But hiding underneath your tresses, like the forest floor from which all lush vegetation grows, is the all-important scalp. And when the scalp is unhealthy, it can lead to itchy, uncomfortable rashes, bumps, flakes and even hair loss. Of course, dandruff is the most familiar scalp condition, but there are several more that may require medical treatment. Here, a rundown of what causes seven common scalp conditions, and how to treat them. Psoriasis can affect any part of the body , but the scalp kind is one of the most difficult types to treat, according to Seemal Desai, M.
The buildup of skin cells creates scaly, patches that can itch, hurt, crust up and bleed. Folliculitis is basically inflammation of the hair follicle; it appear as little pus bumps scattered throughout the scalp that look similar to acne. The bumps can sometimes feel sore. Seb derm, as most derms call it, is one of the most common scalp conditions. Cradle cap in babies parlays into red, itchy patches with greasy scale or dandruff in an adult. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content.
Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products.
List of Partners vendors. Scabs, sores, and bumps on your scalp can be painful, itchy, and irritating. Most scabs and sores on the scalp are not a cause for concern and clear up on their own or with help from over-the-counter OTC treatments. While you might be tempted to pick at or scratch them to get relief, doing so can make them worse or lead to infection.
In some cases, scabs on the scalp can also be a condition that requires medical attention and treatment. Here are some of the most common causes of scalp scabs, how they can be treated, and when you should see a doctor.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy, red rash that is caused by direct contact with irritants or allergens. Scratching the rash can lead to open sores and scabs on the scalp. Many products, including fragrances, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and plants, contain ingredients or substances that can cause contact dermatitis.
Home remedies can often relieve the painful, itchy rash that is caused by contact dermatitis. Here are a few that you can try. If home remedies do not help, your doctor might prescribe a treatment. Medications that can be used to treat contact dermatitis include:. Psoriasis is a long-term, chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs most commonly on the elbows, knees, trunk, and scalp. It causes thick patches of gray or silver scabs on the skin that appear without scratching.
Scalp psoriasis may look like dandruff flakes, or appear as thick, crusty plaques covering the scalp. Psoriasis treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Mild cases of scalp psoriasis can be cleared up by using a medicated shampoo that eases itching and reduces skin overgrowth. You can also use OTC medicated shampoos with salicylic acid which helps remove excess skin and coal tar which relieves inflammation and slows the growth of skin cells.
If you have a more severe case of psoriasis, or OTC treatments have not worked for you, your doctor may prescribe medications or another type of treatment. Other ways to treat scalp psoriasis include:. Head lice are wingless insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood.
If you have head lice, you may feel something moving on your scalp. Bites from lice can cause your scalp to itch. Even though your head might be itchy, scratching can cause wounds and scabs on the scalp. Head lice do not carry bacterial disease, but scabs on the scalp from itching may lead to infection.
Head lice are highly contagious. If you have lice, or someone in your home does, it is important to treat the condition quickly. There are several treatments for lice, including:.
If you have lice , or someone in your home does, it's also important that you wash all bedding, clothing, and furniture with hot water, and dry on high heat. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic skin condition that occurs in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Here are some possible causes of scabs on the scalp - check to see if any apply to you.
Quite often, given a bit of care and attention, you can make changes that will manage the problem pretty effectively. If you require medical advice we recommend you always contact your healthcare professional. Show references Gibson LE expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 6, Clark GW, et al.
Diagnosis and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. American Family Physician. Pizzorno JE, et al. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine. Louis, Mo. Accessed April 3, Sasseville D. Seborrheic dermatitis in adolescents and adults. Dandruff: How to treat. American Academy of Dermatology. Ramos-e-Silva M, et al. Red face revisited: Endogenous dermatitis in the form of atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
0コメント