The sensitive skin area of the scalp is often overlooked because it is under the hair. Styling products, body oils, harsh chemicals and pollution clog hair follicles and damage the scalp, resulting in flaky, itchy or inflamed skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Keeping the scalp clean and moisturized will stop itching, prevent scalp damage and hair loss. Washing, massaging and treating the scalp with aromatherapy oil, medicated products and scalp-cleaning shampoos prevents damage and keeps those locks looking healthy.
Medicated Products
Mild, soap free shampoos are recommended for dandruff or mild cases of seborrheic dermatitis. Adults with scalp conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis or dandruff should use non- prescription medicated shampoos containing tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole and/or salicylic acid, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. For harsher cases, a dermatologist will write a prescription for a specific medicated shampoo.
Neutrogena T/Gel is a tar-based shampoo. Head & Shoulders and Selsun Salon are zinc pyrithione shampoos. Ionil T is a shampoo that contains salicylic acid. Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide. Nizoral shampoo contains ketoconazole.
Hypoallergenic Shampoos
Hypoallergenic shampoos are recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for people with sensitive skin. They are a good choice for anyone wanting a gentle scalp cleanser that will not strip away natural oils, leaving the scalp dry and prone to flaking.
Aveda's Scalp Benefits Shampoo removes excesses sebum and buildup from styling products and the environment. Aveda's products are organic and do not pollute the environment. Johnson and Johnson's Baby Shampoo is gentle, soap free and cleans the scalp without irritating the scalp. Lavera Naturkosmetik has a line of hypoallergenic organic products that includes Neutral Shampoo that is both gentle and can be used for eczema and dermatitis.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are used to clean the scalp in people with head lice and ringworm. Eucalyptus, marjoram, spearmint, peppermint, sage, rosewood, clove bud and cinnamon bark are effective at treating head lice, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Positive results have been achieved with ringworm by cleansing the scalp with a treatment of iodine, mercury or essential oils, according to The Canadian Medical Association Journal. Essential oils such as lavender, cedarwood, thyme, rosemary, jojoba and grapeseed were found to be good for the scalp and for treating alopecia areata, hair loss, in a study by the Department of Dermatology at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill Scotland.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Head Off Trouble with Better Scalp Care
- American Academy of Dermatology: Seborrheic Dermatitis
- American Academy of Dermatology: Guidelines of Care for the Mangement of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- Mayo Clinic: Treatments and Drugs
- National Institutes of Health: In Vitro Screening of Anti-lice Activity of Pongamia Pinnata Leaves
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