If you have eczema, know that you are not alone; it affects approximately 31.6 million individuals in the United States. “Eczema is a disorder in which a genetic variant impairs the skin’s capacity to protect itself from outside influences such as irritants and allergens, causing the skin to become red and itchy,” says dermatologist Dr. Kautilya Shaurya of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. This redness and swelling can appear anywhere on the face or body, including the scalp.
“The most prevalent kind of scalp eczema is classified as seborrheic dermatitis,” says Riverchase Dermatology in Miami dermatologist Dr. Annie Gonzalez. It appears as scaly areas, red, irritated, itchy skin, and even flaking—2all of which are unpleasant to live with.
This is when selecting the proper shampoo comes into play. You basically have two choices. You may look for medicated solutions that contain substances like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide, all of which can help alleviate those bothersome sensations.
Alternatively, you may stay with ultra-mild, hypoallergenic solutions that will be gentle on the delicate skin and will not aggravate it more. (You might also alternate between the two.)
Here are the finest eczema shampoos that will soothe your irritated scalp.
List of The Best Shampoos For Eczema, Recommended By Dermatologists In 2023
1. Mustela Stelatopia Foam Shampoo is the best overall.
“This shampoo was initially designed for newborns and is really delicate,” Shaurya explains. With just extremely mild ingredients, it’s an excellent choice for when your scalp eczema flares up, he says. It is so soft and mild that it has been authorized by the National Eczema Association, and it is also hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. The weightless, mousse-like consistency is also appealing.
What We Like
- Hydrating
- Extremely gentle
- Formulated from plants
What We Don’t Like
- A slight residue may be left behind.
2. Dove DermaCare Scalp Anti Dandruff Shampoo is the most affordable option.
Gonzalez suggests this low-cost option: “It’s soft and healthy for the hair, and may be used virtually everyday if needed.” Nonetheless, because it contains pyrithione zinc, it is excellent for addressing the peeling and irritation linked with scalp eczema.
What We Like
- Aids in dandruff removal
- Hair is smoothed
- It relieves itching scalp.
What We Don’t Like
- Sulfates are present.
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3. Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is the best fragrance-free shampoo.
Zinc is an important mineral that is required for a variety of healthy biological processes, such as immune system stimulation, wound healing, and DNA/protein production and growth. It has been demonstrated to help in wound healing and regeneration, as well as protect the skin by deflecting UV radiation when applied topically.
This shampoo falls between medicated and mild eczema shampoos. While it contains 2% pyrithione zinc, it is devoid of typical chemical irritants such as scent, which can aggravate scalp eczema, according to Gonzalez. Parabens, dyes, and sulfates are also not permitted.
What We Like
- Formula that works
- Removes accumulation
What We Don’t Like
- It might be hydrating.
4. Wild Naturals Eczema Psoriasis Shampoo and Conditioner
Aloe vera is a naturally occurring substance that is recognized for its soothing and hydrating effects. The inner gel mucilage of the aloe plant (the portion utilized in skin care products) is 99.5 percent water.
This pair is particularly developed with a pH of 5.5 to maintain a healthy moisture balance on your scalp. It’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, which Shaurya believes are crucial qualities to seek for in an eczema shampoo. It’s also worth noting that the shampoo contains no water. Instead, it starts with skin-soothing organic aloe vera and ends with healing manuka honey.
What We Like
- pH equilibrium
- It will not aggravate a delicate scalp.
- Formulation is gentle and clean.
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
5. DHS Zinc Shampoo is ideal for flaking.
Use this flake-fighter to get rid of scaliness. “It includes zinc pyrithione, which has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial characteristics that help cure and prevent eczema,” Shaurya says. It’s also a popular favorite on Amazon, with many pleased users praising how effectively it helps to treat not just flakes but also itching.
What We Like
- It relieves itching scalp.
- Priced reasonably
- Aids in dandruff removal
6. Philip Kingsley Flaky Scalp Cleansing Shampoo is the best itching shampoo.
Is there anything more vexing than itching skin? We don’t think so. Gonzalez claims that the use of piroctone olamine, an anti-microbial aimed to relieve both itch and peeling, can help you quit scratching. She also praises it for being gentle on color-treated hair, but it does include scent.
What We Like
- It relieves itching scalp.
- Fruity, fresh smell
- It is suitable for daily usage.
What We Don’t Like
- Sulfates are present.
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7. Head & Shoulders Royal Oils Moisture Boost Shampoo is ideal for curly hair.
Treating scalp eczema when you have curls might be more difficult; curly hair is inherently drier than straight hair since the oils produced by your scalp have a harder time making their way down the hair shaft. Gonzalez recommends this sudser for coarse, coiled hair since it adds moisture without stripping and yet contains pyrithione zinc to heal the scalp.
What We Like
- Moisturizing
- Tropical scent
- Removes accumulation
What to Look For In an Eczema Shampoo?
A Medicated Formula
One that contains zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide, active compounds that can help alleviate eczema symptoms including itching and flaking.
A Very Gentle Formula
If your eczema is severe or you don’t want a medicated alternative, go with mild, hypoallergenic formulations that won’t aggravate your already stressed-out scalp. (One crucial condition is always fragrance-free.)
FAQ
Can shampoo aggravate eczema?
Certain shampoos might aggravate eczema. Eczema is caused by allergic responses and skin sensitivity in certain persons. If this is the case, you should opt for a shampoo made for sensitive skin. Medicated shampoos designed expressly for treating eczema may be beneficial, but they may also be overly harsh. Choose the finest option for you based on how your scalp reacts.
What is the finest shampoo for someone with eczema?
If you have this skin issue, you should use eczema-specific shampoo. Use a shampoo containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide. If your scalp is extremely sensitive, you should avoid medicated shampoos. Instead, choose a soft formula or a moderate formula with a medicated one kept for special occasions.
What can I use to treat scalp eczema?
Look for eczema shampoo and conditioner particularly developed for persons with eczema. These can include therapeutic treatments containing zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, and selenium sulfide, as well as soothing, non-irritating products that can assist to soothe angry, inflamed skin.
Which one you select is determined on the cause of your eczema and how your skin reacts. Seek individualized guidance from a dermatologist.
If you have eczema, should you wash your hair every day?
If you have eczema, washing your hair every day may aggravate it, especially if your hair products are unpleasant. Reduce your washing frequency to every two to three days and use an eczema-specific shampoo or a non-irritating type with chemicals such amino acids that can help heal the skin.
