Hair is a specialized type of skin, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. The hair's job is to protect the scalp. Hair damage and loss can occur if a disease of the hair and scalp manifests. Hair that covers other parts of the body, such as eyelashes and hairs located in the nose, filters debris and protect the skin from wind and sun damage.
Tinea Capitas
Ringworm of the scalp, also called tinea capitas, is a common cause of hair loss in children and is highly contagious, states "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing" by Linda Williams and Paula Hopper. Ringworm is a red, round scaly patch that itches. The patch may have blisters at the edge of the lesion. Baldness and brittle hair can also present with this disease. School age children and toddlers are at highest risk for developing this disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Dandruff
Itching and flaking skin from the scalp is commonly called dandruff. Dandruff is not contagious, but it can be caused by several different underlying conditions. Dry scalp is one of the most common causes of dandruff during the winter. Flakes caused by dry skin tend to be smaller than the ones caused by other sources, says the Mayo Clinic. Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as irritated, oily skin, is another frequent cause of dandruff. A sign of this scalp condition is greasy, red skin covered with white flakes or yellow scales, states the Mayo Clinic. The formation of silvery scales from dead skin cells is called psoriasis, and is another skin disorder that causes dandruff. Eczema of the scalp can cause dandruff flakes, well as a yeast-like fungus called malassezia. Dandruff flakes can be found in the hair and on clothes.
Baterial Infections
One of the world's leading causes of hair damage and loss is scalp infections. Folliculitus, rings of inflammation surround the hair follicle, results from bacteria on the scalp and can exacerbate hair loss. Staphylococcus is a bacteria that can cause scalp infections and inflammation, according to HairDiseases.com. Peidra is another scalp infection that can occur.
Parasites
Pediculosis capitis, better known as head lice, are highly contagious. The actual name of the parasite is louse, and they are approximately 2 millimeters in length, says Williams and Hopper. Female louse lay eggs that attach to the hair shaft near the scalp. Transmittion of lice happens with there is direct contact with an infected person or object and is common in children or people with long hair. Another parasite of the scalp is Demodex folliclorum, states HairDiseases.com, and most likely to occur in individuals with pattern baldness. Parasite infestions signs are itching.
References
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Hair and scalp
- HairDiseases.com
- "Understanding Medical Surgical Nursing;" by Linda S. Williams and Paula D. Hopper; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Ringworm of the scalp
- Mayo Clinic: Dandruff
