SCALP CONDITIONS IN MORE DETAIL

Dandruff

Dandruff is common² and is caused by an increase in skin cell turnover on the scalp. This leads to a build-up of dead skin cells on the scalp which stick together and break off in visible flakes. It may be associated with the yeast (fungus) Malassezia.

Some people find that their dandruff can be made worse by cold weather or stress.²

Dandruff can be difficult to treat and there is no cure; however, symptoms can be controlled by using an appropriate shampoo.⁶

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

The exact cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis is unknown. It is thought that it may be triggered by a harmless yeast (fungus) Malassezia that lives on the skin, and the immune system's reaction to this yeast.⁷ Genes and hormones may also play a role.⁸

Symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis include:

• White or yellowish crusty flakes
• Greasy, swollen skin
• Redness
• Itching and burning⁸

Seborrhoeic dermatitis has no cure; however, symptoms can be controlled by using a medicated shampoo.⁷

Scalp psoriasis

People with psoriasis have an increased turnover of skin cells; skin cells are usually made and replaced every 3-4 weeks, but in people with psoriasis this process only takes 3-7 days. This results in a build-up of skin cells.⁹

Symptoms of scalp psoriasis include:

• Red, flaky, crusty patches of skin
• Silvery-white scales
• Itching, burning or soreness^{4, 9}

People with mild scalp psoriasis may only have slight scaling.

Scalp psoriasis doesn't cause hair loss. However, scratching or picking the scales, stress associated with the condition and some of the treatments used can lead to temporary hair loss.⁴