Summary
Seborrhoeic eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that commonly affects the scalp and other naturally oily areas of the skin. It can cause persistent flaking, itching, redness, soreness and white or yellowish scale. At my Shuna Hammocks Trichology clinic in Forest Row, I examine your scalp closely, consider other conditions that may look similar, discuss your medical and family health, diet, supplements and explain what may be contributing to your individual symptoms.
Trichological Assessment for Scalp Conditions: Focus on Seborrhoeic Eczema located in Sussex
An itchy or flaky scalp can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, particularly when flakes are visible in the hair or on clothing.
Many people who come to see me describe their problem as dandruff or a dry scalp. Sometimes the appearance is straightforward, but many scalp conditions can be present.
As a Consultant Trichologist, my approach is holistic and individual. I listen to how your symptoms developed, examine the scalp carefully and explain what I can see rather than relying on the word “dandruff” alone.
What Is Seborrhoeic Dermatitis?
This is an inflammatory condition that tends to affect areas of the skin with more sebaceous, or oil-producing, glands. On the scalp, it can range from relatively mild flaking to more obvious inflammation, itching and scale. It may also appear around the eyebrows, sides of the nose, ears, hairline and, in some people, the chest or other oily areas of the body.
A naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia appears to play a role. It uses lipids naturally present in sebum and releases fatty-acid by-products, including oleic acid, which can irritate the skin barrier in susceptible people and contribute to inflammation and flaking.
Signs and Symptoms
Seborrhoeic dermatitis does not look or feel exactly the same for everyone.
You may notice:
- White or yellowish flakes
- Redness or changes in skin colour
- Persistent itching
- Tenderness or soreness
- Greasy-looking scale
- Flaking around the hairline, eyebrows or ears
- Symptoms that settle and then reoccur
Can this scalp condition affect the hair?
Seborrhoeic eczema primarily affects the scalp skin rather than being a hair-loss condition. However, some patients notice shedding alongside itching, inflammation or ongoing scalp problems.
If your hair density is reducing or shedding has become significant, I also look for signs of another hair-loss condition that may be occurring alongside the scalp problem.
This distinction is particularly important where there is obvious thinning, unusual breakage or localised patches of hair loss.
How Shuna Hammocks (MIT, MRSM) Assesses Scalp Conditions
Your consultation at my Forest Row clinic begins with understanding what has been happening and how the condition is affecting you.
I consider when the symptoms began, whether they come and go, your general health, medication, stress, hair-washing routine, products you use and whether you have noticed any changes in your hair.
I then examine the scalp closely, using magnification or dermoscopy where appropriate. I look at:
- The type of scale and how it is distributed across the scalp.
- Inflammation and irritation, including redness, soreness or changes in the skin.
- The hair itself, particularly where shedding or changes in density are also a concern.
- Other possible conditions, for example, psoriasis as a differential diagnosis.
A Patient’s Experience
Miss R came to see me after experiencing hair shedding and scalp concerns for several years. She initially wondered whether colouring her hair had caused the problem and had previously been told that stress might explain the changes.
After taking a detailed history and examining her hair and scalp, seborrhoeic eczema formed part of the wider picture. She also had other health and hormonal factors affecting her hair.
What she particularly valued was being listened to and having someone available when she had questions or noticed changes.
Her experience is individual, but it illustrates something I see regularly: scalp symptoms and hair shedding do not always have one simple explanation, which is why looking at the whole picture is important.
Why Choose Shuna Hammocks Trichology?
I am Shuna Hammocks, MIT, MRSM, a Consultant Trichologist and Member of the Institute of Trichologists, Registration Number 10060.
I have over 25 years of clinical experience and regularly see patients concerned about itching, flaking, inflammation, scalp discomfort and associated changes in their hair.
My approach is thorough, straightforward and holistic. I take time to understand your symptoms and wider history, helping you gain a clearer understanding of what may be happening.
My clinic is based in Forest Row, with patients visiting from East Grinstead, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Uckfield, Crowborough, Brighton, Horsham and Tunbridge Wells, as well as surrounding areas across East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent and Surrey.
Book a Consultation in Sussex
If your scalp is persistently flaky, itchy, sore or inflamed, or what you have assumed is dandruff keeps returning, an individual assessment can help clarify what is happening.
You do not need to know what scalp condition you have before coming to see me. Establishing the pattern is part of your consultation.
Consultations are available in-person at my Forest Row clinic or virtually online.
Address: Willow Treatments Suite, Lower Road, Forest Row, RH18 5HE (Find us on Google)
Phone: 07860 387332
Email: shuna@sussextrichology.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions – Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Is seborrhoeic eczema also known as dandruff?
Dandruff is a common term used for scalp flaking. Seborrhoeic eczema is a more inflammatory form that may include redness, irritation and scale.
Is seborrhoeic eczema caused by poor hygiene?
No, it is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious. But frequent washing will help.
Why does this keep coming back?
Seborrheic eczema can flare and settle over time. There are different factors that contribute to flare-ups.
When should I see a trichologist about my scalp?
An assessment can be useful when itching, flaking, soreness or inflammation persists, repeatedly returns, or occurs alongside noticeable hair shedding or changes in density.
Content Reference
- Research Estimates Data from the National Eczema Society
- Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a GP or dermatologist. A professional assessment is essential for personalised care.
