Although the skin on your scalp serves the same purpose of protecting your bones and muscles as skin elsewhere on the body, it has several noticeable differences: it is much thicker than skin elsewhere, and carries more blood, according to Discovery Health. In addition, it contains numerous sebaceous glands that produce the oil necessary to keep your hair healthy. Problems with scalp skin aren't uncommon, but if they become irritating or persistent, see a dermatologist immediately for a professional diagnosis.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a chronic skin condition that occurs when skin on the scalp becomes dry and flaky. The skin flakes collect in the hair, making dandruff apparent to others. This is often very embarrassing to the sufferer. Dandruff typically worsens during the colder months.
The good news is that, while dandruff is fairly common, it isn't contagious and can often be easily treated with special over the counter shampoos. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends that suffers look for shampoos that contain such compounds as zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide. Alternating between different dandruff shampoos with each shower can provide relief for difficult to treat cases of dandruff.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis occurs when the hair follicles become infected. Although folliculitis is most common in the scalp region, it can occur anywhere on the body. The New Zealand Dermatological Society notes that folliculitis can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss and can occur within any age group.
The disease often manifests in patches and carries few symptoms other than hair loss and, occasionally, itching. While no cure exists, oral antibiotics and corticosteroids provide relief in some patients.
Acne
Acne can have many causes, but one of the most common causes of acne is the overproduction of sebum from the sebaceous glands. This results in the hair follicles becoming blocked with excess sebum. Bacteria can multiply within the blocked hair follicle, causing pain, inflammation and redness. Because the scalp contains a high number of sebaceous glands, acne is a common problem in the scalp area, most notably on the forehead. Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are often effective at clearing up scalp acne.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis can be identified by the red, itchy, scaly rash it leaves behind. Although most common on the scalp, seborrhea dermatitis can also appear on the chest and around the face and ears. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the disorder is most frequent in infants, middle-aged individuals and the elderly. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants is known as "cradle cap." Individuals with compromised immune systems have a higher risk of developing the disorder. Dandruff shampoos, oral corticosteroids and topical anti-fungal creams can all be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
