ITCHY SCALP
Oftentimes an itchy scalp is evidence of an allergic reaction to some ingredient in one of your hair care products, most likely your shampoo. Perfumes added to shampoos are notorious for causing itching. If you've tried a dandruff shampoo, the itching is continuing, and you do not see signs of irritation such as redness or small, acne-like lesions, try finding a shampoo with no perfumes. It won't be easy. Look for a line by Pharmaceutical Specialties called Free and Clear or Super Sensitive Shampoo by California Baby. Searching online may be your best bet to locate these products.
While itching can accompany many scalp problems, itching by itself is almost always attributable to an allergic reaction and it can be maddening until you find the source of the problem. Anti-itching products like Lanacort or Cortaid, which contain approximately 1% hydrocortisone cream, should give you some relief. If you are planning to wash your hair the next morning, work one of these creams into your scalp at night.
GREASY SCALP
To a large extent a greasy scalp is as much the cause of other conditions as a condition itself. A greasy scalp means your sebaceous or oil glands are working over time. The most common consequence is that at the same time you have a greasy scalp (that is probably also causing oily hair), your shoulders are covered in dandruff flakes. Unfortunately excess oil in the scalp can help create a climate ripe for more serious conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis.
Try finding a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione. These shampoos will clean your hair as well as any "normal" shampoo but are a mild way to address the oily scalp and can be used long term. Suave makes a Suave for Men Dandruff Shampoo and an old favorite is Selsun Blue. If you've tried a dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders and not seen good results it may be time to try one of these upper shelf dandruff formulations.
SCALP BREAKOUTS
Many hair loss problems are temporary and are caused by a scalp infection or breakout. These cases are usually characterized by red, itchy patches and the presence of either acne-like lesions or scab-like flakes. Any scalp lesion should be carefully evaluated. If you have an irregularly shaped, raised lesion of multiple colors that may bleed (but does not heal), seek the help of a dermatologist as these factors may indicate the presence of a skin cancer.
Normally your hair care professional will alert you to the presence of any irregularity on the surface of your scalp and if you have such a lesion, it is not inappropriate to ask your hair dresser to examine it. While they are not medical professionals, they are certainly familiar with surface irregularities of the scalp and know the warning signs of a dangerous growth.
While acne-like spots on the scalp may be nothing more than clogged hair follicles, they can also be signs of eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. See the descriptions of these conditions below to help you to evaluate the breakout you are seeing.
PSORIASIS
Normally the lesions present with psoriasis, an auto-immune condition thought to be inherited, are silver and flaky with a red, inflamed area beneath. Psoriasis can be present on the scalp or on any other part of the body. Often the initial outbreak of psoriasis is traced to some emotional crisis or stress that triggers the condition. In layman's terms, the cells in the body that form scabs over wounds go into overdrive and try to heal damage that isn't there, thus causing damage on their own. Because there is an intimate link between psoriasis and stress, the condition tends to wax and wane with whatever is going on in the life of the individual.
In general it is best to consult a dermatologist when you suspect you have psoriasis. Some patients respond well to corticosteroid creams applied twice a day. Unfortunately long-term use of such creams can cause thinning of the skin which may lead psoriasis patients to seek natural or home remedies. For psoriasis on the scalp you may try using a shampoo with coal tar such as Neutrogena T-Gel. Read the instructions carefully. These shampoos must be used on the suggested schedule and can make the user sensitive to sun exposure. (A folk remedy is to wash your hair or to bathe with baking soda.) Be aware, however, that severe outbreaks may require the assistance of a physician. |
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