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Scalp disorders can be categorized based on their causes and symptoms, including itchy and flaky skin, hair loss, hair growth problems, infections, and parasites. Common ailments include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections. Treatment options are available, and seeking medical attention early can help contain the condition.
There are many different scalp disorders, some much more common than others, but in most cases they can be divided into broad types depending on what causes them and their primary symptoms. Some of the best known involve itchy and flaky skin just above the scalp; both dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis fall into this category. There are also a number of ailments that lead to hair loss, usually in patches or clumps. Sometimes these types of ailments are caused by autoimmune conditions or can be a reaction to extreme stress. There are also a number of conditions that can lead to hair growth problems, particularly when it comes to ingrown hairs. Infections can also be problematic on the scalp. Some infections are caused by fungi and bacteria, while others owe their roots to parasites, especially tiny lice or mites that burrow into oily skin. Not all scalp ailments can be completely cured, but most can be treated, and anyone suffering or suffering from it should usually seek immediate medical attention to get the condition under control.
Itches and flakes
Dandruff, also sometimes known medically as pityriasis, is one of the most familiar and common ailments. The condition results from the buildup of oil on the scalp and hair that traps dead skin cells, which build up and flake off. People with dandruff often have a very itchy scalp, and flakes tend to shed and build up on their shoulders, clothes, and furniture. Dandruff usually can’t be cured, but in most cases it can be controlled with over-the-counter shampoos and some lifestyle changes.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a related condition that often looks like dandruff in its early stages, but can be much more invasive and serious. Seborrhea is a condition that causes an overproduction of sebum, or skin oil, leading to oily, inflamed skin with yellowish flakes that can shed. This condition is caused by inflammation of the skin on the scalp and other hairy areas and can be quite painful as well as itchy. The skin sometimes peels off in large patches, leaving raw, sensitive areas exposed. Scalp psoriasis is a similar condition that causes gray scaling and red patches that sometimes extend beyond the scalp. Both are painful, but can usually be treated with medicated shampoos and targeted medications.
Disorders that lead to hair loss
Telogen effluvium and alopecia are much less common scalp disorders that cause patchy hair loss. Alopecia is an immunodeficiency disease and usually occurs in one or two large “regions” of the scalp; in very rare cases, it can even cause complete body hair loss. Telogen effluvium causes rapid patchy scalp hair loss, but is usually a temporary response to stress, trauma, or certain types of medications. Although hair rejuvenation drugs are available in many places, not all patients respond to it.
Hair growth problems
Folliculitis is one of the most painful scalp ailments and commonly causes ingrown hairs. Itchy, oozing pustules form around the base of the hair follicles and usually cause extreme discomfort and often lead to infection. Left uncontrolled, folliculitis can lead to cyst formation on the scalp and other regions of the body. These cysts need to be punched and sometimes stitched to promote healing.
Fungal infections
Some of the more common scalp infections are caused by fungal strains, usually from the environment but sometimes also introduced internally by infections elsewhere in the body. Common fungal infections of the scalp include tinea capitis, which causes round, white or gray patches of ringworm. The infection eats away at hair, eyebrows and eyelashes unless treated with antibiotics. Boils and carbuncles, which are fungal infections that cause boils and lesions on the scalp, are less common but no less serious.
parasites
Lice, also called pediculosis capitis, is a parasitic infection that affects the scalp. Lice are small insects that feed on scalp tissue and cause itchiness with their bites. Head lice are extremely contagious and must be treated immediately. Scabies, sometimes called sarcoptic mange, can also affect the scalp. In this condition, tiny mites burrow into the skin and cause infections, which can result in red sores, hair loss, and itchiness.
How to get help
It’s not always possible to completely cure scalp conditions and disorders, but there are a number of different treatment options that can bring relief. Anyone concerned about pain, itching, or even just changes in the scalp area is usually wise to make an appointment with a doctor to have things checked. In many cases, the sooner an ailment is treated, the easier it is to contain it moving forward.
