Dear Doctor

I noticed a dry patch on my scalp. It does not seem to be growing in size and does not itch.

Dear Patient

Itchy Dry Scalp Causes and Treatment

The causes of an itchy, dry scalp include:

Dandruff

Dandruff, which is also known as Pityriasis simplex capilliti, is characterized by fine white or gray scales on the scalp which may be associated with itching. Though the exact cause of dandruff is not known, the following factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing dandruff:

Excessive production of sebum (oil) by the scalp can cause dandruff. This can be treated with a shampoo that contains selenium sulphide like Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

 

Infrequent shampooing of the hair can cause dandruff due to the buildup of skin cells on the scalp. This can be treated by shampooing the hair several times each week with a shampoo that contains selenium sulphide like Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

 

Not brushing the hair frequently can also lead to dandruff because of the build up of skin cells on the scalp. This can be treated by brushing the hair every day with a brush with ball tipped bristles that prevent pulling on the hair like the Conair Velvet Touch Paddle Brush.

 

Infrequent scalp exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells on the scalp) can also cause dandruff. This type can be treated by exfoliating with the fingers when shampooing the hair or using a Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush or using exfoliating scalp masks like the Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask.

 

Overgrowth of Malassezia ovale (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale) can also cause dandruff. This yeast is normally present on healthy scalps and the exact cause of its excessive growth is not known. However, factors like hormonal changes, stress, suppressed immune systems, increased sebum production and other illnesses like Parkinson’s disease have been associated with its overgrowth which leads to scalp irritation and dead scalp cells being shed at a very fast rate. These shed cells mix with the oil from the hair follicles and form greasy clumps. This type of dandruff can be treated with medicated shampoos like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

 

Medical conditions like Parkinson’s disease, heart attacks and strokes have also been associated with an increased risk for developing dandruff. This type is treated with shampoos.

 

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, which is also known as seborrhea is characterized by yellow, greasy scales, redness and itching on the scalp and other areas like the eyebrows, behind the ears and on the chest. It is treated with medicated shampoos with ingredients like pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, ciclopirox and ketoconazole. Examples include Head and Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo.

 

Psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis is characterized by redness and whitish scale on the scalp and other parts of the body like the elbows and knees. It is treated with corticosteroid creams, methotrexate, cyclosporine and other medications. Shampoos which contain tar and salicylic acid are also used to treat scalp psoriasis. Examples include Neutrogena T Gel Shampoo.

 

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis can also cause dry, itchy scalps. This fungal infection of the scalp is treated with antifungals like Griseofulvin, Itraconazole and Terbinafine. Shampoos like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo are also used.

 

Eczema

Eczema is characterized by redness, itching and scaling which can develop on the scalp as well as other parts of the body like the elbows and behind the knees. Eczema is treated with corticosteroid creams and shampoos like Sebamed Dry Skin Relief Shampoo.

 

Contact Dermatitis

Allergic reactions to ingredients in hair care products like shampoos and hair dyes can also cause dry, itchy and scaly scalps. Examples of such ingredients include paraphenylene diamine (PPD). Scalp contact dermatitis is treated by avoiding the offending products and applying corticosteroid creams like Hydrocortisone.

 

Poor Diets

Diets that low in nutrients like vitamin B, D, zinc and essential fatty acids have also been linked to dry, itchy scalps. Eating a balanced diet can correct this condition. If you are not able to do so, you can also take Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements and a multivitamin supplement like Centrum.

 

Non-Itchy Dry Scalp Causes and Treatment

Causes of dry scalps which are not itchy include:

Climatic Conditions

Climatic conditions like cold winters which cause dry skin can also cause dry scalps. Overheated rooms can also cause dry scalps and skin. Dry scalps due caused by climatic conditions can be treated by using shampoos like Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Shampoo and hair conditioners like Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Moisturizer Treatment.

 

Conclusion

Since I cannot clearly see the dry patches on your scalp from this picture I cannot give you a definitive answer as to what may be causing your dry patches. I therefore suggest that you send us another picture of the dry areas.

 

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