Scalp eczema is called seborhhoeic eczema or seborhhoeic dermatitis. Seborhhoeic is often spelled seborhheic. This occurrence of seborhhoeic dermatitis is not restricted to the scalp. This form of eczema can affect other oily parts of the body including the eyebrows, nose, and corners of the eyelids. It can also occur in the armpits, chest, and upper back.

Like with many types of eczema, the exact cause is unknown, but many medical professionals suspect that it is caused by excessive amounts of malassezia. Malassezia is a type of yeast that is naturally found on human skin. Under normal conditions, it does not cause problems. However, certain conditions can cause the yeast to multiply to problematic levels. Scalps that are oily or greasy may be prone to seborhhoeic eczema.

This skin condition is a common form of eczema that happens during puberty. Seborhheic dermatitis can affect infants as well. Cradle cap is scalp eczema in infants that can spread to the face. If it does spread to the forehead, face, or other parts of the body, it is commonly diagnosed as seborhhoeic dermatitis.
The symptoms of seborrhhoeic dermatitis are patches of pink or red, flaking or peeling skin. Seborhheic eczema can cause dandruff. Scalp eczema and cradle cap causes crusty flesh tone or pink patches. The crusty patches of skin may flake or peel. It can cause a small patch or cover the entire scalp.

In infants, cradle cap is commonly treated with mild shampoo and mineral oil. For cradle cap treatment, the scales on the scalp are gently loosened with a soft bristle brush. After removing the scales that come off easily, the parent may apply mineral oil to the affected area. The mineral oil should be allowed to soak into the rash for a few minutes. The parent can then gently attempt to remove more of the scaly rash.

Afterwards, the baby’s scalp should be washed with a mild baby shampoo. Mineral oil left on the scalp could worsen the condition. If the condition has spread to other areas of the body, a doctor may prescribe a mild ointment for treating seborrheic eczema.

In adults, cases of scalp eczema are often treated with special shampoo. There are over-the-counter shampoos designed to treat seborrheic dermatitis. These over-the-counter scalp eczema treatments contain ketoconazole, tar, pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid. If the condition persists, a doctor or dermatologist should be consulted. For seborhheic dermatitis on areas of the body other than the scalp, over-the-counter antifungal ointment may alleviate the symptoms. Immunomodulators like Protopic and Elidel are sometimes prescribed for seborrheic eczema.