Keeping your scalp healthy is one of the most important factors for a head of healthy hair. But multiple scalp conditions that irritate and worsen the surface of your scalp, leads to unhealthy hair or hair loss. A healthy diet may help prevent and treat these scalp conditions.
Identification
The skin on your scalp is much like the skin on the rest of your body. A normal healthy scalp is covered in hair follicles, which consist of epithelial and connective tissues and sebaceous gland that constantly secrete oil to lubricate the scalp. The hair that protrudes right above the scalp is the hair shaft. Housed within the hair follicle is the root of the hair, according to the Dermatology Online Journal.
Scalp Problems
There are a variety of scalp conditions that can create an unhealthy scalp. Dandruff is common and characterized by an itchy, flaky scalp. A dry scalp is also itchy but produces smaller flakes of dead skin than dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin and scalp. It results in itchiness, flaking and redness. Scalp psoriasis is also an inflammatory condition that causes itching, flaking and redness and plaques and scales.
Nutrition
Vitamin A treats psoriasis, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It is important in the maintenance of epithelial tissues and normal cell growth. Vitamin A promotes the growth and health of cells and tissues on the scalp, according to the Stop Hair Loss Now website. B vitamins are essential for healthy scalp and hair. Specifically, riboflavin aids in the reproduction, growth, repair and development of skin and hair. Vitamins B-6 and B-12 play important roles in red blood cells and blood circulation. Biotin helps scalp oils metabolize. Zinc maintains the sebaceous glands attached to the hair follicles.
Sources
Foods rich in vitamin A include carrots, eggs, liver, squash, milk, kale, spinach and bell peppers. Vitamin B foods include salmon, tuna, chicken, liver, peas, asparagus, dark leafy vegetables and beans. Biotin-rich foods include eggs, liver, yeast and cereals. Good sources of zinc include seafood and animal-derived products, eggs, milk, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Water is essential for overall health but drinking the recommended amount of eight 8 oz. glasses per day keeps your scalp well-hydrated.
Considerations
Other treatments that keep your scalp healthy include over-the-counter shampoos designed to treat specific scalp conditions. Selenium sulfide shampoos treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos containing either salicylic acid or coal tar help relieve scalp psoriasis.
References
- Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide: Vitamin B Complex
- Hairfinder: Scalp Problems -- Scalp Basics
- 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
