Use specific shampoos containing ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or zinc pyrithione.
If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
Psoriasis: when the body attacks itself.
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces thick, red, scaly plaques. These plaques are itchy, and scratching them can cause bleeding.
Effective solutions:
Apply corticosteroid lotions and use medicated shampoos.
In case of severe flare-ups, oral treatment may be necessary.
Learn to manage stress, as it often makes symptoms worse.
Pityriasis: dry, scaly patches
Pityriasis rosea, a lesser-known condition, can also affect the scalp. It manifests as a large, dry patch followed by several smaller patches.
How to relieve pain?
Moisturize your skin with soothing lotions.
Avoid scratching to prevent further skin irritation.
Pityriasis usually resolves spontaneously within a few weeks.
Fungal infections: when the redness persists.
Fungal infections, such as ringworm (tinea capitis), cause itching accompanied by redness, scaling, and sometimes localized hair loss.
What to do?
Consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
Follow an oral antifungal therapy and use specific shampoos.
Continue treatment even if symptoms improve to prevent recurrence.
Chemical Reactions: Be careful with hair dyes.
Hair coloring can trigger allergic reactions: itching, redness, burning, or even blisters. A common culprit is paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient in hair dyes.
How to avoid adverse reactions?
Always perform an allergy test before application.
If you have a sensitive scalp, opt for natural or ammonia-free dyes.
Sunburn: the scalp is also affected.
The sun can burn your scalp, especially if you have thinning hair or are experiencing baldness. Sunburn causes itching, redness, and sometimes even flaking.
