash on the scalp.
In adults, this condition is caused due to genetic factors, environmental conditions and general health conditions. Stress, fatigue, pollution, weather conditions, unhygienic surroundings, obesity, and skin disorders like acne could also contribute to this eczema. Skin lesions, plaque, itching, mild redness and greasy patches of skin are characteristic of seborrhoeic eczema. In severe cases, oily, thick, yellowish-brown crusts may be accompanied by intense itching, severe inflammation and redness. This disease may also result in hair loss.
Treating this condition may take a long time and hence one should be patient. Washing your hair at least twice or thrice a week, with a medicated antifungal shampoo, is recommended to control the flaking. In severe cases, you may need to wash your hair daily. Washing your face with a mild antiseptic soap several times a day will help to decrease the oiliness and accumulation of dead skin. Increasing your intake of water will moisturize the skin, thus reducing the discomfort caused, especially by the dryness and the itching sensation. Onion is known for its antifungal properties. Massaging the scalp with onion juice before washing your hair will help to kill the yeast that aggravates seborrhoeic eczema. Exposing the scalp to some sunlight will also help in killing the yeast. Avoid fatty foods, sugar and bread which promote the development of yeast. Aloe gel is known to be beneficial in the treatment of various skin ailments. Massaging the affected area with aloe gel may prove beneficial in the treatment of seborrhoeic eczema, as it is a natural non-oily moisturizer which has a soothing effect on the skin.
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