Scalp Conditions / Disorders
A normal scalp sheds old skin cells in a cycle once every month. These old cells usually go unnoticed as there are very few of them at any one time. In abnormal scaly scalp conditions, the shedding of the dead skin cells from the scalp occurs at an excessive rate. The skin cells cycle every week, or even every three to four days.
There are many scalp conditions and a consultation to a Trichologist is highly advised as itching, inflammation or scales can be a symptom of a serious internal disorder. Also there can be similarities with each problem so it needs to be diagnosed correctly.
Common Scalp Conditions
- Dermatitis
- Dandruff
- Pruritus
- Pityriasis
- Seborrhea
- Folliculitis
- Psoriasis
- Lichen simplex
Dermatitis - refers to any kind of skin inflammation
Pruritus - means itching
Pityriasis - denotes scaling
Seborrhea - refers to a functional disorder of the sebaceous glands
Folliculitis - is inflammation of the hair follicle
Excess scales can also be caused by
- An over growth of fungus
- Overactive oil glands
- Ringworm
- Hormonal changes
- Hereditary factors
- Incorrect hygienic habits
- Excessive perspiration
- Nutritional factors
- Long term stress, anxiety and tension
- Allergies or hypersensitivity
These photos are being used with the permission of the International Association of Trichologists (IAT) and David Salinger and are the copyright of IAT