Your skin is the most widespread body part. Because of this, it is prone to many types of problems affecting it in various areas of the body. Your head and neck are no exceptions. Scaly patches on these areas may be signs of Glen Allen scaling scalps. This condition and all it is about are discussed below.
What are Scaling Scalps?
Scaling scalps are a typical skin condition characterized by bumpy, scaly, or reddish patches. The patches may appear singularly or with multiple scalps covering your whole scalp. They may spread to your neck, forehead, or inside and behind your ears.
This condition is not contagious, although its cause is unknown. Speculations suggest that it arises from immune system dysfunction, leading to your skin cells growing too fast and forming patches. Family history may also lead to contracting scaling scalps.
Most scalp patients have symptoms affecting their scalp’s skin surface. Scaling scalps may be unnoticeable due to their mild nature. However, severe cases may last for long, forming crusted, thick sores. Itching may cause scratching affecting daily activities and sleep, resulting in hair loss and skin infections.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs involve minimal, fine scaling. Moderate to severe scaling scalps have symptoms like:
- Silvery-white scales
- Red, scaly, bumpy patches
- Dry scalp
- Flakes that look like dandruff
- Itching
- Hair loss
- Soreness or burning
The condition itself does not result in hair loss but the following scratching. Other hair loss causes may be due to harsh treatments, scaly spots, and the stress from the disease. Your hair usually grows back after the skin clears.
Treatment
Treatment at initial diagnosis typically involves substances you can apply to the skin directly. These include creams, medicated shampoos, lotions, gels, oils, foams, soaps, and ointments. Some of them may be accessed over-the-counter, while others need a prescription.
These products have one or two drugs that are FDA approved for psoriasis, such as coal tar and salicylic acid. The prescribed treatment products may also have high concentrations of other substances approved by the FDA, such as:
- Antimicrobials that deal with yeast or bacterial infections leading to scaling scalps
- Anthralin prescribed medication
- Betamethasone and calcipotriene dipropionate
- A derivative of vitamin A like tazarotene
- Topical steroids
- A potent vitamin D derivative called calcipotriene
These treatments need to be put directly on the scalp, not on your hair. Directions are provided during the eight weeks before it heals. Regular shampooing or cleaning using prescribed products may prevent the recurrence of the disease.
Your physician may suggest certain steroid injections applied directly to the few areas with mild scalping.
Phototherapy using a laser light source may be used if other topical treatments are unresponsive. The UV light is delivered via a hand-held instrument known as a UV comb for the whole scalp. A shaved head may need regular sun exposure for brief periods.
Scaling scalps may be easily mistaken for dandruff. However, severe scalp scaling may cause discomfort and itching, leading to other diseases. Check out our website for any scalp scaling inquiries, or call our offices in Glen Allen, VA.
