Methods for treating scalp seborrhea at home

What you need to know about scalp crusts

First, dandruff occurs, the scalp becomes inflamed, itches, and then red spots appear on problem areas - a consequence of dead epidermal cells.
If you do not take therapeutic action, the head subsequently becomes covered with crusts. Additionally, other dermatological diseases may occur - the hair begins to thin, thin out, fall out, forming bald patches. People with oily hair are susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis. The disease can become more active due to stress, climate change, dry indoors, and high outdoor temperatures.

The disease manifests itself in the form of whitish-yellow scales on the head, which, when combed, peel off and fall off. The nasolabial folds on both sides of the mouth, the beard area, behind the ears, and on the forehead may also be affected.

Eczema is accompanied by round rashes that cause itching and burning. The plaques swell and become painful when touched. When lichen appears, growths appear that gradually become covered with yellow crusts.

Reviews

Anastasia: “With the onset of cold weather, my husband caught an adenovirus infection and infected me. The treatment took a long time, but I recovered quickly and without complications, but my husband developed white spots on his head. According to the doctor, seborrhea developed due to a weakened immune system.

They prescribed a simple fluorocort and sent me home. I thought it wouldn’t help, since the medicine was cheap, but my man’s healthy skin dispelled all doubts. Sometimes I catch myself thinking, the simpler the drug, the more benefits it brings.”

Mikhail: “I live with my little son. A few months ago I discovered a white spot on a child’s head, which day after day spread along the hairline. I remembered that in childhood and adolescence I encountered this disease - psoriasis.

We went to a dermatologist, who prescribed salicylic ointment and tar shampoo. Got rid of inflammation in a couple of weeks. But I believe that this is not the end, and we will face the disease more than once. Therefore, I will keep these funds with me.”

Diagnosis of pathology

In most cases, plaque on the scalp is caused by pathogenic fungi. Infection can occur through contact with infected personal items (other people's combs, towels, etc.).

Often the cause of fungal diseases are microorganisms that are present in the healthy microflora of the skin, but remain inactive - their growth and reproduction is restrained by the immune system itself.

Their activity increases under the influence of a number of factors that have a negative impact on the immune system and its protective functions are reduced. Such circumstances include:

• chronic diseases with a long course;
• taking medications that suppress local or general immunity;
• living in an environmentally unfavorable region or frequent contact with toxic substances at work;
• sudden change in climate zone;
• in adults - hormonal imbalances, in adolescents - entry into puberty;
• non-infectious dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and others that violate the integrity of the epidermis;
• acute and chronic stress;
• in women - pregnancy and the postpartum period.

The listed factors can also increase the manifestations of mycosis of the scalp, including white plaque, if the disease already exists.

Another common cause of white plaque on the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis. Essentially, it is a non-infectious inflammation of the skin caused by contact with any irritant or allergen.

Before determining what to treat and how to get rid of scabs on the head, the doctor finds out the cause that contributed to the formation of neoplasms. First of all, skin diseases are excluded, after which systemic pathologies are diagnosed.

The prospective patient is asked about the duration of symptoms, their nature, duration, possible provoking factors that could be the cause (stress, dietary errors, etc.).

Laboratory tests are prescribed, in particular, examination of scraping biological material from the surface of the epidermis. In this way, fungal diseases are detected. In some cases, a biopsy of the biopsy specimen is ordered to rule out other conditions.

Useful tips

There are a number of simple measures that will help you avoid disorders and diseases that cause flaking of the scalp.

Here are some of them:

1. Adhere to proper and balanced nutrition: you should include vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts, dairy and fish dishes in your diet.
2. Drink the optimal amount of liquid (for an adult this is up to 1.5 liters of water).
3. Take care of your hair with a wooden comb and wash it regularly.
4. Use curl styling products to a minimum (no more than once a week).
5. Avoid washing your hair with hot water and use warm water.
6. Do not blow dry your hair.

You also need to know that the scalp can itch due to stress, poor environment, deficiency of fluoride, vitamins B12 and B6.

Help get rid of this problem and change the shampoo if that was the cause. In general, you can minimize the likelihood of a flaky scalp by following the tips above. But if the problem does appear, the most correct solution would be to visit a doctor.

Crust on the head in an adult or child - symptoms, diagnosis, methods of treatment and prevention

Scabs on the head of an adult can appear for a variety of reasons. This may only be a temporary reaction to some irritant, but often damage to the skin is associated with a serious illness.

Crusts and scratches can appear as a result of careless combing with a sharp-toothed comb, or tearing out (accidental or special) pieces of hair during the hair care procedure.

Damage to the scalp can result from exposure to too hot or cold air currents (blow-drying, walking in the cold), contact with heated electrical appliances (straight irons, curling irons, tongs).

Stressful situations

Experiences, preparation for important events - all this negatively affects the general condition of the body and its vital systems. Thus, stress can cause spasm of the head muscles, which disrupts blood supply.

As a result, the scalp does not receive the required amount of nutrients and microelements, and dandruff, scales and even scabs appear.

Abuse of fatty foods, lack of water or microelements contained in vegetables, fruits, nuts or protein foods can affect the condition of the scalp: lipid balance is disturbed, irritation appears.

The skin becomes less elastic and itching may occur. As a result of scratching, microtraumas appear and crusts form.

Seborrhea

A skin disease associated with a disruption of the normal secretion of the sebaceous glands and a change in the composition of sebum secreted. A large amount of released secretion leads to the growth of microorganisms.

Thus, in those suffering from seborrhea, yeast-like fungi Pityrosporum ovale are usually found. Typical signs of the disease: focal peeling of the scalp, peeling of scales, inflammation, redness.

The development of seborrheic eczema is promoted by:

• stressful situations;
• weakened immunity;
• ischemia;
• epilepsy;
• excess weight;
• Parkinson's disease;
• neuritis of the facial nerve.

Experts divide seborrhea into 3 types:

• oily – characterized by the appearance of yellowish or grayish crusts, hair sticks together, looks greasy, the patient complains of hair loss;
• dry - characterized by the formation of whitish scales, itching, irritation and inflammation of the integument. Hair also becomes dry and brittle;
• mixed – the disease is characterized by symptoms of the two above-mentioned forms.

Psoriasis

A non-infectious disease localized not only on the head, but also on other parts of the body. The cause of psoriasis is an individual reaction of the body (immune system), as a result of which the process of cell renewal is accelerated.

Instead of the required 30 days, a cell only exists for 3-5 days, after which it is replaced by a new one. With psoriasis of the scalp, scales and scabs form, gradually peeling off and causing itching. Special shampoos help improve the condition in the early stages, but later it is necessary to use drug therapy, including steroids.

Other scalp problems that cause scabs include an allergic reaction. It can be caused by a variety of factors (medicines, food, cosmetics or detergents, fragrances or oils).

Most often, allergic dermatitis occurs due to:

• consumption of certain foods;
• using shampoos, masks or serums with a new (unknown) composition;
• hair coloring;
• taking medications to treat other diseases.

Initially, areas of redness are noted on the skin, and tissue swelling is noticeable. Afterwards, small festering wounds covered with crust may appear. The area becomes more sensitive and itchy. As a result, a person gradually scratches the damaged area, only aggravating the picture.

Scab (favus).

The disease belongs to the group of pathologies caused by the parasitic fungi Trichophyton schonleinii. The incubation period (from the moment of infection to the appearance of the first signs of the disease) takes about 14 days.

Then the person notices the symptoms of scab and begins to figure out how to treat the scabs that appear on the head, how to get rid of the disturbing peeling. Gradually, the damaged areas (with yellowish crusts) merge into one large lesion.

Pityriasis versicolor

Ringworm is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Pityrosporum Orbiculare. Skin rashes or small spots with clear boundaries may have a reddish or brownish tint and cause itching and discomfort in the patient.

Eczema

A skin pathology characterized by skin redness, crusting, peeling and itching. It can be localized on the scalp, face, neck and behind the ear.

There are also a number of associated factors and diseases that lead to skin damage and the appearance of crusts and plaques on it. Severe itching, which bothers the patient for a long time, forces him to constantly rub and comb the same area, introducing infection and opening the way for various microorganisms.

The scalp may itch if you have the following diseases:

• microsporia is a fungal disease that causes peeling of the skin and breaking off hair at the root. The affected lesions quickly increase in size and scabs form on them;
• Scabies is a contagious disease caused by itch. Typical signs of the disease include severe itching, the formation of papules and pustules. With scabies, scabs appear on the head, the cause of which is scratching, so treatment should begin in a timely manner to prevent secondary infection. In the affected area, baldness and severe hair fragility are possible;
• acne – as a result of hormonal imbalances, pimples appear on the scalp, which a person damages during washing or when combing. After this, inflammation and redness first occur, and then the crust dries out;
• pediculosis - crusts on the head of an adult can also appear in the presence of lice, which constantly irritate the skin with bites that cause itching. Constant scratching traumatizes the skin, and the area later becomes covered with scabs.

If the cause of the appearance of crusts on the head is diseases of internal organs and systems, then you need to undergo appropriate treatment.

Additionally, you need to adhere to the following advice from a trichologist:

• Balanced diet;
• A sufficient amount of fluid consumed per day, up to 2 liters;
• Strengthening the immune system by eating vegetables, fruits, berries, protein products, plant foods;
• Playing sports, walking in the fresh air;
• Rejection of bad habits;
• Elimination of stress factors;
• No to alcohol and smoking;
• Getting rid of the allergen in case of allergic dandruff.

High-quality hair care is a must - using products according to your hair type, washing your hair 2-3 times a week, but not more often. Using folk remedies, moisturizing the scalp with natural base and essential oils. Rinsing hair with herbal decoctions.

· You will need to read: 10 minutes

The most common hair problem is dandruff. Every person has encountered it at least once in their life. Sometimes this problem gets worse and crusts appear on the scalp, but dandruff may not be the only cause.

In a small child, scabs are associated with a not yet fully strengthened immune system, so in most cases they go away over time. Adults suffer from crusts on the head for other reasons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEb79kpsUVk

Some are serious illnesses that require diagnosis and treatment.

It is the outer layer of a solid substance that is formed as a result of secretions from the skin. The crust is a dermatological disease.

Deviation does not pose a serious danger, but only causes discomfort and spoils the appearance.

The photo shows that the crusts are dense, confluent areas of yellow or white scales distributed throughout the head or on individual parts of it. Sometimes the crusts stick together and form a solid “shell.”

Causes of pathology

Normally, skin exfoliation occurs when you wash your hair and scalp. This happens almost unnoticed. When any pathological changes are observed in the body, this process is disrupted. Epithelial cells begin to die more intensively, which leads to the formation of an unpleasant problem. Risk factors include:

• hormonal imbalance in pregnant women or during menopause, ovarian diseases;
• abuse of fried, salty and fatty foods;
• overweight, obesity;
• reaction to hair dye;
• anxiety and frequent stress;
• taking certain medications;
• problems with the thyroid gland;
• decreased general or local immunity;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract of a non-infectious nature;
• metabolic disease;
• improper use of skin care products;
• failure of the endocrine system;
• bad habits (smoking or alcohol abuse).

Separately, it is worth noting infectious pathologies, these are mainly skin diseases, such as:

• seborrhea;
• seborrheic dermatitis;
• eczema;
• pediculosis;
• mycoses – diseases caused by fungi;
• red flat, shingles or ringworm;
• psoriasis.

Symptoms

The main symptom is the appearance of crusts on the scalp. Against their background, itching, peeling, and redness of the epidermis are noted. As a result of the constant intensive death of skin cells, the scales themselves fall off.

Before crusts form, hair problems appear. They become brittle, their hair loss increases, and dandruff appears. These signs cannot be eliminated even when changing caring cosmetics.

Depending on the cause of the crusts, they may be accompanied by other symptoms:

1. Seborrhea. It can be oily, dry or mixed. In the first case, the crust is gray-yellow, in the second, white flakes of dandruff form. Hair, depending on the type of seborrhea, becomes oily or dry. With a mixed type, symptoms of both types of disease are observed.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis. It differs from seborrhea in that it is chronic in nature, which is why treatment of the pathology takes longer. Clearly defined red spots form on the skin, which then merge. Due to the desquamated epidermis, yellow crusts form.
3. Eczema. Accompanied by round rashes in the form of plaques, papules and spots. They cause itching, burning, and pain. Hair becomes dry.
4. Pediculosis. It develops as a result of the transmission of parasites – lice – through contact and household contact. Their bites are painful and cause severe itching. Scratching the skin may leave scars.
5. Mycoses are diseases caused by fungi. With favus, round foci of inflammation form under the hair, which are depressed in the center. They cause an unpleasant odor. Another infection is microsporia. With it, crusts form on the head, similar to bran and causing hair loss, including eyebrows.
6. Lichen planus. The disease causes red bumps, hair loss and scars that are left after constant scratching of the skin.
7. Shingles. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The disease is accompanied by painful lesions and growths that gradually become covered with yellow crusts.
8. Ringworm. This is a type of fungal infection that causes bald patches to form where the scalp is covered with a crust. Other signs of ringworm include itching, flaking, redness and swelling of areas of inflammation.
9. Psoriasis. This is an autoimmune disease. It affects not only the scalp, but also the body. The pathology is accompanied by the formation of flaky plaques. When the crusts are removed, the skin begins to bleed.

Diagnostics

Methods for treating dandruff of various natures

The problem of flaking scalp often occurs during the cold season, and is associated with reduced resistance of the body's defenses.

Products containing sulfur, selenium and zinc are excellent for combating saprophytes. Active components stop the process of infection propagation, prevent pathogenic fungi from penetrating deep into the skin and prevent massive hair loss.

These medications are available in the form of ointments, pastes and shampoos. For more effective therapy, it is necessary to use all three forms of drugs.

Dandruff can also be treated with shampoo containing ketoconazole. It is used 2 times a week for a month. This remedy is also suitable for getting rid of lichen. It is used once every day, the course duration is 5 days.

Dandruff can also be defeated with the help of drugs where panthenol acts as an active ingredient. It perfectly eliminates dryness and thus solves the problem of flaking skin.

Physiotherapeutic measures to combat dandruff include cryomassage. It is carried out using liquid nitrogen and causes the blood vessels to narrow. In this case, the capillaries expand, and this improves the nutrition of the hair follicles.

The use of electric current, or darsonvalization, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect on the human scalp. The procedure is carried out before applying keratolytics.

When peeling the epidermis of the hairline, doctors often prescribe salicylic oil. It has a softening effect on crusts and dandruff. It is applied to the surface of the head in a circular, light motion.

After 6-8 hours, the treatment is washed off. After using the drug, removing scales becomes much easier. Use salicylic oil 2 times a week.

When a problem arises with exfoliation of the scalp, it is very important to saturate the body with the missing substances. But a doctor must prescribe vitamin preparations, because a specialist is able to better determine which substances a person is deficient in.

Symptomatic manifestations

The first noticeable symptom of athlete's foot is flaking of the scalp, but this is not dandruff. Dead cells form round compactions in the form of white or grayish plaques. When touched, such plaque is felt under the fingers as small bulges, concentrated in one area or distributed over the entire area.

After a short time, the white coating and plaques are accompanied by itching - the skin is very itchy and this manifestation is only slightly relieved after washing the hair. When you try to scratch your head, compacted scales remain under the nails in the form of a cluster of white or gray-yellow mass.

Dry seborrheic dermatitis most often produces a large amount of dandruff, and in most cases the disease does not progress. For many months or even years, the only complaint is the accumulation of white flakes at the roots of the hair. But with oily seborrhea, dead skin cells mix with sebum and form a dense mass.

With both diseases - mycosis and seborrheic dermatitis - the lack of treatment inevitably affects the general condition of the hair. Both women and men can develop baldness, and pathological lesions gradually spread beyond the hairline (to the face, neck). In severe cases, peeling, itching and white “flakes” are observed on the eyebrows and at the roots of the eyelashes.

Crust on the head in an adult or child - symptoms, diagnosis, methods of treatment and prevention

To eliminate dryness on the head, soften spots, give the skin firmness and elasticity, and reduce fungal activity, medicated creams, shampoos, lotions, and ointments are used.

Effective drugs:

1. Sulsena - based on selenium disulfide, shampoo and paste of the same name are used to treat dandruff;
2. Naftaderm - the main component is Naftalan refined oil, used to treat dermatological rashes;
3. Squafan - anti-dandruff lotion and shampoo, relieves itching and irritation of the skin;
4. Keto-plus shampoo – has an antifungal effect due to the content of ketonazole;
5. Salicylic ointment - softens dry crusts and relieves irritation, has a pronounced regenerating effect.

In advanced cases, hormonal agents and antibiotic therapy are prescribed. It is important to consult a doctor before using a pharmaceutical product. Strictly observe the dosage and duration of use of the product.

Drug therapy

To avoid the appearance of crusts on the head under the hair, it is recommended to use personal items and hygiene products, not wear hats, get proper rest, eat, take vitamin complexes seasonally, avoid stress, and get rid of bad habits.

To color strands, use natural ingredients - henna, walnut infusion, tea, coffee. Regularly apply masks to your hair using kefir, burdock oil, nettle leaves, and oak bark decoction.

Before going to bed, comb your hair with a few drops of bergamot or eucalyptus essential oil. An excellent remedy for activating the subcutaneous layers of the epidermis and awakening dormant bulbs.

Take care of your hair and be healthy!

Systemic medications are necessary to eliminate a fungal infection that has entered the body. These include:

• Griseofulvin;
• Ketoconazole;
• Fluconazole and others.

As adjuvant therapy, drugs from other medicinal groups (antibacterial, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunostimulants, etc.) can be prescribed.

For seborrheic dermatitis, depending on its causes and severity, antihistamines, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and corticosteroid drugs may be prescribed.

Products for local use are necessary to deliver active ingredients directly to the pathological focus and eliminate the symptoms of white plaque as quickly as possible.

For this purpose, shampoos containing Ketoconazole, Miconazole and other antifungal substances are used.

To relieve itching and inflammation due to mycoses and dermatitis, Elokom lotion can be prescribed. It is recommended to treat fungal or inflammatory diseases of the head with local remedies after washing your hair with medicated shampoos, distributing them over the entire head - not only in areas where white plaque accumulates.

How to treat seborrhea

You need to use antifungal and antimicrobial shampoos: Nizoral, Keratosal. Vishnevsky ointment is often recommended, but it is not suitable for a newborn baby. Experts advise avoiding frequent washing - this dries out the epidermis, using only mild detergents and changing bed sheets and towels every time after a shower - this is the basis for getting rid of fungal infections.

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Good reviews about Betasalik ointment. The main difference between this drug and others is the presence of antibiotics in the composition. These substances do not corrode the top layer of skin, unlike pharmaceutical beaters. The essence of their action is to trigger the body’s defense mechanisms and help completely get rid of the virus. This remedy also treats acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and pityriasis versicolor.