<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "eczema": Explanation of eczema that can be seen on the scalp and face Types and symptoms of eczema on the scalp and face Main causes (factors) of scalp and facial eczema How to prevent eczema on the scalp and face How to treat eczema on the scalp and face About eczema that can appear on the scalp and face of children and babies Common problems related to scalp and facial eczema explained (Q&A) Since the head and face are visible to others, developing eczema there can be very troublesome. What kinds of diseases cause eczema on the scalp and face? We will explain in detail, under the supervision of a specialist, not only the causes, prevention, and treatment of eczema, but also eczema on the scalp and face that is specific to children and babies. Types and symptoms of eczema on the scalp and face What kinds of illnesses cause eczema on the scalp and face? We'll explain the symptoms of each condition. contact dermatitis This is a condition in which eczema appears due to irritation from contact sources or allergic reactions. Depending on the location of the irritation, it can appear anywhere on the body, not just the scalp and face, and may manifest as redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blisters. Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrheic eczema) in adults Symptoms of eczema include peeling of the stratum corneum of the skin in the affected area, redness, and peeling, often accompanied by mild itching. When it occurs on the scalp, it is often perceived as dandruff. It is commonly seen on the scalp, hairline, forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the ears, but similar eczema can also be seen on the chest, back, armpits, navel, and groin. Infant seborrheic dermatitis will be discussed in "Eczema on the Scalp and Face of Children and Babies". Atopic dermatitis (adolescence and adulthood) Atopic dermatitis can cause symptoms on the skin all over the body, but it is a disease that often affects the scalp. In addition to the arms and legs, such as the backs of the elbows and knees, where eczema is commonly seen in childhood, symptoms tend to be more pronounced on the upper body, including the face, neck, and chest, and the outer third of the eyebrows may thin. Atopic dermatitis in infants and children will be discussed in "Eczema on the Scalp and Face of Children and Babies." Main causes (factors) of scalp and facial eczema What are some of the causes of eczema on the scalp and face? We'll introduce them by disease. contact dermatitis If you experience eczema on your scalp or face, it may be caused by contact with sources such as shampoo, hair dye, hair growth products, hats, hairpins, cosmetics, medicines, sunscreen, perfume, glasses, or plants. Seborrheic dermatitis in adulthood It is thought that the causes include changes in sebum composition and secretion due to environmental factors, sweating, and vitamin B deficiencies due to poor diet. It often worsens in low-humidity environments, stress, and fatigue. Atopic dermatitis (adolescence and adulthood) The mechanisms of atopic dermatitis are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that external stimuli, in addition to factors such as impaired skin barrier function and inherent constitution, are contributing factors. External factors include dust mites, house dust, bacteria present on the skin (resident bacteria), mental stress, and humidity. Mental stress is considered a particularly important factor in the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. The causes and mechanisms of eczema are also explained in this article, so please check it out as well. Explanation of the causes and mechanisms of eczema How to prevent scalp and facial eczema What methods are there to prevent eczema on the scalp and face? We will explain each condition. contact dermatitis It is most important to get tested at a hospital to determine if you have allergies to metals, medications, plants, etc., and to avoid contact with the causative substances. Seborrheic dermatitis in adulthood To remove excess dirt and sebum, it's important to keep your scalp and face clean by using gentle soaps and shampoos for washing your face and hair. Maintaining a regular lifestyle also helps prevent this problem. Atopic dermatitis (adolescence and adulthood) As mentioned earlier, atopic dermatitis in adolescence and adulthood is often exacerbated by mental stress, so it is important to strive for a lifestyle that minimizes mental stress. This article also includes information on how to prevent eczema, so please check it out as well. Methods to prevent and alleviate eczema How to treat eczema on the scalp and face What should you do if you develop eczema on your scalp or face? We'll explain how to deal with it, broken down by condition. contact dermatitis We will eliminate contact with the causative substance, and treat any existing symptoms with ointments or antihistamines prescribed by a dermatologist. Seborrheic dermatitis in adulthood The preventative measures mentioned earlier also serve as treatment. Keep the affected area clean using soap and shampoo, and maintain a regular lifestyle. If dandruff is present due to scalp eczema, an antifungal shampoo can be effective. Depending on the condition of the affected area, a dermatologist may also prescribe a mild steroid ointment. Atopic dermatitis (adolescence and adulthood) First and foremost, it's crucial to prevent the condition from worsening in conjunction with treatment from a specialist. In addition to avoiding stress, as mentioned in the prevention section, key points include reviewing your lifestyle, such as keeping your home clean, getting enough sleep, and setting your bath water temperature lower. About eczema that can appear on the scalp and face of children and babies Up until now, we have discussed scalp and facial eczema commonly seen in adults, but there are also types of scalp and facial eczema specific to children and babies. These are described below. Lip-licking disease (tongue-licking dermatitis) This condition commonly occurs in infants and young children. It is a contact dermatitis caused by licking the area around the mouth. Saliva and food irritation are the cause. In addition to applying moisturizers, wearing a mask can also help prevent licking the area around the mouth. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants From around 2 to 4 weeks after birth, the areas where hair grows, such as the eyebrows, forehead, and around the nose, may become red, develop yellowish scabs, or develop bumps. Despite its appearance, the itching is usually mild, and it is a condition that often resolves spontaneously by 8 to 12 months of age. Atopic dermatitis (infancy and childhood) In infancy, symptoms are often seen on the head, face, and neck, areas prone to sweat and saliva. While facial symptoms often lessen with growth, as children progress, redness becomes particularly noticeable in the armpits and the inner sides of the elbows and knees (the areas that overlap when bent). Repeated scratching can cause the skin to become hard and rough. Scratching can lead to bleeding, exudate, and the formation of scabs. This is often accompanied by cracking at the base of the earlobes. Common problems related to scalp and facial eczema explained (Q&A) We'll answer some common questions about eczema on the scalp and face. If you have scalp eczema, can it be accompanied by symptoms such as headaches or aches in the head? Eczema does not cause headaches. While scratching the affected area due to itchiness can damage the skin and cause pain, this is not a headache. If you have a headache, it could be a sign of another illness, so please consult an internal medicine specialist. Even though I've been using the same cosmetics and shampoo for a long time, sometimes I'm fine, and other times my face gets itchy or I get dandruff. Lack of sleep, poor diet, and stress can disrupt the skin's barrier function, and when combined with external irritants such as cosmetics, pollen, and dust, seborrheic dermatitis can develop. While existing symptoms require appropriate treatment with medication, improving your lifestyle can also improve your skin condition. Can a two-month-old baby develop eczema on their head or face? Seborrheic dermatitis in infants can appear as early as two weeks after birth. Although not eczema, neonatal acne (neonatal acne) can also occur, with pimples appearing mainly on the cheeks during the first two months of life. This also often resolves spontaneously within eight months. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association, a director of the Japanese Society for Medical Hair Removal, and an advisor to the A-Care Association. She is a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Anti-Aging Medicine, among others. 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