Scalp diseases usually show themselves through the following symptoms: redness, itchiness, flaking or scaling of the scalp's skin. Many scalp diseases are treated in similar ways, but some scalp diseases are more serious than others and require more than over-the-counter treatments. Knowing what symptoms to look for will help you know what disease may be affecting your scalp and how to treat it.
Dandruff is the most common of all scalp diseases and one of the most easily treatable. It is the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. It can be caused by exposure to extreme heat or cold but is most often caused by dry skin. As skin cells die, there are pushed off the epidermal level by newer cells. It is thought to be a fungal disease. There is a normal amount of dead skin that is supposed to be shed, but if you find yourself irritated frequently or suffering from severe itchiness, start treating dandruff with medicinal shampoo found at any pharmacy. If further treatment is needed, stronger shampoos can be prescribed by your doctor.
Psoriasis occurs predominantly around the hair margins. Sometimes it shows itself over the forehead and at the base of the neck. This scalp disease most often leaves a red edge and the top will be covered with scaled skin of varying thickness. Psoriasis is not only confined to the scalp as there can signs of the disease elsewhere, most notably over the front of the knees and back of the elbows. Anti-fungal shampoos are the best way to go about combating psoriasis. If you find yourself contracting psoriasis on your elbows or knees, apply the shampoo to the affected areas and leave it there for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.
Another fungal infection that affects the scalp is seborrhoeic dermatitis. MayoClinic.com says that while seborrhoeic dermatitis is very closely related to dandruff, it is linked to AIDS, making it one of the more serious scalp diseases. It is characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash where it causes the flaking of dead skin. It may also be triggered by stress or illness. Prevention is simple: wash the hair and scalp regularly, at least once every two days.
Lichen planus can lead to the build-up of dead skin and cause harmful rashes all over the scalp. It is most commonly associated with a mucus build-up at the top of the head, usually caused by not washing one's hair at least twice a week. Left untreated, it can cause intra-oral lesions and the only treatment is surgical extraction and radiotherapy.
Acne is not just confined to preadolescent faces. A bacteria build-up can lead to a breakout of acne all over the scalp. Severe cases of acne may need antibiotic treatments, which are successful in treating the bacterial infection within the first month. Also, according to SkinCarePhysicians.com, sulphur drug preparations are also effective in treating acne. Sulphur serves to dislodge the blackheads and bacteria that cause acne in the first place and cleanse the scalp.