Beware of scalp inflammation in children with atopic dermatitis

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Truong Thanh Tam - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

1. Inflammation of the scalp in children with atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is one of the most common dermatological diseases. Eczema usually appears on the face, hands, feet, areas with folds, sometimes on the whole body. In addition to these sites, eczema affecting the scalp is a seborrheic dermatitis, which people commonly refer to as dandruff. This is the most common form of eczema that affects the scalp and causes scalp inflammation.

Scalp inflammation can last for many years. In children, scalp inflammation is common in children under 3 months of age and the disease can be resolved by the time the child is 6-12 months old. However, the disease can recur when the child reaches puberty.

2. Causes of scalp inflammation

Currently, the cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Much of the disease is related to the growth of a fungus called Malassezia. In addition, some of the following factors are thought to increase the risk of disease onset:
An oily, sweaty scalp. Due to heredity, family members have skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, scalp inflammation or children themselves have allergic diseases such as allergic asthma, eczema, ... Having diseases that weaken the system such as HIV, organ transplant surgery. Having neurological problems such as growth retardation, stress, depression, insomnia, Parkinson's disease. Due to the changing seasons, dryness, exposure to stimulants...

3. Symptoms of children with scalp inflammation

Dandruff is a typical symptom of scalp inflammation , which are white, fine, powdery scales on the scalp. Inflamed areas of skin may be red, causing itching. Severe manifestations are thick, greasy, sticky, wide, diffuse and difficult scaly patches of skin at the tip.

4. Treatment of scalp inflammation in children with atopic dermatitis

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be effectively controlled, but the disease cannot be completely cured. Even so, treatments can help reduce scabs and reduce itching.

4.1 General treatment regimen for scalp inflammation

Remove scales with drugs such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, propylene glycol, urea. Treat Malassezia and other fungi topically with topical medications or shampoos such as ciclopirox, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide. Reduce local inflammation with mild corticosteroids for 1 to 3 weeks.

4.2 Treatment of scalp inflammation according to the degree

Depending on the severity and condition of the scalp inflammation, the treatment will vary.
Mild cases: Use topical medications containing mild corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, relieve itching, stop flaking, and relieve irritation. Severe cases: Mild corticosteroids can help ease inflammation in itchy, red, and flaky skin. However, corticosteroids are not used for long periods of time. Instead, a non-corticosteroid topical medication that suppresses the immune system, such as calcineurin, can be used over the long term. Very severe cases: Use oral antifungal drugs that cause scalp inflammation, antibiotics. Scalp dermatitis in children with atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, oily skin. It causes inflammation, itching, and redness with thick, scaly patches of skin on the head.

At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package of examination and advice on treatment of atopic dermatitis to help customers assess the overall condition of the disease and advise on measures to help prevent recurrence.
When registering for a package of examination and consultation for treatment of atopic dermatitis, customers will receive: Dermatology specialist examination. Perform tests such as: quantitative IgE, fresh mycobacteria, specific IgE quantification with respiratory allergens - food (Panel 1 Viet), test Rida Allergy Screen (panel 1)...

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.