Read on to find out the causes of these scalp conditions and the best ways to treat each one of them – because not all scalp treatments and anti-dandruff shampoos are the same!
Seborrhea dermatitis & eczema
Dermatitis is a word that means ‘inflamed skin’ and it’s a common cause of scaly, red patches and an itchy scalp. It looks similar to dandruff, but the scales created by eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis are larger and the scalp is often inflamed. It may also affect the face, eyebrows, beard and central chest area.
Symptoms
Greasy or dry scalp and scaling
Yellow-red scaling on any of these areas:
The hairline
Eyebrows
Creases between the nose and the lips
Bridge of the nose
Inside or behind the ears
Middle of the chest
Causes
This type of skin irritation often occurs in areas which have a lot of large oil glands. The inflammation happens as a reaction to a ‘yeast fungus’ on the scalp and to hair products that break-down the oil secreted by the oil glands.
What factors make seborrhoeic dermatitis worse?
HIV and neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease increase the symptoms of scaling, dry scalp and itchy scalp greatly.
Physical or emotional stress are known triggers.
Genetic factors – close family members also suffer from this condition.
This condition tends to be more severe during the winter.
Psoriasis
This is another common itchy scalp condition, which can also affect the knees and elbows.
Symptoms
Small, separate patches of red inflamed skin with very thick scaling.
When only the scalp is affected, it may be mistaken for a severe case of dandruff.
Causes
Genetic – psoriasis often affects several members of the same family.
Emotional or physical stress are known triggers.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Itchy scalp conditions can be easily treated with a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing the correct balance of chemical ingredients, such as:
Tar
Selenium sulphide
Zinc pyrithione or zinc omadine – can be toxic
Piroctone olamine – less toxic than zinc pyrithione
Antifungal agents
Always ask your doctor for a diagnosis and the correct treatment.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
LA BIOSTHETIQUE is a specialist provider of natural skin, hair and scalp treatments. They’ve been at the top of the specialist hair and scalp care business for 50 years now – so it’s obvious people really like their products!
As an experienced hair care provider and stylist, I have been using LA BIOSTHETIQUE in my salon for many years. I often have clients with dermatitis and psoriasis and know how distressing these conditions can be.
LA BIOSTHETIQUE produce a wide range of specialist hair care products – from anti-microbial dandruff shampoos to the especially gentle LA BIOSTHETIQUE Hydro lipid Balm for dry, sensitive scalps, which provides a soothing, natural companion to any psoriasis treatment.
My clients trust me to give them the best hair care for their scalp problem and I trust LA BIOSTHETIQUE to bring a touch of natural luxury into every hair treatment routine!
Source by Joe Giampa
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