Itchy scalp conditions and solutions
September 19, 2008
Often we are worried about dandruff or white flakes and a resultant itchiness of the scalp. Normal skin cells make up the skin of the scalp. They are replaced at regular intervals like general skin. The dead cells are either brushed away or washed away subsequently. Problem arises if the scalp becomes oily, dry or inflamed and the cells replace sooner than normal. These dead cells stay and aggregate together, forming large, visible flakes of dandruff that itch. All of us have a resident yeast; Pityrosporum ovale living in our scalp. There is not much problem if the yeast cell number is low; however, an increase in their numbers causes mild inflammation that results in itching and dandruff.
This condition is called as pityriasis capitis. There is another form of scalp disease, which is more severe, and is known as seborrhea or seborrhic dermatitis. Here the scalp becomes red and flakes become chunks or scales which are dry or oily. The reaction can spread to ears, nose, eyebrows, and chest often as well. There is a case in infants, cradle cap in which yellowish crusts are seen around hairline. Sometimes the eyelids are also affected (blepharitis). Seborrhea particularly occurs in adult, young males. But one shouldn’t worry as treatment is easy. Ketoconazole containing anti-fungal shampoos reduce flakes by reducing yeast cells. Stuck scales can be removed by oiling the area, keeping overnight and shampooing the next day. Repetition of the method should be done to get rid of the itching completely. Brush hair with soft-bristled clean brush. Also, massaging scalp with a mixture of lavender oil and tea tree oil in equal portions can help. Proper diet rich in fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acid from fish, or evening primrose, nuts, wholegrain and seeds plus avoidance of processed food can help reduce scalp problems to some extent.
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