There are a variety of medical conditions of that relates to the scalp. Most of these conditions will result in hair loss or alternatively some type of skin rash; although most scalp conditions are hereditary some of these may be coursed by an infection or even malnutrition.
The treatment of your scalp condition will depend on the cause as well as its severity, which is why it is often recommended to see a physician first. One of the most common types of scalp problems is the one that causes hair loss. This can include anything from complete hair loss to breakages and small patches of hair loss.
Types of Scalp Conditions
Male pattern baldness is a condition that is common in men and is usually caused by genetics as well as male sex hormones. Nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair loss including a protein deficiency as well as an iron deficiency, or anaemia. Hypothyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormone and this can also cause hair loss. Hypothyroidism on the other hand, is an underactive thyroid that has the same effect on your scalp. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder that can also cause hair loss and baldness.
They are variety of other conditions that can also affect the scalp, because they are skin conditions or they can cause skin rashes. These include the following:
- Seborrheic eczema: this is also called dermatitis and it is a common inflammatory skin condition that will cause scaly patches or flakes of the skin, especially on the scalp. When these flakes fall off they are referred to as dandruff.
- Psoriasis: This is an inflammatory skin condition that is quite common among people. The scalp is often infected and can develop red, dry patches.
- Scleroderma: A rare skin disease that also affects the connective tissue. It can cause the skin to develop light patches that are hard and tight.
- Leishmaniasis: A tropical parasite that can cause skin lesions.
In addition to skin conditions, there are other causes that can affect the scalp, including lice and head trauma. Temporal arteritis is when the arteries in the head are damaged or inflamed and this can cause a sensitive scalp. This can also lead to scalp conditions.
Causes and Symptoms
There can be many different causes of scalp conditions and often it seems that it might involve genetics. Causes can include scleroderma, autoimmune disorders and male pattern baldness. Symptoms will depend on the condition, but it can include rashes, hair thinning or hair loss, an itchy scalp and scaly patches. The scalp can also become tender and painful.
The prognosis for scalp conditions are quite good. Although there are not cures for all of these conditions necessarily, the symptoms can be controlled. The condition can be treated and the cause can be eliminated in many cases as well. There are different treatments available and it will largely depend on the individual and the condition. It is always recommended to see your physician as he or she can recommend the best course of action.
Healthline is a popular resource that offers expert health advice from qualified professionals and experienced contributors. Find out more about scalp conditions from Healthline.com.
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