The care of the scalp

For healthy and shiny hair, it’s always good to start at the roots. As we have already seen together in a previous article, it’s fundamental to take care not only of the hair ends but also the scalp. Sometimes, however, the scalp is affected by particular pathologies that need to be prevented and treated in the best possible way.

A sensitive scalp

The scalp is in itself a very delicate part of the body and subject to external factors that can affect its health. It is therefore easy for it to become irritated, reddened and even painful.
The causes can be many, but the most common is the use of the wrong shampoo or unsuitable products. An unbalanced diet can greatly affect the health of the skin, or exposure and certain climatic conditions, pollution or stress. When the skin’s natural protective barrier is damaged by one or more factors, microinflammations of the scalp can also become a major cause of increased sensitivity.
Whatever the trigger, it is always good to observe the proper scalp cleansing and hygiene to help even the most sensitive skin and free the hair follicle from substances that can suffocate it.

Dermatitis and scalp irritation

A sensitive scalp is associated with dermatitis and scalp irritation. The treatment of dermatitis and the main objective of cosmetological treatment level is therefore to restore the skin barrier, avoiding dryness caused by alterations to the lipid component of the epidermis. Such abnormalities predispose precisely to irritation. Emollient and soothing preparations should therefore be used and particular attention must be paid to cleansing.

If there are white flakes or yellow scales it may be dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis.
If the patches are red and flaky it is scalp psoriasis.

The scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that manifests itself as plaques and patches of very flaky skin that bring redness, itching and flaking similar to dandruff. Its severity varies from case to case: it may be present as a mild nuisance or worsen to become a major discomfort.

Triggering agents can be: trauma (chemical, mechanical, allergic), infections, hormonal changes, psycho-physical stress, certain drugs, bad eating habits. Genetic predisposition and family history is common.

Psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist and in any case by a careful analysis of the scalp also to distinguish it from seborrhoeic dermatitis. Topical treatments, i.e. the use of specific or prescription products, are used to treat psoriasis. Or systemic treatments (drugs). In any case, it is good to observe proper cleansing and hygiene of the scalp and reduce one of the main causes, i.e. stress. Finally, avoid scratching to relieve itching as the situation can only worsen.