Dry scalp often causes itching and discomfort. This condition can be caused by various things and the treatment is adjusted to the underlying cause of the dry scalp.
Dry scalp is a common complaint characterized by scaly patches and accompanied by itching on the scalp. The causes of dry scalp also vary, ranging from eczema, psoriasis, to seborrheic dermatitis.
Other factors can also cause dry scalp, such as cold and dry air, the use of inappropriate hair care products, and age. Even though it looks mild, dry scalp conditions should be treated immediately so it doesn't get worse.
Causes and Ways to Overcome Dry Scalp
There are several causes of dry scalp and how to overcome them. Here is the explanation:
Eczema
Eczema affects not only the most visible parts of the body, but also the scalp. Eczema on the scalp is a type of eczema that causes dry, inflamed, and itchy scalp.
Eczema on the scalp generally occurs in children or infants. When it occurs in infants, this condition is known as cradle cap or crib cap. Cradle cap It usually goes away on its own by the time the baby is 1 year old.
If you have severe scalp eczema, your doctor will prescribe a cream or ointment that contains certain ingredients, such as corticosteroids. Also, you can use over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoos and avoid scratching your scalp.
Psoriasis
Dry scalp conditions due to psoriasis can cause symptoms of red and scaly scalp due to flaky and accumulated skin. This condition does not only occur on the scalp, but can also appear on the back of the neck, behind the ears, and forehead.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is thought to be due to an immune system disorder that causes the skin to grow too quickly and peel easily. In addition to making the scalp dry, psoriasis also causes itching and thickened and crusty skin.
Dry scalp due to mild psoriasis can be treated using anti-dandruff creams, gels, ointments, or shampoos coal tar and salicylic acid or containing antibiotics.
If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, your doctor will prescribe injectable or oral medications, such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, vitamin D and vitamin A, as well as ciclosporin. In addition to drugs, ultraviolet light therapy can also be done to treat psoriasis.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is also referred to as seborrheic eczema or seborrheic psoriasis. This condition can cause scaly scalp, redness, and dandruff appears.
Besides appearing on the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can also affect other areas of the body, such as the face, nose, eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and chest.
The exact cause of dry scalp due to seborrheic dermatitis is not known for certain, but it is thought to be caused by inflammation related to psoriasis or fungi Malassezia which is on the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a medical condition that is chronic or recurs frequently. Therefore, this condition requires regular treatment.
How to deal with mild seborrheic dermatitis can use a shampoo containing ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, and zinc pyrithione used every 2 times a week.
If you have severe dermatitis symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medication to suppress the activity of your overactive immune system. The doctor will also perform treatments to treat inflammation of the skin and provide topical medications to treat bacteria.
In addition, antifungal drugs in the form of tablets or shampoo by doctors to treat this condition.
Dry scalp is not only disturbing appearance, but also cause infection if left too long. If treatment steps using shampoo, cream, or special gel for dry scalp don't work, you should consult a doctor.
The doctor will conduct an examination and determine the cause of your dry scalp and determine the appropriate treatment.