First appeared in Huffington Post
As a hairstylist, I see a lot of scalps. It's usually the
first thing I inspect during a consultation. I've learned over the years that
most people pay very little attention to their scalp. It's usually hiding under
their hair and not a concern until they experience symptoms. Scalp conditions
vary from simple (like dry, flaky scalp or scalp acne) to serious (an irregular
mole, a rash). A Ringworm
Cure is also available. Here are a few scalp problems I have come across:
Dry Scalp feels
tight and dry combined with tiny white flakes you may notice on top of the
head, around the hairline and on the back of the neck. The usual cause is dry
winter weather, or a possible summer sunburn. Try shampoos and conditioners
that are dry-scalp specific. Always use warm to cool water and rinse well. Hot
water and residue of products left behind promote dry flaking. Use minimal heat
when styling, and always wear a cap in the sun to prevent sunburn.
Dandruff is
excessive rapid buildup of dead skin flaking and shedding from the scalp. You
may experience redness, itching and oily larger scale flaking. It's not
dangerous or contagious -- just annoying. You might try dandruff shampoos
containing zinc (such as Head and Shoulders), coal tar (T/Gel) or selenium
sulfide (Selsun Blue). Always consult a physician if your dandruff doesn't
clear up after a few shampoos. There are several options to Stop Dandruff
available.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
looks and feels like an advanced version of typical dandruff. You'll likely
experience redness and itching, with larger areas of thick crusty
white/yellowish oily flaking and possible hair loss. I highly suggest treatment
by a dermatologist. A daily at-home treatment of a five-minute scalp massage to
loosen skin followed by an over-the-counter medicated shampoo containing
resorcin, selenium, salicylic acid, coal tar or zinc can be helpful, in my
experience. Always remember to rinse well and use clean brushes and combs to
prevent infection.
Psoriasis is
often itchy, dry and painful. It can be identified by red patches of raised
thick, dry silvery-pinkish scales of dead, dry skin. Your doctor can easily
diagnose and prescribe treatments in the form of lotions, creams and shampoos,
and sometimes prescribe pills, injections and phototherapy. In my experience,
organic topical oils such as Argon oil and coconut oil can help ease the
symptoms and provide comfort to an itchy scalp. There are several methods for Psoriasis
Treatment.
Moles can be very
dangerous. I always observe and report moles that appear to grow in size, change
in color, itch, feel rough in texture or bleed. They may need to be removed, so
I also advise any client with a mole to seek the consultation of a
dermatologist.
Staph infection
may result from head trauma or a simple scratch to the scalp. Staph can be contagious
and if not handled promptly and specifically treated, can cause organ failure
or death. Pay attention to unusual itching, pain or tenderness, lumps, lesions
or nodules that are tender, painful, scabby or oozing with pussy liquid.
Address these symptoms with your doctor immediately.
Treatment usually consists of antibiotics given orally,
topically or through an IV. Use a medicated shampoo such as Hibiclens in
addition to a few drops of tea tree oil at the site several times per day. Be
extra hygienic by repeatedly washing your hands so as not to reinfect the area.
As a precautionary measure, throw out old hair brushes, combs and styling
tools.
Scalp Ringworm
(tinea capitis) is a common fungal infection of the scalp and hair that appears
as scaly spots and patches of broken hair on the head in circular patterns. Scalp
Ringworm is most commonly seen in children and treated by a physician with
anti-fungals in pill form accompanied by anti-fungal shampoos and creams. It is
also contagious and transferred through infected objects. So wash hands
consistently, and throw out anything that may have been contaminated. Ringworm
Treatment for Humans is possible.
Never hesitate to ask your hair stylist to routinely inspect
your scalp. It may serve you well to check your scalp regularly -- and an early
diagnosis could end up saving your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment