SEBORRHEIC ECZEMA
Everyone knows eczema, these small reddish patches that are swollen and covered with dead skin on the surface. They are often seen on the faces of babies, as 25% of children have them. Fortunately, these plaques tend to disappear over time. Eczema also appears in the folds of the neck, arms, legs, knees, wrists, on the hands, face and scalp. Eczema is caused by a dysregulation of the immune system. It is a chronic, recurrent, persistent and non-contagious inflammatory disease. In most cases, it is a hereditary disease associated with asthma, allergies and allergic rhinitis.
Several factors can aggravate eczema, including irritants (soap, perfume, detergent, hair product), allergens (mites, pollen, animal hair), rough fabrics (wool, carpet, synthetic fibers), emotions ( stress, anxiety, frustration), certain foods (food additives, citrus fruits, wheat, strawberries, dairy products, nuts, soy), heat, hot baths, sweat, low humidity.
Furthermore, few people know about contact eczema , a condition widely spread in hairdressing-related professions. This eczema is caused by hypersensitivity to external allergens and by repeated exposure of the hands to products such as shampoos, hairsprays, dyes. Hands become swollen, thick, scaly and cracked. It is possible to resolve this problem by protecting your hands with cotton gloves, covered with rubber gloves. You should also dry them completely after washing and use an unscented emollient cream several times a day.
Hairdressers also experience another form of eczema, this time present on the faces and heads of their clients: seborrheic eczema . This condition affects 3% of the population. Men between 18 and 40 years old seem to be affected more often. Although it is a benign condition, seborrheic eczema can be unsightly in the areas of the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nose, ears, or mustache or beard.
Seborrheic eczema is an inflammatory skin disease. It manifests itself as red patches covered with fatty, yellowish scales. These patches can cause itching associated with a burning sensation. The affected areas are particularly rich in sebaceous glands or keratin.
In any case, if you suffer from this condition, ask your hairdresser or trichologist to carry out a hair analysis. This way, you will obtain a diagnosis and recommendations for care and products adapted to your condition.
Article published in Le P'tit journal de Woburn