Scalp Conditions
Most people at some point in the life suffers with some kind of dry scalp problem. Scalp conditions can develop for many reasons. An illness can set it off, immune system deficiencies, dietary changes, reaction to hair products or other chemicals in the environment, even hormonal changes. The good news is that following an accurate diagnosis the solution can be relatively simple, left untreated other conditions can develop. Some of the more common scalp conditions are detailed below.
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis often begins on scalp or elbows with circular, coin-shaped areas of uniform darker/ redder skin clearly differing in colour from adjacent normal coloured skin.
These areas are covered with dry white, adherent scales, which can sometimes be quite dense. These scales not easily removed but if they are, then coarse lined skin with bleeding points can be seen underneath them.
Psoriasis rarely covers the whole scalp but can overlap the hairline. It is rarely seen on children under the age of three years.
Seborrhoeic Eczema:
Signs of Seborrhoeic Eczema
- Fine white flakes to greasy yellow scales over dull red moist scalp.
- Can affects the whole scalp, ears and front hairline.
- Symptoms include moderate to intense itching.
Ringworm:
Signs of Ringworm
- Small round patches of baldness with brittle, whitish dull hairs and scale.
- Affects trunk as small round rings growing and healing from center.
- Whole scalp may become involved.
- Infected hairs may be buried under heaps of scales.
- Hair brittle, dry, lusterless.
- Mild itching
Please note: Ringworm is highly contagious, contact with others should be avoided.
Acne Nectrotica Milliaris:
Signs of Acne
- The signs of acne necrotica miliaris are one to several very small, yellow pustules throughout the frontal and pattern area of the scalp. The pustules are often scratched away leaving small-crusted lesions. These eventually heal leaving tiny scars.
- The pattern area can be afflicted by these small pinpoint scars and can be quite difficult to see without a magnifying lamp. Acne necrotica often affects people suffering from seborrhoea oleosa and pattern loss, which is why it is often missed or diagnosed as seborrhoeic eczema.
Pityriasis Amiantacea:
Signs of Pityriasis Amiantacea
- One or many areas of scaling built up along the hair shaft most often situated at the crown area. Eczematous reaction of scalp to trauma, infection, or idiopathic.
- Thick asbestos-like scales firmly adhering to scalp and along hair shaft like tiles on a roof.
- Rarely covers the whole scalp.
- Symptoms include itching and soreness to the area preceding the condition.
Maintaining a Clean & Healthy Scalp
You want longer, healthier hair? Perhaps you should look into how well you're treating your scalp. Here are a few thoughts to take into account.
- Taking supplements can help hair growth. Adding a supplement with the right balance of vitamins can help you achieve maximum lengths. Look for a formula made for hair, skin, and nails that has biotin, selenium, silica, vitamins B, C, and E, iron, and omega-3.
Hair and nails grow at a faster rate during the warmer months. - Birth control could stop your hair from thinning. High levels of testosterone in women can actually lead to excess shedding; contraceptives regulate the hormones to help with hair loss. If you notice your hair is thinning but you don't see shedding, it's time to make a trichologist appointment as this could be a sign of female-pattern thinning. It's also wise to get a thyroid check.
- Your hair is affected by what you eat. If you suffer from a dry scalp, try incorporating more omega-3 and fish oils into your diet. Vegans should also make sure to supplement their diet with protein and iron for maximum hair health.
- Getting your hair colored shouldn't tingle. A lot of people who have scalp problems don't even know it. If a women feels a tingling during the course of having a colour or some other process applied there is a possibility that your scalp is very dry, and it will only worsen over time which can lead to dandruff, inflammation, unhealthy hair follicles, and, potentially, hair loss. Tell your stylist if you feel tingling.
- Use the right shampoo. There are a bewildering array of shampoos on the market. It is always good practice to use a shampoo that has been matched to your scalp type, particularly if you have some form of scalp condition. Your hairdresser or a qualified trichologist will be happy to advise you on an appropriate shampoo. Always avoid using your fingernails when washing your hair.
DHT is happy to advise our clients on healthy scalp and hair habits and the products they use . . . please ask.