Impact of Hair Defects

There are many kinds of dermatitis of which eczema is only one form. It is sometimes difficult, however, to tell the various forms apart. Contact dermatitis, which often occurs on the scalp, is normally an allergic reaction to a hair care product and will clear up when use of the product is discontinued. Seborrheic dermatitis is especially common on the oil-rich surface of the human scalp and is also characterized by red, flaky skin and extreme itching. This condition is usually related to stress.

If you suspect you have a form of dermatitis, the most simple solution is to discontinue the use of all hair care products and to begin washing your hair with pine tar soap. Normally available in health food stores (or online) an old and popular brand of this soap is simply known as "Grandpa's." Pine tar is much more mild than coal tar and can be used regularly. You should begin to see an improvement in the condition within a week. Be careful not to scratch and irritate the lesions further. Also, be aware that if this old remedy does not work, you may need to see a dermatologist.

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CRADLE CAP

In infants, seborrheic dermatitis is commonly known as "cradle cap." While the lesions, that normally begin on the head and can spread to other parts of the body, are greasy and scaly, they apparently do not itch. The reasons for the condition are unknown but it has been suggested that allergies, a mild infection, or even the continued presence of the mother's hormones in the child's blood stream may account for the outbreak. The condition normally goes away on its own, but gentle oils (olive oil, mineral or baby oil) are usually used in treating cradle cap simply to soften the scales and to make the anxious parents feel they are doing something.

CYSTS

At times sebaceous or pilar cysts form on the scalp. These encapsulated nodules develop in oil ducts and contain a smelly substance composed of keratin and skin protein. The cyst forms a dome like swelling that makes the skin red, taut, and tender. These cysts are rarely cancerous and can almost always be ignored. If the cyst becomes infected it will need to be drained by a doctor. Some cysts open and drain away on their own. If the cyst is in an inconvenient location, you may want to visit a dermatologist. The doctor will simply open the cyst, drain the contents, and remove the "core," usually with a pair of tweezers.

RINGWORM

Ringworm, a fungal infection that is contagious, is common in children. It rarely appears in adults. Usually ringworm is contracted through direct contact with an infected individual, contact with an infected pet, or contact with a surface that has been touched either by the infected person or pet. The name is misleading. The condition has nothing to do with a worm or parasite and simply draws its name from the characteristic red ring that surrounds the round or oval lesion.

On the scalp, ringworm usually begins with a pimple-like eruption which becomes larger and develops a scaly surface. There will be temporary hair loss in the infected area. The condition is treated with anti-fungal medications taken by mouth and applied as a cream or lotion. Normally these medications must be secured from a doctor.

MOLES

Any lesion on the skin should be carefully inspected. Moles, also known as nevi, are spots where pigmented cells have clustered to form red or brown patches. It is common for the average human to have anywhere from 10 to 40 moles located at various places on their bodies. While moles rarely become cancerous it is good to routinely examine the spot for changes in color, texture, and size. Moles can continue to develop throughout a person's life. If a mole exhibits sudden changes, become painful, or bleeds, consult a doctor. Occasionally scalp moles need to be removed if they are being constantly irritated by your brush or comb.

HEAD LICE OF NITS

Parasitic insects known as head lice congregate behind the ears and along the neckline on infected individuals. Infestations occur more commonly in children than in adults. While the lice do not represent a health danger, the presence of the insects is psychologically upsetting. The insects are yellow or white in color and extremely small. The nits, or young lice, hatch 6 to 9 days after eggs have been laid.

Lice are spread through direct contact with an infested individual, from the sharing of clothing (especially hats and scarves) and from the shared use of hair care instruments such as combs or brushes. Transmission can also occur through bedding and items such as stuffed animals. When a child contracts lice it is extremely important to wash all of their clothing and to treat their bed, pillow, bedroom carpet, upholstered furniture, and stuffed toys.

Normally infested individuals have itching with a sensation of something crawling on their head. Diagnosis is confirmed by a visual examination of the scalp. The preferred treatment is a permethrin cream rinse designed to leave a residue that will kill any nits that subsequently hatch. Permethrin is available over the counter by the brand name Nix.

HAIR THINNING

Thinning hair may be a natural consequence of aging. With the passing of the years the hair follicles become less capable of producing the strand of protein that comprises the individual hair and the hairs themselves tend to become smaller in diameter. Any of the conditions discussed here that are marked by itching and scalp lesions or irritations can lead to thinning hair. In most instances, however, when the condition is resolved the hair will return to normal.

Other factors can affect thinning hair such as stress, poor diet, smoking, drinking, and certain medications. It is always best to discuss thinning hair with your hair care professional and if an improvement is not seen with products or techniques they suggest, seek the aid of a dermatologist or general practitioner.

HAIR LOSS

Hair loss can result from a variety of conditions. Almost all men exhibit some degree of hair loss by age thirty and by 65, two-thirds of men show typical male pattern baldness, a thinning and recession of the hair on the top and sides of the head. Conditions ranging from fungal infections to alopecia areata can cause temporary hair loss as can medications used in the treatment of cancers.

Friction to the hair or other direct damage that causes breaking and wear will result in bald spots. During menopause some women experience a marked hair loss, a condition that can also occur during pregnancy. While the typical human loses 50 to 100 hairs a day, if you are seeing large strands of hair coming out in the shower while shampooing or large amounts of hair being drawn out by your comb or brush, talk with your hair care professional about possible methods to strengthen and thicken your hair or speak with your dermatologist or general practitioner.

Conclusion

While dry thinning hair problems and other conditions normally respond to a change in habits or over-the-counter remedies, do not let a condition go on for several weeks if you see no improvement. Untreated scalp conditions can lead to significant hair loss problems and may require the assistance of a dermatologist or physician.

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