Eczema: what hair care solutions are available?
Many atopic patients can use hair care products without any problem.
Nonetheless, if the scalp becomes itchy, it is important to investigate the potential cause.
Shampoo
There are no specific guidelines for washing hair. It is preferable to opt for a fragrance-free shampoo; however, it is important to be aware that certain "gentle" foaming agents are often used, such as cocamidopropyl-betaine, which pose a high allergy risk in atopic patients.
Hair color treatments and color removal products
These products also present an allergy risk, but it is no greater in atopic patients than non-atopic patients.
"Detangling" agents
These products are always scented. Furthermore, they sometimes contain protein hydrolysates, (mainly from wheat), that are likely to provoke severe allergies.
Hairspray
Hairspray has the disadvantage of being both scented and in spray form, and is therefore likely to come into contact with the skin or respiratory tracts.
What about other styling and sculpting products?
Fixing gels, creams or other oils are a good alternative because they have the benefit of not coming into contact with the skin.
