Scalp infections may seem minor, but they should never be ignored. A healthy scalp is critical to healthy hair growth. Conditions of the scalp can lead to hair loss in two ways. The first is that hair falls out from the affected area and is unable to grow new hair until the condition has cleared up. Secondly, many scalp conditions itch. The excessive scratching can cause hair to break, fall out, and cause irreversible damage to the hair follicle. This is your guide to the 4 most common scalp infections that cause hair loss and what you can do about them.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection that can affect any part of the body including the scalp. It causes scaly, red, bald patches that are raised off of the skin that itch. Ringworm causes hair to fall out and prevents new hair from growing in its place. Even though ringworm is most common in children, it can still occur in adults and is most likely contracted from damp environments or animals or people that are already infected.
Fortunately, this is an easily treatable condition with antifungal medication. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for the ringworm to disappear. Once ringworm is cleared up, new hair can begin to grow normally.
Scalp Psoriasis
This is a skin condition of the scalp that stems from an improperly functioning immune system. The exact cause has yet to be identified by medical experts. It is defined by thick red patches that may or may not be accompanied by silver scales. This is a condition for which there is no cure, but careful management can reduce the symptoms, which in turn, helps to prevent hair loss.
Topical treatments and oral medications are the most common type of treatments for those experiencing psoriasis. Avoiding triggers such as stress and smoking can also help to reduce the number of flare-ups.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is the most common cause of dandruff in adults. It is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, flaking skin. Dandruff not only causes itching but can also be embarrassing because flakes of skin are easily seen in the hair and on clothing. Treatment may be as simple as using an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. If the condition is more severe, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication to relieve the symptoms and restore a healthy scalp.
Lichen Planus
This condition causes shiny, red-purple plaques on the skin, including the scalp. One of the most common symptoms is thinning of the hair in the area, along with skin irritation that makes those affected by it want to scratch their scalp, which can lead to further hair loss and follicle damage. Topical creams are effective at relieving symptoms but typically this condition will go away on its own even without treatment.
Expert Trichological Treatment Options
If left untreated many scalp conditions can lead to hair thinning and hair loss. The good news is that hair loss due to scalp conditions are typically temporary and normal hair growth resumes once your scalp's health has been restored. LH Hair, North Carolina's leading hair restoration studio specializes in trichological treatments. The first step to normal hair growth is ensuring the health of your scalp. Our hair specialists believe in getting to the root of your hair loss issues by thoroughly treating any existing scalp conditions and maintaining a healthy scalp throughout the hair restoration process.
Begin your new life today with a healthy scalp and full head of hair. Schedule your free hair analysis today!
