
SCALP SKIN ISSUES
The skin is the largest and most exposed organ of the human body, so it's no surprise that many health issues manifest on the skin. It is susceptible to both physical damage and various diseases, ranging from harmless itching to deadly malignant melanoma or skin cancer.
There is a wide array of conditions that can affect the skin, but fewer specifically target the scalp or impact the skin on the head alongside other body parts. Despite this limited focus area, several scalp-specific conditions can still be identified.
The most well-known and common scalp-only condition is dandruff, something nearly everyone is familiar with. It affects about half of the population from puberty onward, presenting as tiny white flakes or larger patches of dead skin that flake off the scalp, often accompanied by itching and redness, though not in all cases. Causes vary, with the most common being overly dry scalp, excessive use of harsh shampoos, infrequent washing, sensitivity to certain cleansing products, or sensitivity to specific fungi. While dandruff is not completely curable, frequent washing and certain specialized shampoos, even those prescribed by dermatologists, can significantly control its occurrence.
Similar to dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis, which in its early stages also involves excessive flaking of dead skin from the scalp, as well as from the face and torso. Affected areas, usually those with many sebaceous glands, can develop pimples due to increased sebum production. Causes may include fungal infection, genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, or environmental factors. This condition is chronic and not fully curable, but it can be well-managed with various treatments. Cleanliness of the scalp and regular exposure to UV rays play significant roles in prevention.
A relatively common condition, especially in children, is a type of fungal infection. There are several types, spreading through direct contact with an infected person, sharing hats, or contact with animals, and it is also possible to contract it while traveling, especially in tropical areas where fungi thrive. Symptoms include red, slightly raised circular patches that usually itch. When it occurs on the scalp, hair may fall out from the infected spot. Treatment includes antibiotics and topical creams, and it’s best to start treatment early, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body and other people. Hair usually regrows over time.
Psoriasis is another condition, more commonly known for affecting other parts of the body but can also appear on the scalp, causing hair to fall out from the affected area. Psoriasis appears as pinkish-red patches from which skin flakes in pieces. These patches can vary in size from a centimeter to several centimeters, and in severe cases, may cover over half of the body. Psoriasis causes itching, is not contagious, and currently has no cure, although symptoms can be alleviated.
There are other scalp-related skin issues, such as scleroderma, which thickens the skin, folliculitis, which inflames hair follicles, lice infestations, which are not a disease but a common scalp problem, malignant melanomas, age-related fibromas, and more.
Whenever a skin change appears that you’re unsure is harmless, it is best to visit a specialist who can definitively distinguish between dangerous and benign changes and take timely action. Preventative care is always optimal; this means regular (but not excessive) washing with gentle shampoos, wearing hats for sun protection, and following a healthy diet and lifestyle, all of which contribute greatly to preventing the onset of any of the aforementioned conditions.
Tags: scalp skin issues dandruff seborrheic dermatitis psoriasis fungal infections folliculitis lice hair loss skin care scalp health
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