Scaly Scalp

What causes itchy scales to appear on the scalp?  This is a relatively common occurrence and there are several possible causes.   Scales may be causes by psoriasis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or ring worm. 

 Scalp acne can become dry along with scalp pimples that occur especially around the outter edges of the hairline.

Psoriasis in the scalp causes thick silvery scales to appear over red areas.  It can be hard to get rid of, and quite itchy.  Psoriasis will often be present on other areas of the body as well. 

Dandruff occurs when skin cells are sloughed off too early.  This is not a dangerous condition but it is annoying to sufferers.  It also can cause scales along with mounds of stuck together dandruff flakes. 

Seborrheic dermatitis also causes scaly patches on the scalp along with flaking.  It may also be called seborrheic eczema.   These patches are often greasy and yellowish in color.  It may spread to eyebrows, face and upper chest.  

Ringworm is another possibility.  This is a condition which causes scales that may form a ring and sometimes cause hair loss.  It is more common in children. 

When treating scaly scalp patches it is best to stay away from products with chemical ingredients.  Chemicals will dry the scalp out causing additional problems.  The correct balance of oil is the key to a healthy scalp.   Oil is produced by the sebum gland.  If this gland is overproducing or under producing the scalp will be out of balance and problems can occur.  There are natural ingredients like zinc, thyme, sage, jojoba oil, and emu oil that work to create a healthy scalp.  Zinc cleans the scalp and regulates the sebum gland.  Thyme and sage are natural detoxifiers.

Tags: itchy scalp, scalp psoriasis, Scaly Scalp, seborrheic dermatitis

This entry was posted on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 4:16 pm and is filed under Scaly Scalp. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.