Scalp Problems

The scalp, the skin that covers the head, is richly supplied with blood vessels. The scalp acts as a protective layer for the head and is covered by hair. Like the rest of the body, the scalp also tends to suffer from certain problems.

Scalp problems occur when certain conditions or factors affect the skin the head. These can be minor in nature and can be cured without much hassle. Sometimes scalp disorders tend to take a serious turn and can be life-threatening if they develop into cancer.

Many people complain of suffering from scalp and hair problems. Though these problems can be disturbing, they are usually treatable. Given below are some of the common problems that are related to hair and scalp

• Dandruff is one of the most common problems caused due to a dry scalp. There are different types of dandruff - waxy dandruff, oily dandruff, and scaly dandruff.

• Hair loss is also another common problem that is seen mostly in women. Hair fall can be caused due to illness, side effects to any strong medication, stress and childbirth. In males there is a specific hair fall pattern called alopecia in which the hair falls in small coin sized patterns.

• Scalp soreness is caused due to reaction of strong and harmful chemicals in hair styling products and over exposure to the sun. Scalp soreness can also trigger dry scalp, causing flaky and itchy bumps on scalp.

• Pityriasis is another type of scalp problem which causes severe itching of the scalp and the skin is shed in patches. The remaining areas of the scalp become greasy and hair begins to fall in tufts.

• Scalp psoriasis is sometimes difficult to treat and can be triggered by stress or food allergies. The symptoms of this disease is silvery scales which are firm and tend to attach themselves firmly to the scalp.

Children also tend to suffer from scalp related disorders. Though these problems are not difficult to overcome it is necessary to take adequate measures and control them. Given below are a few common scalp and hair problems that affect children.

• Head lice is one of the most common problems of the scalp, as seen in children. These black or gray colored tiny insects invade and infest the scalp by laying nits (or eggs) at the base of the hair follicles. The infestation may cause an itchy scalp.

• Atopic dermatitis also known as atopic eczema, can be seen in children from the age of 3 months. Red spots appear on the scalp which are itchy in nature. Excessive scratching can lead to staph infection. It is necessary to treat this condition on time or else it may become chronic.

• Infantile seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap is a type of eczema in children. It is caused due a fungus and the scalp gets covered in yellowish brown crust or scaly patches. Applying baby oil may help in getting rid of this condition.

Problems in the scalp and hair can be treated easily at home, unless they become chronic and need a physician's advice. Here are some home remedies for treating scalp related problems.

• If you have dandruff, apply warm coconut oil with a few drops of lemon to your hair one hour before shampooing.
• Yogurt is also an excellent home remedy for dry scalp, which also treats dandruff in an effective manner. Yogurt not only helps of get rid of dandruff but also gives you glossy hair.

• For an itchy scalp, massage a few drops of lavender oil to the scalp to get soothing relief from itching. It is clinically proven that lavender oil also stimulates hair growth.

• To relieve itchy scalp, mix half a teaspoon of margosa oil, tea tree oil and a few drops of rosemary and lavender essential oil with one cup of warm purified distilled water. Apply this mixture to the scalp to get relief from scalp sores and itching.

• Massage your scalp daily with warm olive oil to improve the blood circulation in the scalp, treat any problems present and relieve tension.

If you want to avoid scalp or hair problems, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, drink lots of water and fresh juices and keep your scalp clean. Pay a visit to your physician regularly in order to avoid these above-mentioned problems. If you still suffer from persistent scalp disorders, it is advisable to visit a dermatologist.