Complete Guide to Hair Problems

Our hair is a large part of our overall appearance. Experiencing issues with how our hair looks or feels can have a negative impact on self-confidence, and can even indicate underlying health issues. 

Here's what you should know about hair problems. 

The most common issues with the hair include: 

• Dandruff
• Hair Loss (Alopecia)
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Lichen simplex
• Folliculitis 

Dandruff is a common condition of the scalp characterized by chunks or flakes of skin. People with dandruff may also experience itchiness and general inflammation of the scalp. 

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of physical or environmental factors. Stress, giving birth, genetics, illness, hormonal imbalance and certain hair care products can cause accelerated hair loss. General hair loss is different fromAlopecia areata, a condition that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles. Typically, Alopecia areata causes hair to fall out in patches rather than in a general pattern. 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, scaly skin that is overly oily or greasy. The causes of the condition are not well-known, but is thought to be caused by immune system malfunction or a fungus called malassezia. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is often accompanied by stubborn and embarrassing dandruff. It is most often found on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas of the body that produce oil, like the face and chest.

Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an autoimmune disease. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body, including the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can cause itchiness, flakiness, burning and general discomfort in the scalp. Some scalp psoriasis gets severe enough to cause bleeding or temporary hair loss. 

Lichen simplex, also known as neurodermatitis, is a skin condition caused by constant scratching of itchy skin. Lichen simplex can lead to thickened, dry patches of skin that appear discolored. Lichen simplex is most commonly found on the feet, hands, ankles, wrists, neck and scalp. When neurodermatitis affects the scalp, it can cause severe itching, hair loss, and even open sores that bleed. 

Folliculitis is skin condition characterized by inflammation of the hair follicles. It is typically caused by a bacterial or fungal infection, and can be mistaken for a number of other skin conditions. The main symptoms of folliculitis include tiny red or white, pus-filled bumps where the hairs grow. Shaving or use of certain skincare products can make folliculitis worse. 

Individuals with skin conditions that affect the scalp often experience hair loss, embarrassing skin flakes, itchiness, redness and open sores on the scalp. 

Fortunately, most scalp conditions can be diagnosed and treated with dermalogical care. 

The majority of scalp and hair issues can be remedied with alterations to your hair and scalp care routine. 

It's important to visit a dermatology care professional to find out what products or practices are irritating your scalp and contributing to your symptoms.

It's also important to practice good scalp care to prevent flare ups of your issues. 

To prevent worsening of scalp issues, you should keep your nails short and filed so you don't cut or damage your scalp if you scratch. 

Avoid excessive picking or scratching of the scalp; scratching can worsen irritation and inflammation and may lead to open sores. 

Consider letting your hair air dry after washing it. Using heat products on an irritated scalp can cause increased dryness, flaking, and itching. 

Carefully review all hair care products before using them. Read ingredients lists and read reviews from other consumers. Consult with your healthcare professional about which ingredients may trigger or worsen your scalp issues. 

Depending on your scalp condition, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Itchiness
• Redness
• Flaking or scaling of the skin on the scalp
• Hair loss and hair breakage
• Rough or scaly skin patches
• Pain or tenderness
• Bleeding or open sores

When you seek dermatological care for scalp issues, it's important to be honest with your healthcare professional about your symptoms, even if they're embarrassing.

Treatment for scalp and hair issues can help alleviate symptoms, and restore a healthy, vibrant appearance to the hair. 

Dandruff treatments typically include:

• Switching to a gentler shampoo 
• Using medicated dandruff shampoo (Pyrithione zinc shampoos, Selenium sulfide shampoos and Ketoconazole shampoo)
• Prescription shampoos for stubborn dandruff that doesn't respond to other treatments

Treatment for hair loss can include:

• Stress reduction - Improving your diet, sleep schedule, and exercise routine to reduce and reverse stress-related hair loss
• Hair loss medication - Rogaine, Propecia (for men only)
• Laser therapy - A non-invasive procedure that uses red light to stimulate hair growth in hair follicles. As a relatively new procedure, the safety and effectiveness of laser therapy is still relatively unknown, but early studies have been encouraging
• Hair transplant surgery - Hair follicles from areas of dense hair on the head are removed and transplanted into areas of the scalp that have experienced hair loss. 

Treatments for seborrhoeic dermatitis include:

• Creams, treatments and shampoos that reduce inflammation in the scalp
• Antifungal treatments - These can include topical creams or medications taken in pill form
• Over-the-counter medicated shampoos 

Treatments for psoriasis of the scalp include: 

• Topical medications for the scalp - These can include shampoos, lotions, foams, sprays, or steroids 
• Prescription vitamin D
• Vitamin D/steroid combination
• Vitamin A treatment

Your dermatology care provider may also recommend other treatments, such as light therapy, retinoids or biologics, depending on the severity of your scalp psoriasis. 

Treatment for Lichen Simplex includes:

• Topical anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids
• Steroid injections
• Menthol creams and moisturizers to prevent itching
• Antifungal medications
• Phototherapy

Treatment for Folliculitis includes:

• Creams to control infection
• Pills to control infection
• Antifungal medications - Creams, shampoos, lotions
• Anti-inflammatory medications

If you have been treated for a skin condition that affects your scalp or hair, and you haven't seen a decrease in your symptoms, it's important to visit a dermatology healthcare provider. It is common for conditions of the scalp to be misdiagnosed and thus, not adequately treated.