Flaky spots on the scalp can be nuisance and embarrassing for nearly everyone. Your hair and scalp can be an indicator of your health, so signs of dandruff require treatment. Flaky spots on your scalp may indicate certain medical conditions that need attention, such as psoriasis. There are a variety of causes and effective treatments for each cause.
Types
There are a handful of scalp conditions that can cause flaky spots. The most commonly known is dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis and dry scalp also produce flaky spots on the scalp. Dandruff can make the scalp itchy, red and irritated while causing white, oily flakes of dead skin. Dry scalp, often confused with dandruff, also causes an itchy, red scalp with flaking skin. Seborrheic dermatitis causes inflammation of the skin and scalp from excess oil built up on the scalp. It results in flakes, redness and itching. Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes flaking, plaques, scales, swelling and redness.
Risk Factors
Outside sources can affect your scalp, making it dry and causing flakes to appear. Frequently shampooing or taking long hot showers can strip the scalp of its natural oils. Skin infections can cause scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. According to the Surviving Hair Loss website, seborrheic dermatitis may be triggered from s fungal infection that feeds on skin oils and dead skin cells. This produces inflammation and flaking. Scalp psoriasis is thought to be from a genetic autoimmune disorder.
Treatment
Using organic or natural shampoos are gentle enough for an irritated scalp. They provide moisture for the dry scalp that may be producing flakes. Hot oil treatments involving herbs such as peppermint, rose, tea tree, chamomile or myrrh can help as well. Medicinal shampoos with ingredients such as selenium sulfide and ketoconazole are often used for treating dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis is managed with shampoos containing either salicylic acid or coal tar.
Effects
Organic shampoos with natural ingredients are safe, gentle and effective. They typically contain filtered or deionized water which helps to avoid minerals such as calcium and magnesium building up on the scalp. Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective ingredient that helps to treat the underlying problem to relieve the itching and flaking of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid is considered a peeling agent for psoriasis as it softens and removes the outer layer of skin. Coal tar is used to slow the rapid production of skin cells seen with psoriasis. It reduces inflammation, itching and flaking while restoring the scalp's natural appearance.
Considerations
Nutrition and exercise can make a difference in how your scalp looks. A healthy diet, getting the blood flowing from exercise and drinking plenty of water is beneficial to your scalp and hair. Vitamin supplements can also improve the health of your scalp, but consult with a heath care provider about what vitamins to take.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: National Institutes of Health: Selenium Sulfide
- Mayo Clinic: Selenium Sulfide (Topical Route)
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Treating Psoriasis: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Topicals
- Surviving Hair Loss: Handling Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Surviving Hair Loss: Overcoming Scalp Psoriasis
- Surviving Hair Loss: Treating Dry Scalp
