What should you know about eczema hair loss?

Inflamed scalp skin can itch, flake and become tender. Repeated scratching may pull hairs out or damage the surface around follicles. Hair can also snap when scale is lifted or when irritated hair is brushed aggressively. This does not explain every pattern of hair loss: smooth round patches, a scaly spreading area, a receding hairline or diffuse shedding may point to alopecia areata, scalp ringworm, traction alopecia, pattern hair loss or telogen effluvium. The appearance and timing help guide the examination.

Use a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Avoid picking scale, tight hairstyles, extensions, chemical processing and high heat until the scalp settles. A cool compress may ease itch briefly; keep nails short to reduce scratching damage. Do not apply steroid, antifungal or hair-growth products to an inflamed scalp without advice, because the correct treatment depends on the diagnosis. Take a clear photograph if the pattern changes, and note recent illness, stress, medication changes or hairstyle tension.

Arrange a dermatology assessment for patchy loss, broken hairs, scalp pain, heavy scale, pus, swollen glands or shedding that continues. Seek prompt care if the scalp becomes rapidly swollen, very tender or develops spreading redness. A clinician may examine the follicles and scalp, look for infection, and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Ask whether inflammation, scratching, infection or another hair-loss condition best fits the pattern, whether a scalp treatment is suitable, and how to protect regrowth while symptoms heal.