Scalp Skin Disorders
The skin of the scalp is different from the rest of the skin on the body in that it is rich in oils produced by the sebaceous glands to keep the hair looking shiny and healthy. Many elements affect the skin of the scalp, including sunlight, excessive heat, the cold, harsh hair treatments, over-shampooing and frequent dyeing. All these elements and treatments take their toll on the scalp.
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Pityriasis Capitis
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Pityriasis capitis, or dandruff, is the most common affliction of the scalp; it is unpleasant and unsightly, and evident as small white flakes of dead skin that show up on clothing. The flakes are due to excessive shedding of dead skin cells. Dandruff treatment shampoos such as Head and Shoulders and Sebbix are widely available to rid the sufferer of this embarrassing scalp disorder. Dandruff sufferers are usually under 20 years old, the reason for this being that the sebaceous glands are more active in the under-20 age group (see "Additional Resources," below).
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
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Seborrhoeic dermatitis is usually confined to the scalp, presenting itself as white or yellow scales, or lumps that attach themselves to hair follicles. Soreness or bleeding may result if the lumps are picked off, and are likely to return no matter how hard the scalp is scrubbed during washing. Small brown bumps are sometimes seen instead of scales. Seborrhoeic dermatitis affects more men than women; additionally, seborrhoeic dermatitis is seen more frequently in the 30-to-60 age group (see "Additional Resources," below).
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Cradle Cap
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Babies may suffer a hard, scaly, brown scalp ailment known as cradle cap during their first months of life. Cradle cap is a form of dandruff, although it is unknown why the condition occurs (see "Additional Resources," below). Oiling the baby's scalp with baby oil and scrubbing it gently will gradually remove the unsightly crust. Keeping the baby's head oiled may prevent the crust from returning.
Seborrhoeic Eczema
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Seborrhoeic eczema consists of reddening of the scalp accompanied by itching and irritation. People with unusually greasy scalps tend to suffer from seborrhoeic eczema more frequently than those with dry to normal scalps. Medicated shampoos may temporarily ease the complaint, which, if persistent, may need stronger treatment from a doctor.
Impetigo
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Impetigo is usually seen in school-age children and may affect the face as well as the scalp. Impetigo is a bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria (see "Additional Resources," below), and is highly contagious. Impetigo presents itself similar to a gravel rash with weeping sores. Children infected with impetigo should be kept home from school to prevent the spread of the skin disorder.
Ringworm
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Ringworm may be contracted anywhere, especially from sheep and other farm animals. Highly contagious, ringworm may be caught through infected clothing and towels and by the sharing of hair-care items. Ringworm of the scalp may not be noticeable at first as the hair covers the small fungal rings. As the infection spreads, however, hair will not grow in its place, resulting in bald patches. Ringworm, which is not a worm but a fungal infection like athlete's foot, may be treated with antifungal cream available from any pharmacy or supermarket. Apply the antifungal cream to the affected parts of the scalp twice a day. If the rings do not clear up with antifungal treatment within a month, a doctor's prescription may be needed.
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