What's Causing My Scalp Condition?

Many problems can occur on people’s hair or scalp. Hair may thin or fall out, break off, or hair growth may slow down. Other reasons for a scalp condition may be caused by medical conditions. Dandruff or an itching or peeling scalp may cause embarrassment and discomfort.

Types of Scalp Conditions

Hair loss, with the inclusion of thinning and breaking of hair, is the most common scalp problem. This can range from complete loss of hair to easy breakages or small patches of hair loss. Other causes of hair loss may include:

Male pattern baldness: More common in men and is caused by genetics and the male sex hormones.

Alopecia areata: This chronic autoimmune disorder causes a patchy type of balding pattern in men and women.

Nutritional deficiencies: A protein deficiency, which is called kwashiorkor, or an iron deficiency, anaemia, could be the cause of hair loss

Hyperthyroidism: An overproduction of thyroid hormone can cause hair loss.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can also cause hair loss.

Hypopituitarism: hair loss can be caused an underactive pituitary gland.

Lichen planus: A skin condition that can be the cause hair loss, as well as discoloration of the scalp.

Celiac disease: An allergy to gluten can cause hair loss.

Lupus: An autoimmune disorder that can cause hair loss.

Dandruff is a very common scalp condition that is quite natural and homeless. Dandruff refers to a condition where date skin cells are shed from the scalp at an unusually Fost writes. Due to the fact that this is often combined with an oily skin, these dead cells can clump together and they are known as dandruff. Around one third of the entire U.S. population is affected with dandruff and although it is not considered to be a disease, it can be a concern for many people.

There are many conditions that can contribute to dandruff, including cold weather, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies and stress. Dandruff is quite easy to diagnose and is also relatively easy to treat. Treatment can consist of herbal therapies as well as nutritional therapy and over-the-counter medicine.

Itching, Flaking, or Crusting of The Scalp

A number of skin conditions may cause the scalp to feel itchy, flaky or with a crust. Some of these conditions include:

·         Eczema or dermatitis: This common inflammatory skin condition causes flaky, scaly patches on the skin, especially the scalp. When those flakes fall off, it is called dandruff.

·         Cradle cap: Seborrheic eczema in infants causes the scalp to become crusty and itchy.

·         Psoriasis: A commonly known inflammatory skin condition that affects the scalp and develops red, scaly, dry patches.

·         Ringworm or Tinea Capitis: Is a fungal skin infection that produces ring-like patches. It is common in children.

·         Leishmaniasis: Is a tropical parasite that is spread by sand flies. It can cause skin lesions.

When it comes to scalp conditions it's always best to make an appointment with your physician to determine the extent of your scalp condition and possible treatments that are available.

This post is written for HealthLine.com, a popular resource that offers expert health advice from qualified professionals and experienced contributors.