So many of us spend countless hours of our life worrying over the state of our hair.Is it too dry, too curly, too straight, too frizzy, too oily? Is it time to get it cut, or to let it grow out? Should you use this product or that product to bring out its shine, or enhance its texture, or make it look thicker, or just look....better? Show
But while we may be giving loads of thought to the look of our tresses, we may be ignoring what's hiding underneath them, like the forest floor from which all lush vegetation grows: the all-important scalp. Truth is, evidence from the National Institutes of Health shows that a healthy scalp helps produce healthy hair. And as a dermatologist who has treated all of these conditions, I know that when the scalp is unhealthy, it can lead to itchy, uncomfortable rashes, bumps, flakes and even hair loss, as well as sores, red spots, and scabs. The Anatomy of the ScalpThe skin on the scalp is different than that on the rest of the body: Besides the obvious profusion of hair follicles, the scalp has more sebaceous glands — teensy glands found in hair follicles (and some hairless parts of the body as well) that release sebum, an oily substance that acts as a lubricant for hair and skin. That makes the scalp a particularly rich environment for microbes, which can bring on various problems. Of course, dandruff is the most familiar scalp condition; it's the result of a speeded-up proliferation of epidermal cells (the top layer of the skin), which then flake and create that familiar snowfall on your shoulders. But there are several more conditions of the scalp that may require medical treatment. Here, a rundown of what can lead to seven common scalp conditions, and the best ways to treat them. Note: Since it’s nearly impossible to get a good look at the top or back of your own head, it's a great idea to check in with a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough evaluation of your scalp and to come up with a treatment plan that will support a healthy head of hair. PsoriasisThis condition affects about 1 to 2% of the general population and anyone can get it, at any age. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, as many as 45% to 56% of those with psoriasis have it on their scalp. And that kind is one of the most difficult types to treat, according to Seemal Desai, M.D., F.A.A.D., clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. One way to distinguish it from dandruff: The buildup of skin cells creates scaly, patches that are dry, rather than oily. And those patches can itch, hurt, crust up and bleed. What it looks like: pink plaques with a silvery scale. On darker skin tones, the plaques may be dark red or purplish. Getty Images
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FolliculitisFolliculitis, a common skin condition, is basically inflammation of the hair follicle; it appear as little pus bumps scattered throughout the scalp that look similar to acne and can spread. The bumps can sometimes feel sore. What it looks like: scattered pus bumps. On darker skin tones, the bumps may be a dark shade of red or light purple around the periphery. Getty ImagesThe causes:
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Seborrheic DermatitisSeb derm, as most derms call it, is one of the most common scalp conditions. In babies, it's called cradle cap; in adults, it causes red, itchy patches with greasy scale or dandruff in an adult. It isn't contagious, but it's chronic. Seb derm often comes and goes with triggers such as stress and seasonal changes — it is usually worse in winter and early spring. Unlike dandruff, it can spread beyond the scalp and affect the face, nose, eyebrows, ears and chest. Dr. Desai recommends treating seborrheic dermatitis early and aggressively to avoid complications such as hair loss. What it looks like: greasy scale and dandruff flakes Getty ImagesThe cause:
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Hair lossHair loss can stem from a number of reasons; it's important that your doctor does a thorough physical to look for an underlying medical problems, so that it can be treated if found. What it looks like: anything from hair breaking or shedding, to bald spots on your scalp. Getty Images
The cause:"Hair loss can be due to a number of different factors, including genetics, medications, inflammation, hormonal abnormalities and hair fragility," says Dr. Ko. Regardless of the cause of hair loss, it can be extremely distressing. If you notice your hair breaking or shedding, or you see bald spots on your scalp, make an appointment to get evaluated by a health
care provider immediately. The provider may run blood work to evaluate for anemia, vitamin deficiency, thyroid abnormalities, irregular hormone levels and autoimmune markers. Additional causes may include:
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CystsCysts can occur on the skin, just like they can show up on other organs. The good news: Scalp cysts are common and easy to identify. They are usually bumps the size of marbles or grapes, and you can feel them when your comb or brush runs over them. If you're unsure about a bump or you can't get a good look at your scalp, that's a smart time to consult a derm. What it looks like: askin-colored or pink-red smooth bump The cause:
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RingwormAlso called tinea capitis, ringworm is a contagious fungal infection that usually happens in little kids, but occasionally adults get it too. Despite the name, no worm is involved: The condition got its name from its circular shape. The rash is usually painful and scaly, sometimes even causing enlarged lymph nodes. It also can lead to bald spots, broken hairs and black dots on the skin. What it looks like: scaly rash and bald spots Getty ImagesThe cause:
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Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)This rash is a reaction to the scalp coming into direct contact with an allergen that results in a response from the immune system—sometimes days after the contact, so it can be difficult to determine what the body is reacting to. "ACD can be painful, itchy and even oozing in some cases," says Dr. Obioha. The symptoms of a severe case can often be mistaken for infection. What it looks like: itchy redness. On darker skin tones, it may look pink, grayish, or purple The cause:
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*With additional reporting by Kaitlyn Pirie, Marisa Cohen, and Lisa Bain This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. What are the hard little bumps on my scalp?Epidermoid cysts are small, hard lumps that grow under the skin. These slow-growing cysts frequently occur on the scalp and face. They don't cause pain, and are skin-colored or yellow. A buildup of keratin below the skin is often the cause of epidermoid cysts.
How do you get rid of hard pimples on your scalp?How do you treat pimples on the scalp?. salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal Shampoo): exfoliates dead skin cells so they do not enter pores and cause acne, but less effective than benzoyl peroxide.. glycolic acid (Aqua Glycolic): helps with exfoliation and kills micro bacteria.. Why am I getting bumps on my scalp?Clogged hair follicles cause pimples on your scalp (scalp acne). Your hair follicles are the canals where your hair grows out of your skin. They could be clogged due to: A buildup of hair products like shampoo, hair gel or hairspray.
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