Hair & Scalp Disorders

Scalp Ringworm

Introduction Scalp ringworm (Tinea Capitis) refers to an itchy, scaly rash of the scalp. There are many causes of an itchy scalp; however, when it is caused by a fungus, the rash is known as tinea capitis. The fungus causing tinea capitis prefers hair follicles. This is why tinea capitis favors the scalp area. The affected hairs can harbor the fungus for a year or more. As these affected hairs are shed, other family members’ scalps can become infected with the same fungus. Tinea capitis is most common between preschool-age and adolescence. Signs & Symptoms The appearance of scalp ringworm […]

25Jun

Scalp Psoriasis

Introduction Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells multiply faster than a normal person’s, causing areas with thickened skin. Psoriasis can happen on any part of the body, and the term “scalp psoriasis” simply means that the psoriasis occurs on the scalp. The severity of the scalp psoriasis differs greatly from person to person. For some people, only a small area is affected, while for others, the affected parts can extend beyond the hairline onto the ears, forehead and neck. Some people might have psoriasis on their scalp only, while others could have psoriasis on other areas of the body. […]

25Jun

Head Lice

Introduction Head lice are tiny insects that live on your scalp and are usually found in your hair. They feed on blood from the scalp about five to six times a day, causing an allergic reaction and resulting in itching. The life cycle of the head louse consists of three stages – egg (or nit), nymph and adult. Having head lice can give intense discomfort, but rarely leads to severe complications, as head lice do not spread any diseases. Signs & Symptoms Signs and symptoms of head lice include: Feeling of something moving around on scalp Intense itching Small, red […]

25Jun

Hair Loss

Introduction Although hair loss is mainly an aesthetic problem, it can be extremely distressing, taking a toll on the sufferer’s self-esteem. There are many causes of hair loss, including: Androgenetic alopecia – more commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss. Alopecia areata – a patchy hair loss that might be due to an autoimmune disorder. Traction Alopecia – caused by tight hairstyles such as cornrows and hair braids. This form of hair loss will resolve itself once hair styling habits are changed, if the problem is addressed early enough. Telogen Effluvium – a type of hair loss caused […]

25Jun

Dandruff

Introduction For a normal person, skin cells form and rise to the surface in about 25-30 days. With dandruff however, the skin cells on the scalp go through this process about twice as fast, causing an accumulation of skin cells on the scalp. Itching can cause the patient to scratch violently, resulting in embarrassing flaking, swelling and breaking of the skin, compounding the problem if an infection sets in. This is more common at the top of the head, although for some people the entire head might be affected. Signs & Symptoms Flaking of the scalp, which is more apparent […]