seborrhoeic dermatitis

Most experts now agree that this condition and pityriasis capitis (dandruff) are related disorders. Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs when the skin becomes inflamed, and even more sebum is produced making larger stickier flakes. The condition is seen mostly in those areas of the skin where there are relatively more sebaceous glands, ie: scalp and face (particularly along the eyebrows and skin folds adjacent to the nose, upper chest and back. The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is unknown although there is often a family history of the problem. Like dandruff, it is not contagious

Frequent shampooing with flaky/itchy scalp products is essential. Initially the use of Philip Kingsley scalp mask would also be beneficial to reduce the build-up of flaking on the scalp. It is a recurring complaint and ongoing treatment with the shampoo and tonic, either solely or in conjunction with another shampoo chosen for the hair type is essential to control the condition. A reduction of dairy food intake may also be helpful.

See our Philip Kingsley shampoo for itchy, flaky scalps and our scalp tonic

eczema

The terms ‘eczema’ and ‘dermatitis’ tend to be used synonymously, describing inflammatory changes in the skin. The principal signs are inflammation and scaling caused by abnormal production of cells in the upper layers of the epidermis, which may be loose and thin or thick, and may be accompanied by weeping. Mild to severe itching often accompanies the condition. Fissures or splits in the skin may occur.

Allergic or ‘contact’ eczema (or dermatitis) occurs when the skin comes into contact with chemicals – natural or synthetic – that provoke an allergic response. There are numerous substances with which we come into contact in our everyday life that are capable of sensitising the skin so that eczema occurs. Why some people develop an allergy and others do not is unknown.

An allergic reaction to permanent hair dye occurs in a small percentage of people. A reaction can occur at any time; even someone who has used the same product repeatedly for many years could experience ‘dye dermatitis’. The severity of a dye allergy ranges from mild inflammation and itching to intense symptoms including burning, blistering and swelling of the eyes and face. Fatalities, which are extremely rare, have been recorded due to anaphylactic shock.

All hair dye manufacturers recommend that a patch test is carried out prior to every application of dye.

Treating and managing saclp eczema requires medication to soften and remove the plaques of scaling, and to calm the inflammation. In our clinics we specialise in the treatment and ongoing management of this condition.

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psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent skin condition often occurring in families. In its most frequent form there are dry, well-defined lesions of silvery scales of various sizes with underlying bleeding points. The scalp is very frequently involved in psoriasis and is recognised as a classical site for the condition. In children and young adults it is sometimes the first affected area, and in many people remains the only one. Diagnosis can be helped by looking for patches primarily on the elbows and knees – the nails can also be involved. The exact cause is unknown but the thick scaling is due to a very rapid accumulation of skin cells. Emotional stress often initiates or exacerbates an outbreak. Although it can be very severe on the scalp, and result in dry and brittle hair, it rarely causes hair loss.

Treating and managing scalp psoriasis requires medication to soften and remove the plaques of scaling, and to calm the inflammation. In our clinics we specialise in the treatment and ongoing management of this condition.

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pityriasis amiantacea

This scalp condition has the appearance of an adult ‘cradle cap’, with the formation of patches of asbestos like scale crusts, overlapping like tiles on a roof. The scales stick to the scalp and are attached in layers around the shafts of the hairs, binding them down in tufts. This ‘strangulation’ causes temporary hair loss. As the plaques of scaling are removed, however the hair re-grows when effectively treated. There may be accompanying inflammation and irritation, and it may appear in association with eczema, psoriasis or lichen simplex. The distinctive clinical appearance makes diagnosis relatively easy though it is sometimes confused with psoriasis, even by experienced dermatologists.

Pityriasis amiantacea is most common in women aged 35 to 50, but may be seen in both adults and children of either sex. Correct treatment undertaken at our clinics to remove the scaling and prevent it reforming is extremely effective and long lasting. In many cases there is no recurrence.

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pustular conditions

Pustules on the scalp, which are quite common, are formed at the opening of the hair follicle. These may be bacterial, or non-infectious and inflammatory, and lead to folliculitis which can be treated with antiseptic creams or if necessary antibiotics. However there are more destructive types of folliculitis leading to scarring alopecia, and these must be correctly diagnosed and require medical treatment.

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head lice

Lice, usually known as nits, are common among young school children, and are generally caught through direct head to head contact. The visible nits (eggs) are often empty shells. The most common areas of infestation are around the ears and the nape of the neck, and itching is an accompanying symptom. Girls are more frequently infested than boys, due to the length of their hair and physical contact. Contrary to popular belief, the condition is not due to dirt. However, poor hygiene can be a factor in the infestation multiplying more rapidly. Neither do lice ‘prefer’ clean hair – they are indiscriminate.

The colour of a female louse varies from greyish to brown, varying with the skin colour of its host and how much blood it has sucked. The female is larger than the male (about 3-4mm long), it lays 7-10 eggs a day and lives for about 4 weeks. The eggs take 6-8 days to hatch as ‘nymphs’ and are fully grown in another 8-9 days. Lice only live for a few hours on clothes, hats, seats etc so it would be unlikely, though not impossible, to pick them up in this way.

There are effective treatment products available, and the nits can be removed with a special ‘nit comb’. The use of conditioner to help with this process is recommended, and combing regularly in this way helps to reduce infestation and protect against recurrence.