Some scalp conditions can cause hair loss or skin rash. While some conditions are hereditary, others are due to malnutrition and infections. Hence, knowing how to treat scalp infection is crucial to keeping your scalp healthy. This blog post explores various scalp problems and possible treatments. Introduction Most people ignore their scalp until it begs for it. Irritation and itchiness are possible signs of scalp issues. Some conditions share symptoms like skin flaking and inflammation. Therefore, consulting an experienced dermatologist can help you address your problem better. What Are Scalp Problems? A human scalp problem is an issue that affects the skin on top of the head. Hair grows on the scalp unless somebody has a hair loss problem. Different problems can affect the scalp, ranging from minor infections and allergic reactions to severe health conditions. Therefore, treatment depends on the issue affecting your scalp. Importance of Scalp Health Your scalp’s health determines your hair’s health. The scalp compares to the soil on a farm. When a farm has poor soil, the plants growing in it suffer. Therefore, any scalp skin disease affects the well-being and existence of your hair. A healthy scalp has 80,000 to 120,000 hair follicles, which are tiny, tunnel-like structures from which hair strands grow. Hence, a healthy scalp helps the hair grow thicker, healthier, longer, and thicker. Types of Scalp Problems Different types of scalp infections manifest with various signs. The most common problems people encounter with their scalp include the following: Hair loss Extreme dandruff Itching Bumps Burning Extreme oiliness These problems can signify an underlying hair scalp disease, infection, or allergic reaction. A medication or hair product can cause the problem. Hence, consulting a dermatologist will help you determine how to treat scalp infection better. Common Symptoms of Scalp Problems You may notice the following signs depending on your hair skin problem. Dandruff Tiny white flakes are the signs of dandruff. Lice dandruff can be annoying when the flakes fall on dark clothing. Most people consider dandruff a buildup of the shedding, dead skin. This buildup can be itchy and bothersome. Although dandruff has no cure, some people use products like apple cider vinegar shampoo for dandruff to control the condition. Lice Lice are common in most people during childhood, affecting children between 3 and 11 years. Moreover, they spread very quickly when people share brushes, hats, and combs. These wingless insects feed on scalp blood, with females laying eggs on your hair. Although they may not cause a severe illness, they are also annoying. Over-the-counter permethrin, Spinosad, or pyrethrin products can treat this hair scalp problem. Cradle Cap Cradle cap is a seborrheic dermatitis that affects infants within the first six months. It causes yellowish, greasy scales on the scalp. Although it doesn’t signify a severe infection, it frightens many parents. Rubbing the baby’s scalp softly with mineral or baby oil can loosen the unsightly scales. Also, you can use a soft brush to loosen the flakes or wash the scalp with baby shampoo. A pediatrician can help if these approaches don’t help with this head skin disease. Psoriasis Psoriasis can appear anywhere, but it’s prevalent on the scalp. It happens when the body creates many skin cells, causing a buildup in the form of crusted, thick scales that feel sore or itchy. You can treat this hair scalp problem with steroid ointments or creams. Also, shampoos with salicylic acid or tar can help. Shining UV light on the scalp or ultraviolet light therapy can slow the growth rate of skin cells. Your dermatologist can recommend an injection or oral medication for a severe case. Ringworm Ringworm is among the most common scalp diseases in children between three and seven years. However, it can affect adults too. Despite its name, the disease is not about worms. It is an infection that causes scaly, round, red rashes or hair loss patches on the scalp. People spread it by sharing personal items or close contact. Folliculitis Folliculitis is a hair follicle infection or inflammation. Bacteria called staphylococcus cause this condition. This bacterium enters the hair follicles when you catch it from another person. When you have the bacteria, scalp eruptions result in irritations from makeup, clothing, or shaving. You can also get folliculitis after using a hot tub. Mild infections disappear without treatment. However, you can use an antibiotic to make the bacteria clear up faster. Conclusion Paying attention to your scalp can help you detect signs of a problem and seek treatment early. Redness, itching, irritation, flakiness, pain, and hair loss are symptoms that should bother you. Seeing a dermatologist is vital, primarily when the problem affects the dangerous area of scalp or the layer with loose areolar connective tissue. Nevertheless, you can maintain scalp health with a proper haircare routine, including washing and using gentle, healthy products.