Aug. 27, 2020 | People typically scratch their heads when they are puzzled or dealing with a difficult situation. Maybe it’s out of frustration, or maybe it’s something more. Dandruff is one of a number of scalp conditions that can cause one to scratch their head. While it isn’t contagious or serious, dandruff can be embarrassing and difficult to treat. It can be caused by irritated, oily skin, dry skin, by not shampooing enough or by a yeast-like fungus that feeds on the oils on the scalps of most adults. Almost anyone can have dandruff, which usually begins in young adulthood and continues through middle age. For some people, the problem can be lifelong. The symptoms include skin flakes on the scalp, eyebrows or shoulders and an itchy scalp. Most cases can be treated with a gentle daily shampoo, but it that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo may be necessary. Consult a physician if the condition doesn’t improve with regular use of an over-the-counter shampoo.

Aug. 27, 2020 | Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin disease that can cause the skin to have a reddish color, to appear swollen or greasy or yellowish and crusty. When it occurs on infants, a condition known as cradle cap, scaly, greasy patches form on the baby’s scalp. The patches can become thick and crusty, but they are harmless. Cradle cap usually goes away on its own within a few months. When an adult gets seborrheic dermatitis, the condition can come and go for the rest of the person’s life. Flare-ups are common when the weather turns cold and dry. Stress also can trigger a flare-up. Unlike other scalp conditions, it’s not caused by poor personal hygiene. Many factors seem to work together to cause seborrheic dermatitis. These factors may include the yeast that normally lives on our skin, our genes, stress and a person’s overall health. Treatment usually involves a medicated shampoo and medicine to apply to the skin for short periods of time.

Aug. 27, 2020 | Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection also known as tinea capitis. Fungi are germs that can live on the dead tissue of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers. Ringworm of the scalp is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. The fungi grow well in warm, moist areas. A tinea infection is more likely if you have had a minor skin or scalp injury, if you don’t bathe or wash your hair often or if you have wet skin for a long time, such as from sweating.  Ringworm can spread easily. It most often affects children and goes away at puberty. However, it can occur at any age. You can catch it if you come into direct contact with an area of ringworm on someone else’s body. You can also get it if you touch items such as combs, hats or clothing that have been used by someone with ringworm. The infection can also be spread by pets, particularly cats. Ringworm on the scalp usually needs to be treated with a prescription antifungal taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months.

Aug. 27, 2020 | Scalp psoriasis shares many of the same symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, such as red, scaly skin. But in most cases, the scales of psoriasis are thicker and somewhat drier in appearance than are the scales of seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis has more of a tendency to extend beyond the hairline. In addition, psoriasis usually affects more than one area of the body. If you have scalp psoriasis, you may also have mild psoriasis on your elbows, knees, hands or feet or may notice subtle nail changes, such as pitting. Some of the signs of scalp psoriasis include itching, soreness and red skin covered with flakes or scales. Scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp share some similar treatments, including medicated shampoos and topical corticosteroid or antifungal solutions. Scalp psoriasis is often persistent and more difficult to treat and additional treatments, such as phototherapy, may be required to bring it under better control.

Aug. 27, 2020 | Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles, the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. The infection can spread and turn into non-healing, crusty sores. Certain types of folliculitis are known as hot tub rash or barber’s itch. Folliculitis is most often caused by an infection of hair follicles with Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, bacteria. Folliculitis may also be caused by viruses, fungi and even an inflammation from ingrown hairs. Follicles are densest on your scalp, and they occur everywhere on your body except your palms, soles, lips and mucous membranes. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring. If you have a mild case, it’ll likely clear in a few days with basic self-care measures. For more serious or recurring folliculitis, you may need to see a doctor for prescription medicine.