Scalp Hair Diseases

Many problems associated with poor hair health can be traced back to complications on the scalp.The condition of the scalp plays an important role in the growth, appearance and overall health of hair. While many conditions of the scalp are easily treatable, some scalp disorders require months of treatment in order to restore the growth of hair.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Seborrheic dermatitis is also known as dandruff. One of the main causes of seborrheic dermatitis is the overproduction of sebum in the sebaceous gland of the scalp. Over time, the excessive sebum in the scalp dries on the scalp and in the hair shaft. Drying of the excessive sebum in the hair shaft can effectively strangle the hair follicle from deep in the scalp and cause hair loss. Use a medicated dandruff shampoos to treat seborrheic dermatitis. Use a vitamin supplement containing biotin as well as a supplement containing saw palmetto extract to restore hair growth associated with seborrheic dermatitis

Alopecia

• Alopecia refers to varying degrees of hair loss. Alopeica areata refers to frontal hair loss from the front of the head toward the back of the head while alopecia totalis refers to complete hair loss. Alopecia may be caused by family history, overproduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp or as a result of other scalp conditions such as ringworm of the scalp and seborrheic dermatitis. Use a medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole as well as a daily multivitamin, along with a saw palmetto supplement to reverse the affects of alopecia.

Ringworm

• Ringworm of the scalp is a contagious fungal infection which is usually common among children. Ringworm of the scalp may be spread through the sharing of clothing, brushes and combs or through physical contact during recreational activities. Schedule a visit with your child's pediatrician for an evaluation of ringworm of the scalp. Your doctor may recommend a prescription strength shampoo and body wash for treatment of ringworm of the scalp.

Head Lice

• Head lice is one of the most common disorders of the scalp and other body hair. Head lice is caused by tiny eggs which attach themselves to the hair shaft. Head lice may appear in the same form as dandruff, however, head lice eggs do not flake off the scalp during brushing or combing as with dandruff. Head lice may be transmitted through the sharing of brushes, combs, clothing, towels and through engaging in sexual intercourse with a person infected with pubic lice which is also known as crabs. Lice can be easily treated with medicated shampoos and body wash.

Trichorrhexis nodosa

• Trichorrhexis nodosa is characterized by thickening of the hair shaft which can cause the hair to become very brittle and vulnerable to breakage. If you have Trichorrhexis nodosa avoid perming and blow drying your hair. To avoid losing hair through trichorrhexis nodosa, limit the use of brushing and use only mild shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids. Use caution with hair styling appliances such as heated curlers or curling irons and heated straighteners.