Itchy Scalp?
Have you found yourself scratching your head, wondering what’s going on up there? Are you embarrassed when flakes and scabs fall out with a gentle brush of your hair?
You are not alone! People of all ages commonly have various skin conditions on the scalp and unfortunately, they are difficult to distinguish from the untrained eye.
Some common causes
- Seborrheic Dermatitis is the most common condition on the scalp. Common symptoms are itching and “dandruff.” When naturally produced oils accumulate, it leads to overgrowth of Malassezia, which leads to the rash.
- Psoriasis of the scalp is common and a challenging condition to manage. Typically one would notice pink plaques with a silver scale and intense itching. The rash is due to a complex imbalance in the immune system which drives the formation of these plaques.
- Folliculitis is analogous to acne of the scalp. One typically experiences small pus bumps and crusted scabs that can be painful and mildly itchy. It’s usually due to bacterial infection of the hair follicles.
- Tinea Capitis, a fungal infection on the scalp, is uncommon in adults and appears mostly in children. Typically there is scale, intense itching, and even hair loss.
Many other scalp conditions exist, and it is important to have your dermatologist make a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate therapy, which is typically a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications and shampoos.
If you suffer from a scalp condition and need help, call TRUE Dermatology today for an appointment.
Dr.Raj