Many people experience two types of itching that are particularly unbearable: itchy head and itchy feet. In particular, athlete's foot has a strong itching sensation that makes people can't help but scratch repeatedly. Scalp problems are similar, if you don't wash your hair for a day, the itching sensation will become very noticeable, and it may even lead to skin damage, small bumps or suppuration.
These scalp problems can be a manifestation of several common conditions, and they all have one thing in common: an oily scalp accompanied by itching. Although we clean our hair frequently, the problem persists. One of the reasons may be the secretory properties of the sebaceous glands of our scalp, and another may be related to the shampoos we use on a daily basis. Some ingredients in the shampoo may irritate the scalp and exacerbate itching issues.
In the scalp, there are always pimples and pustules, what's going on?
Folliculitis:
Folliculitis refers to the inflammation of hair follicles. It usually begins as a small red rash on the scalp and sometimes a small pustule forms at the top. As the disease progresses, these pustules dry or rupture, forming yellow crusts. Since there are about 100,000 hair follicles in the head, the scalp is a high-risk area for folliculitis. Most scalp folliculitis is caused by bacterial infections, especially Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus is usually found on the surface of the skin, but in the case of frequent sweating, fever, and poor hygiene on the scalp, the bacterium can multiply rapidly, disrupting the balance of skin flora and irritating the hair follicles, thus inducing folliculitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis:
When too much oil is secreted from the pores of the scalp, it can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic papulosquamous skin disease that occurs mainly in areas with abundant sebaceous glands, such as the head and face. The condition appears as inflamed, yellowish-red patches around the hair follicles, often with greasy scales or crusts. On the scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can cause increased dandruff, itchy scalp, and in severe cases, erosions, oozing, and even massive hair loss.
Psoriasis of the head:
Psoriasis, commonly known as psoriasis, is a chronic proliferative skin disease caused by abnormalities in the immune system. It manifests on the scalp as redness, swelling, red papules, plaques, and thickened dandruff, which often follow the hairline. Although the symptoms of psoriasis are somewhat similar to seborrheic dermatitis, it usually does not cause hair breakage or loss. In addition, hair in psoriasis patients often forms bundles due to the accumulation of scales.
Tinea capitis:
Tinea capitis is a skin condition caused by a fungal infection, including types such as vitiligo, tinea nigra, pyocy, and jaxate. Common pathogens include Trichophyton xulanensis, Microsporum rust-colored and Trichophyton severus. Typical symptoms of tinea capitis include scaly scalps, papules, or pustules, accompanied by hair breakage and hair loss. Children, immunocompromised people, or menopausal women are at high risk of tinea capitis.
To delay scalp aging and maintain scalp, you need to do these 4 things
The importance of cleansing the scalp
Maintaining scalp hygiene is the basis for preventing scalp problems. Hair oil and dirt can clog scalp pores if left unwashed, triggering problems such as dandruff and hair loss. Therefore, it is crucial to have a suitable shampoo plan based on the individual's hair type and the intensity of their daily routine. It is generally recommended to shampoo your hair at least 2-3 times a week.
Use the right hair care products
Choosing the right hair care products is essential for the health of your scalp and hair. For example, conditioners, hair masks, and essential oils for your hair type not only nourish the scalp, but also reduce damage to the roots and provide the hair with the nutrients it needs.
Massage the scalp regularly
With regular scalp massage, you can promote blood circulation to the scalp, thereby maintaining scalp health. It is recommended to gently press the scalp using the tips of your fingers, gradually massaging from the back of your neck to the front of the neck for a few minutes a day to help with hair growth and help relieve stress.
Eat a balanced diet to promote a healthy scalp
A balanced diet is just as important for scalp health. Foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as marine fish, nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, provide essential nutrients to the scalp and contribute to healthy hair growth. At the same time, it is recommended to reduce the intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods to avoid adverse effects on the scalp.