 Scalp Problems - Scalp Basics
A lot of times when we think about our hair we tend to overlook one of the most
important parts: our scalp. If you've got a healthy scalp it's really easy to forget, but for
those of us with common scalp issues, it's an on-going concern. Here are some common
scalp problems and ways to combat them:
Dandruff: This is probably the most common (and most misidentified) scalp
problem out there. Dandruff is known medically as pityriasis and characterized by large
flakes of dead skin cells either on the scalp or in the hair, and is commonly seen having
fallen to the shoulders of the individual. Often, a person with dandruff may misinterpret
the condition as dry scalp, and vice versa. The difference is that dry scalp may result in
flakes of skin cells, but dandruff flakes are larger, often greasy or oily and are often
accompanied by redness, itchiness, and irritation of the scalp. Dandruff is believed to be
the result of an infection, and a good indication that you are suffering with dandruff is
that these greasy, oily flakes are accompanied by an odor.
Since it is an infection, it follows that dandruff is contagious. You should never
share your hair care utensils (combs, brushes, etc.) without properly disinfecting and
sanitizing them both before and after use. Also, make sure to rinse all shampoo and
conditioner products thoroughly from the hair when you use them. Improper rinsing
during the shampoo process will only exacerbate the problem of dandruff. Most mild
cases of dandruff can be treated using over-the-counter medicated shampoos and
conditioners, as well as antiseptic lotions for the scalp. However, in serious cases, where
there is excessive redness, itchiness, or bleeding or oozing of sebum caused by
scratching, you must see your physician. Left untreated, dandruff can lead to hair loss.
Dry Scalp: Dry scalp is another common issue that many people face, especially in
winter or in colder climates where you are moving in and out of heated areas frequently.
The skin of the scalp becomes tight and itchy and tiny flakes of dead skin are showered
by combing and brushing. Dry scalp conditions are often misidentified as dandruff, and
are treated as such, which can worsen the condition depending on the treatments used.
Fortunately, there are many products on the market today that are formulated to treat
both mild dandruff and dry scalp equally well, and will allow you to feel sure of handling
this sometimes confusing problem.
Common methods to treat dry scalp can include the application of deep
conditioning treatments, moisturizers and lotions for the scalp, scalp massage (to
stimulate circulation), application of a scalp steamer (or wrapping the head with warm
moist towels) and application of direct high-frequency current in a salon.
Oily Scalp: Probably the most talked-about of scalp problems, oily scalp conditions
are often hard to deal with, particularly when the individual has long hair. Most of the
astringent and oil-reducing preparations available can result in over-drying the ends of
the hair when used incorrectly. A common complaint of individuals with oily scalp is"when I shampoo every day to prevent my oily scalp, my hair gets so dry", but if I use
conditioner, the hair at my scalp looks oily within hours.
Often, the problem of oily scalp vs. dry hair can be resolved with a little bit of
adjustment in the treatment routine. First of all, there's no rule that says you have to
work your shampoo completely through your hair. Try applying and massaging the
shampoo only at the scalp, and apply your conditioner only on the ends of your hair. In
addition, the scalp astringents and oil removing tonics available for oily scalp are
designed only to be applied to the scalp area. If you apply so much that it runs down
into the rest of your hair, you're obviously going to strip the oils from the hair as well.
Always use a cotton puff or pad to apply these products.
Another good method for dealing with oily scalp is thorough brushing and scalp
massage. Not only does this increase circulation to the scalp, but has the added benefit
of regulating the sebum production and redistributing the oils along the hair shaft, where
it was intended to go in the first place. Finally, when shampooing and conditioning the
hair, switch from warm water to cool water after you've thoroughly rinsed away the
product. The cool water rinse will help close the pores of the scalp and slow down the oil
production.
Scalp Acne: Since the scalp is skin, it follows that you can get breakout even there.
Acne breakouts on the scalp can be annoying, but are easily treated the same way you
would treat any other breakout. You can use a skin cleanser containing salicylic acid on a
cotton ball and apply it only on the breakout area. Most of these cleansers are very
stripping and will dry the hair out completely, so keep to the target area and rinse the
cleanser thoroughly. As an option, and since many people with acne breakouts on the
scalp also have oily scalp conditions, you can use your oily scalp shampoo and follow up
with an astringent or acne treatment containing salicylic acid applied directly on the
blemish area with a cotton ball or pad.
It is important to remember that you don't want to use those acne products
containing benzoil peroxide or other peroxide ingredients on the scalp because of the
potential for altering the hair color. This is doubly important if you have color-treated or
chemically-textured hair which is already more porous than virgin (untreated) hair.
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