Cure for flaky scalp and greasy hair with itchy scalp.

A number of conditions can affect the human scalp causing hair loss problems , dry or flaking scalp, itching and lesions. Most of these dry thinning hair problems or outbreaks of inflammation can be treated by a change in hair care habits, with over-the-counter remedies, or by consulting your hair care professional.

Specific Problems, Cures, and Prevention

Below you will find brief descriptions of some of the most common problems affecting the hair and scalp, their symptoms, effects, and possible ways to address the issue. Although many of these conditions can be successfully treated by the individual, be aware that there are times when the assistance of a dermatologist or general practitioner may become necessary.

DANDRUFF

Dandruff, the excessive flaking of dead skin cells from the scalp, can be a problem in its own right or a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, a fungal infection, or even head lice. If the white flakes on the shoulders of your clothing do not disappear after using a special shampoo like Head and Shoulders, you may need to reevaluate the problem.

Although erroneously believed by many to be caused by dry scalp, heavy dandruff actually results when a naturally occurring fungus on the scalp, Malassezia furfur, grows out of control and disrupts the production of new cells. Because the fungus likes the oil produced by the skin, people who have oily scalps are much more likely to suffer from dandruff.

In milder cases of dandruff the cause may be over-active sebaceous (oil) glands, food allergies, a soap or shampoo with too much alkaline, a yeast infection, stress, or even a genetic predisposition for dandruff. Normally a dandruff remedy is nothing more than a specially formulated shampoo. Start with the mild formulas like Head and Shoulders since stronger shampoos like Neutrogena T-Gel contain coal tar and are formulated for more aggressive scalp conditions and should not be used as a dandruff cure.

Dandruff is not made worse by frequent shampooing and it is not responsible for hair loss. The condition is, however, characterized by an itchy scalp. Don't scratch! If the skin becomes irritated or bleeds, the door has been opened for a more serious infection.

DRY FLAKY SCALP

Many times climactic changes cause a dry, flaking scalp. In winter when artificial heaters are running in homes and businesses people are exposed to low humidity on a regular basis and their scalp dries out. Another common cause of dry scalp is a shampoo with a harsh detergent base such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate. Over-shampooing will also dry out the scalp and for women who use hair spray the culprit may be the alcohol in the product.

Don't confuse a dry scalp with dandruff. While both conditions cause flaking, a dry scalp feels tight and drawn. If you are experiencing the problem in winter, try running a small humidifier in your bedroom at night. Hair and scalp conditioning are also important. You don't want to produce a chemical build up on your hair, so try a simple conditioning mixture of rosemary essential oils and olive oil. Comb the mixture into wet, clean hair and wrap your head in a warm towel for 45 minutes, then use a mild shampoo. You can work a skin moisturizing product like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream into your scalp at night. Also, read the label of your shampoo and if harsh detergents are present, choose a milder product like Johnson's Baby Shampoo.

ITCHY SCALP

Oftentimes an itchy scalp is evidence of an allergic reaction to some ingredient in one of your hair care products, most likely your shampoo. Perfumes added to shampoos are notorious for causing itching. If you've tried a dandruff shampoo, the itching is continuing, and you do not see signs of irritation such as redness or small, acne-like lesions, try finding a shampoo with no perfumes. It won't be easy. Look for a line by Pharmaceutical Specialties called Free and Clear or Super Sensitive Shampoo by California Baby. Searching online may be your best bet to locate these products.

While itching can accompany many scalp problems, itching by itself is almost always attributable to an allergic reaction and it can be maddening until you find the source of the problem. Anti-itching products like Lanacort or Cortaid, which contain approximately 1% hydrocortisone cream, should give you some relief. If you are planning to wash your hair the next morning, work one of these creams into your scalp at night.

GREASY SCALP

To a large extent a greasy scalp is as much the cause of other conditions as a condition itself. A greasy scalp means your sebaceous or oil glands are working over time. The most common consequence is that at the same time you have a greasy scalp (that is probably also causing oily hair), your shoulders are covered in dandruff flakes. Unfortunately excess oil in the scalp can help create a climate ripe for more serious conditions like eczema, dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis.

Try finding a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione. These shampoos will clean your hair as well as any "normal" shampoo but are a mild way to address the oily scalp and can be used long term. Suave makes a Suave for Men Dandruff Shampoo and an old favorite is Selsun Blue. If you've tried a dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders and not seen good results it may be time to try one of these upper shelf dandruff formulations.

SCALP BREAKOUTS

Many hair loss problems are temporary and are caused by a scalp infection or breakout. These cases are usually characterized by red, itchy patches and the presence of either acne-like lesions or scab-like flakes. Any scalp lesion should be carefully evaluated. If you have an irregularly shaped, raised lesion of multiple colors that may bleed (but does not heal), seek the help of a dermatologist as these factors may indicate the presence of a skin cancer.

Normally your hair care professional will alert you to the presence of any irregularity on the surface of your scalp and if you have such a lesion, it is not inappropriate to ask your hair dresser to examine it. While they are not medical professionals, they are certainly familiar with surface irregularities of the scalp and know the warning signs of a dangerous growth.

While acne-like spots on the scalp may be nothing more than clogged hair follicles, they can also be signs of eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. See the descriptions of these conditions below to help you to evaluate the breakout you are seeing.

PSORIASIS

Normally the lesions present with psoriasis, an auto-immune condition thought to be inherited, are silver and flaky with a red, inflamed area beneath. Psoriasis can be present on the scalp or on any other part of the body. Often the initial outbreak of psoriasis is traced to some emotional crisis or stress that triggers the condition. In layman's terms, the cells in the body that form scabs over wounds go into overdrive and try to heal damage that isn't there, thus causing damage on their own. Because there is an intimate link between psoriasis and stress, the condition tends to wax and wane with whatever is going on in the life of the individual.

In general it is best to consult a dermatologist when you suspect you have psoriasis. Some patients respond well to corticosteroid creams applied twice a day. Unfortunately long-term use of such creams can cause thinning of the skin which may lead psoriasis patients to seek natural or home remedies. For psoriasis on the scalp you may try using a shampoo with coal tar such as Neutrogena T-Gel. Read the instructions carefully. These shampoos must be used on the suggested schedule and can make the user sensitive to sun exposure. (A folk remedy is to wash your hair or to bathe with baking soda.) Be aware, however, that severe outbreaks may require the assistance of a physician. Continue to: Hair Problems and its Causes