Hair Loss - Scalp Conditions

Commonly people believe Trichologists only deal with hair loss problems but diagnosing and treating scalp problems are a huge part of the specialisation and very few people who suffer with a scalp condition can find a specialist who can diagnose and treat it for them. Skin disorders that present themselves on the scalp often appear quite different and express different symptoms than when they appear on the rest of the body. A Trichologist is specifically trained in detecting skin diseases that appear on the scalp, however, during a trichological consultation you may be asked to discuss any skin problems that appear on the rest of your body as well.

Common belief is that an itchy scalp is just a sign of dandruff but in fact many problems can pop up on the scalp. These can be allergic conditions, bacterial infections, fungal infections, infestations or even psoriasis. It is of great importance to get any scalp problems checked with a trichologist as 90% of the time dandruff isn’t to blame at all, something more serious could be present and correct treatment will be required to clear it. Some scalp problems need longer term maintenance treatments to help prevent further outbreaks and some particular types of scalp conditions actually manage to retard hair growth and cause hair to fall out. A trichologist will help in all incidences.

Common scalp problems treated at the hair clinic include:

• Psoriasis

  This is an inherited skin condition whereby skin cell turnover is much faster than normal, this creates circular patches of silvery white scales to develop over angry red skin. It doesn’t actually itch but can look unsightly and if patches appear on the scalp then hair growth can be distorted. Stress can be a contributing factor to this problem. Read more..

• Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

  This is an extreme form of dandruff that appears on the scalp and often develops in the eyebrows, around the folds of the nose, along the centre of the chest and on the back. It is due to an over sensitivity to the fungi pityrosporum ovale. This fungus is present in skin and scalp secretions but sensitivity to it creates inflammation, irritation and yellow/white scales to develop. The fungi levels need to be kept at bay, specific trichological treatment is indicated and diet control is often advised.

• Dandruff

  A less severe form of fungi sensitivity, this common problem doesn’t itch isn’t inflamed but small white scales build along the hair shafts. Easily corrected and maintained with anti-fungal therapy. Read more..

• Folliculitis

  This is a pustular scalp problem; it is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. It can be caught by unclean hair clippers at the barbers for example. It irritates so much that the pustules may bleed and then the infection is spread to other hair follicles. It is a common complaint with Afro hair types as these hairs commonly curl back into the skin therefore directly infecting the follicles. Hair care advice and anti-bacterial treatments can be very successful in treating this condition.

• Irritant Dermatitis

  This scalp disorder can arise through repeated exposure to chemicals such as hair colorants or chemical relaxers that are usually either consistently left on too long during application or are used too frequently. Under these circumstances, the scalp suffers a minor burn after each process and never seems to fully recover before the next application. This creates a persistently inflamed and itchy scalp. Eventually the scalp then becomes sensitised to other products, such as shampoos, therefore continuing the irritation.

• Pityriasis Amiantacea

  Extremely thick scale is found creeping over the scalp; this scale sticks tightly to the hair and actually drags the hair out of the scalp as it spreads. It is often an acute stress linked condition and can be hormone-linked. It is most commonly found in menopausal women. The plaques need removing very carefully and the cell turnover rates in the skin need slowing to get this condition under control before extensive hair loss is experienced.

All wording by Vanessa Bailey MIT FRSPH author of The Good Hair Guide: All Your Questions Answered.

www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Hair-Guide

All consultations and check-ups at The Hair Clinic are FREE.

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