Scalp Disease
Common Types of a Scalp Diseases
When talking about a scalp disease, it is important to understand that several diseases can affect this part of the body. While some of these diseases are common and mild, others can be more on the serious side. In fact, sometimes diseases such as this can cause only slight symptoms such as itching while other times, a person might experience complete hair loss. This article will address some of the problems that people develop specific to the scalp.
Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universialis
Alopecia is a common scalp disease that is broken down by three levels of severity. In this case, a person, whether male or female loses hair. For instance, Alopecia Areata and an autoimmune disease of the skin in which hair follicles are attacked by the body’s immune system. With this, a person would lose only patches of hair but if the disease progresses, it becomes Alopecia Totalis in which all hair is lost. However, when hair is lost on the entire body, it is called Alopecia Universialis.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Another type of scalp disease is this, which is the advanced form of seborrhea, a non-contagious type of skin disease whereby oil product is abnormally high. Although the skin needs oil, when too much is produced it causes redness, irritability, and scaly skin. One of the most common types of this disease is seen in babies known as Cradle Cap. However, when developed in adults, it can be somewhat challenging to treat.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is not contagious and while it affects the scalp, it can affect other parts of the body. The outbreak of this disease is triggered by many things to include stress, medication, infection, and toxemia. The good news is that this scalp disease is treatable but initially, it causes extremely itching and burning.
Eczema
Another scalp disease that millions of people deal with is eczema. Although this too is not contagious, this disease causes redness, inflammation, and scaly skin. Because eczema and psoriasis are similar, many of the same treatments work. In this case, sores and painful, itchy lesions can develop. If not treated early, the individual can also end up with significant scarring. For severe cases of this scalp disease, temporary hair loss is also possible. While some medicated shampoos and cream rinses can provide some relief, the individual would need to increase water intake, limit the amount of fish consumed, and if necessary, use medicated ointments prescribed by a doctor.
Unfortunately, some people think when they face an itchy, red, and irritated scalp that nothing can be done to help but in truth, many of the diseases that affect this part of the body can be effectively treated. The key of course is getting a correct diagnosis so proper treatment could begin. Usually, the family doctor can treat the individual but for serious cases, the person may need to see a dermatologist.