Scalp Conditions

Scalp Problems

Dandruff

A very common complaint which is very annoying but very controllable, it is caused by a proliferation of a certain type of yeast on the scalp which irritates the skin which causes it to shed quicker than it should. This causes the white flakes which are so annoying. Dandruff does not affect the hair growth.

A simple medicated shampoo used daily should work, if it does not you may be suffering from another form of flaking condition and not dandruff.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis Is caused by the speeding up of the he skin layers as it replaces itself. Normally skin cells take about 21-28 days to replace themselves; in psoriasis this process is greatly accelerated, and skin cells can be replaced every 6-14 days. This results in an accumulation of skin cells on the surface of the skin, in the form of a psoriatic plaque. This process is the same wherever it occurs on the body.

Psoriasis can occur at any point in the lifespan, affecting children, teenagers, adults and older people. It affects males and females equally.

Patches of psoriasis (also referred to as plaques) usually look like raised red patches of skin, covered with silvery white scales. The silvery white scales are the accumulation of the skin cells waiting to be shed, and the redness is due to the increase in blood vessels required to support the increase in cell production.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that makes the skin look greasy, scaly and flaky. It usually affects the scalp. In adolescents and adults, seborrheic dermatitis is commonly mistaken for “dandruff.”

In babies, it is known as “cradle cap.” Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect the skin on other parts of the body, such as the face and chest.

The condition seems to be related to a yeast proliferation on the scalp/skin, called Malassezia Globosa. This organism is normally present on the skin in small numbers, but sometimes its numbers increase, resulting in skin problems.

The main treatment for this condition is a medicated shampoo; used daily it will keep the yeast level down and allow the skin to heal.

If the shampoo alone doesn’t help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.

Folliculitis

Scalp folliculitis is a hair follicle disorder which can result in widespread, itchy breakouts, often along the hairline. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection.

This problem can be stubborn and usually requires both topical treatment and antibiotics to alleviate the issue.

Many patient’s we see simply give up after the first round of treatment not understanding that this issue can return frequently and may require 3-4 courses of treatment before the problem does not return.

How can we help?

Treatments for scalp conditions can range from coal tar treatments to steroid therapies to the more stronger phototherapies and systemic medication. We can advise you (and your GP) about the most relevant treatments and offer second opinion if you are finding it difficult treating your stubborn scalp problem. Diet and lifestyle also comes into treating chronic cases and will be taken into consideration at the time of consultation.