5 common scalp issues that are NOT dandruff

5 common scalp issues that are NOT dandruff

"Hair is a crown that you must invest in," is certainly something that we have all heard of, or some of you must have even used it as an Instagram caption on a charming picture. Hair surely does have this powerful ability to revolutionize a person's entire being. However, as much of a protagonist as the hair is deemed to be, we forget to give enough credit to its strong base- the scalp. 

The scalp is the natural flooring from which all the luscious vegetation, the ‘Hair’, sprouts out. And therefore, taking adequate care of it is of the highest significance. Unhealthy condition of the scalp may lead to bumps, flakes, itchiness, uncomfortable rashes and even hair loss. The usual suspect behind most of these symptoms is believed to be dandruff. However, that’s not always the case. 

There are several other scalp problems such as Psoriasis, Folliculitis etc. that cause a lot of hair damage and may require more than just the OTT treatment. Though scalp conditions do not normally cause any major impediments to the over human health, and most are non-contagious, making a visit to a dermatologist if the symptoms become too evident and severe is of the utmost importance. 

Here are the top 5 most common scalp issues other than dandruff that you must know: 


Psoriasis

  • Psoriasis is observed to be an autoimmune condition in which the cells in the top layer of the skin are known to perform excessive activity. 
  • It's normally tracked down on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. 
  • Psoriasis ordinarily culminates in pink plaques with a silver scale defined skin patches. 
  • It causes your skin cells to grow at a faster than usual rate, terminating in buildup of cells and flaky skin.
  • Exploiting the scalp to blow-drying and covering grays can worsen the situation.  
  • While this condition doesn't cause hair loss, one can notice hair thinning or irritation if the affected area has been teased. 
  • Although there’s no recorded cure for psoriasis, it’s often treatable using medicated shampoos, systemic medications, topical products and options such as phototherapy.   

Seborrheic Dermatitis

  • Seborrheic Dermatitis is a form of chronic eczema. 
  • It is a fugal infection which infects the sebaceous glands of the scalp and affects the scalp, face, ear, chest and the folds of the skin.
  • This disease manifests itself in the form of greasy, flaky rashes on the scalp, as well as on common parts of the face and ears. 
  • Seborrheic dermatitis usually occurs in adulthood or infancy.
  • It's referred to as "Cradle Cap" when it is seen in infants. 
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis is non-contagious but it often comes and goes with stimulus such as stress and seasonal changes. 
  • It can certainly be treated using anti-dandruff hair products that contain ingredients like coal tar, selenium sulphide, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, zinc and/or resorcinol.


Alopecia Areata

  • By now, we all must be aware of Alopecia after the ill-famous scandal that went down between Will Smith and Chris Rock on the stage of the Oscars. 
  • Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition that leads to hair loss which can cause round or oval-shaped bald patches on your scalp, face or body. 
  • This type of condition happens when the cells of the immune system accidentally target and attack the hair follicles, causing the follicle to shed hair. 
  • In most instances, the treatment may include some oral or injected medications. 
  • In numerous cases, the hair loss caused by this condition is temporary, insinuating the hair follicles will gradually grow back once the underlying cause is treated. 


Ringworm infection

  • Ringworm is a fungal infection, also called Tinea Capitis, that can develop on the scalp and hair follicles.
  • Very common symptoms of this condition include red, itchy and scaly rash that develops across the affected area. 
  • The rash is typically painful and scaly and may even cause inflammation to lymph nodes. 
  • Most cases of ringworm occur in children belonging to the age group of three to 14 years, but may also occur in adults. 
  • Tinea Capitis often pave way to bald spots, broken hair and black dots. 
  • This condition may be cured by using antifungal treatment methods and antifungal hair products. 


Folliculitis

  • Folliculitis is a scalp condition in which the hair follicles are affected by the growth of bacteria, scalp fungus or virus.
  • The person suffering from this condition may notice small, acne-like lesions on the scalp or in other parts of the body with lots of hair follicles.
  • The affected area of the skin may feel itchy and painful, and the lesions may be crowded by a light red ring. 
  • Hot tubs and swimming pools are the most common places from where one can be infected with folliculitis. 
  • In almost all cases, this condition improves and disappears on its own. However antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral treatments are recommended. 

There are many people who face hair/scalp issues but lack of information often results in neglecting this crucial aspect of our personality. If you think you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, you must consult a hair specialist before your hair lose their shine and lustre.