Scalp Conditions
We see a wide range of scalp conditions in our practice on a daily basis. Many conditions present similar symptoms and correct diagnosis helps ensure the correct advice and treatment to help bring the condition under control. To book your appointment call us today on 01473 400049.
Dandruff, also known as pityriasis simplex, is an extremely common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake and itch. Dandruff is slightly more common in men and is considered to be a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is called cradle cap.
A lot of patients find dandruff embarrassing, and difficult to treat. It’s not harmful and you cannot catch it. It is not caused by poor hygiene, although it may be more obvious if you do not wash your hair regularly. Stress and cold weather may also make dandruff worse.
Mild dandruff can usually be controlled by using ‘anti-dandruff shampoo’. Look for shampoo containing either zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid. Use the anti-dandruff shampoo for a month to see if your dandruff improves. If it isn’t improving, you may have require a medicated shampoo or a stronger scalp cream. We can provide advice and more specialised treatments if you are finding your dandruff difficult to control.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. It can also be itchy and sore and cause hair loss in more advanced cases. These patches commonly appear on the scalp, but can also affect your elbows, knees and back. Most people are only affected with small patches.
Psoriasis affects around 2% of people in the UK and can start at any age. The severity of psoriasis varies greatly from person to person. For some it’s just a minor irritation, but for others it can majorly affect their quality of life.
Psoriasis is a considered a long-lasting (chronic) disease, that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe.
Psoriasis is thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system that causes skin cells in the affected areas to produce more quickly. It is not a contagious condition although you are more likely to have psoriasis if it runs in your family.
Our topical treatments such as shampoos, creams and lotions can help symptoms, control flare-ups, and prevent it from coming back. People who follow their treatment plan rarely have to endure severe scalp psoriasis for long.
Trichological treatments can also help medical treatments work better and ease the stress that this common condition can cause.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that mainly affects your scalp making it red, flaky and itchy. It can range from mild, flaky skin (dandruff) to a more severe, scalier, itchy rash which may weep. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect ‘oily areas’ of the body such as the face and chest.
It is thought that seborrhoeic dermatitis is triggered by an overgrowth of a harmless yeast called Malassezia that lives on the skin, or an over-reaction by the skin’s immune system to this yeast.
Common triggers for seborrheic dermatitis include stress, hormonal changes or illness, harsh detergents & soaps, cold, dry weather and some medications.
Although there’s no permanent cure for seborrhoeic dermatitis, treatment can improve and temporarily clear your symptoms. Trichological treatments for the scalp aim to reduce inflammation and to reduce the amount of yeast on your skin, thereby improving the symptoms.
We have successfully treated many patients over the years with our treatments to help manage their seborrohoeic dermatitis both in the clinic and at home.
Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. At first it may look like small red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles — the tiny pockets from which each hair grows. The infection can spread and turn into nonhealing, crusty sores.
The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. Severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Folliculitis is caused by damage to your hair follicles, which leaves them vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria and fungi.
Many things can damage the hair follicles on your scalp, such as:
- frequently scratching or rubbing your head
- tugging on or twisting your hair
- wearing hairstyles that pull your hair, such as tight ponytails or braids
- frequently wearing hats
- shaving your head
- wearing sports helmets
- using a lot of hair products, which can build up over time
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for Educational Purposes Only and is not designed to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any health conditions.
If you are experiencing hair loss, and would like to book a consultation for diagnosis, treatment and advice please get in touch today – 01473 400049 or email info@ipswichtrichology.co.uk