Scalp conditions can be irritating, but do not usually cause any major complications.
Most are not contagious.
This article goes over some of the most common conditions of the scalp and how they are usually treated.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
In fact, the condition affects 30% to 50% of men by age 50.
Women with androgenic alopecia rarely become bald, but rather, develop thinning of the hair.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Half of those with psoriasis will have scalp involvement.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand and Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Scalp psoriasis is known to be difficult to treat.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato Hospitalwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Systemic medications for psoriasis include those such as cyclosporine or methotrexate.
Guttate-onset psoriasisis characterized by small, round, raised papules that may be scaly.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
For severe or deep folliculitis oral (by mouth) antibiotics or antifungal agents are usually prescribed.
Mild folliculitis usually heals without treatment in approximately two weeks.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
When folliculitis is severe, oral antibiotics or antifungal medication will most often fix the infection.
Medications for the treatment of alopecia areata dont work for every person with the condition.
Its important to consult with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of the medications.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022.
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)
Ringwormis a fungal infection involving the scalps outer layer.
The rash spreads from the edges with the inside of the circle being unaffected.
This gives the rash a ring-shaped appearance.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Unlike many scalp conditions, ringworm is contagious.
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Because ringworm is so contagious, everyone in the house will need to use antifungal shampoo.
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It may take more time to treat ringworm scalp conditions than other types of ringworm.
It tends to run in families but can occur for no known reason.
Eczema can be due to an allergic reaction as well.
Dermatitis herpetaformis and head lice.Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Treatment is usually aimed at controlling symptoms such as pruritus (itchiness) and scales.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis, also called seborrhea, is a punch in of eczema.
In babies, seborrheic dermatitis is known ascradle cap.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not a curable disorder.
Because it is chronic (long-term), ongoing maintenance treatment is usually necessary to stave off symptoms.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planusis thought to be an uncommon autoimmune disease.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
If a person does not have any discomfort associated with the disease, treatment may not be necessary.
Other treatment modalities may include antihistamines to relieve itching, or a pop in of ultraviolet light called PUVA.
The nits cannot easily be removed.
Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, combs, and towels.
Diagnosis
Many scalp conditions can be diagnosed during a history and physical examination.
The diagnostician can examine the scalp and gather information on the history of symptoms and oftentimes make a diagnosis.
But many of the symptoms of scalp conditions overlap.
Sometimes diagnostic tests need to be done.
A dermatologist may be consulted when the healthcare provider is differentiating between several possible diagnoses.
Some common conditions of the scalp include adrogenetic alopecia, psoriasis, ringworm, and head lice.
Scalp conditions are usually diagnosed through a simple physical examination and history.
In most cases, a dermatologist can help you discover the cause of your scalp condition.
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