Scalp Crusting: Causes and Treatment
What is Scalp Crusting?
Scalp crusting isn't just a cosmetic issue; it's often accompanied by discomfort like burning, itching, and tightness. Furthermore, this build-up can lead to hair loss. So, how do you deal with scalp crusting, and what could it mean?
Scalp Crusting as a Symptom of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Scalp crusting is most commonly a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. This chronic dermatosis is characterised by the formation of yellow, greasy scales of dried sebum and dead skin cells. When there are many scales, they can clump together to form a crust. Additional symptoms include skin redness and intense itching.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis
The exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis aren't fully understood, but it's often linked to an oily scalp. It can result from:
- Hormonal imbalances: Particularly those related to excess androgens or high prolactin levels.
- Poor diet: For example, consuming large amounts of sugar.
- Deficiencies: In B vitamins, selenium, and zinc.
- Stress
- Weakened immunity
- Underlying illnesses: Such as Parkinson's disease.
- Incorrect skincare or unsuitable cosmetics.
Malassezia yeasts thrive on oily scalps. Overgrowth of these fungi can cause skin inflammation, leading to excessive scaling and seborrheic dermatitis. Initially, this may resemble dandruff; in advanced stages, it forms a scalp crust.
Scalp Crusting in Babies
Scalp crusting can also affect babies. Cradle cap is a common condition in infants, beginning with a white coating around the fontanelle. This progresses to greasy, yellow scales, which can thicken and form a crust covering the entire scalp. However, cradle cap symptoms are usually mild. If symptoms are severe or recurring, differential diagnosis is recommended as it could indicate atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
How to Treat Scalp Crusting
Never forcefully peel or scrape off a scalp crust. This can easily damage the scalp and worsen the condition.
To remove a crust, apply an oil-based, keratolytic preparation before washing your hair. Leave it on for at least half an hour, then wash with shampoo – says Karina Pietrzela, cosmetologist at Clinica Cosmetologica.
Your chosen product should contain acids with exfoliating properties. For babies, you can use baby oil, natural oil, or a paste of oatmeal and water. Applying this before washing softens the stratum corneum, loosening the bonds between skin cells. This allows the accumulated scales to be safely removed during washing and combing, without irritating the skin.
You likely won't remove the crust completely in one go. Therefore, consistently repeat these home treatments. If the crust persists or causes significant discomfort, consult a doctor. They may prescribe stronger treatments, such as a corticosteroid shampoo.
Preventing Scalp Crust Recurrence
Here's how to reduce the risk of scalp crusting returning:
- Maintain good scalp hygiene.
- Don't leave oily hair unwashed. Wash as often as needed to prevent it becoming a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria that worsen seborrheic dermatitis and scaling.
- Regularly exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Use chemical exfoliants; granular scrubs can damage the scalp and hair shafts, and particles can block hair follicles.
- Remember to moisturize regularly.
- Lack of moisture negatively impacts skin health, leading to scaling and potentially increased sebum production.
- Use shampoos with anti-fungal ingredients.
- Since seborrheic dermatitis is caused by Malassezia fungi, regularly using products that combat these fungi is crucial. Daily use shampoos containing selenium sulfide and piroctone olamine are recommended. Shampoos with stronger agents like ketoconazole or ciclopirox olamine should be used less frequently.
- Choose mild cosmetics.
- Inflamed scalps are sensitive and easily irritated by harsh products, increasing scaling. Use dermocosmetics suitable for sensitive skin.
- Wash your hair with lukewarm water and air dry or use a cool setting.
- Hot or cold water stimulates sebaceous glands. Hot air drying excessively dries the hair and scalp.
- Avoid scratching your scalp.
- Scratching or using harsh combs damages the scalp, worsening inflammation and increasing the risk of infection, leading to scabbing.
- Manage stress and eat a healthy diet.
- A healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing seborrheic dermatitis.
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Remove Scalp Crust with Seborh Dermocosmetics
Seborh dermocosmetics offer three products to effectively cleanse the scalp of accumulated scales. The Seborh skincare routine consists of three steps:
- Exfoliation: Using Seborh liquid. Contains keratolytic ingredients such as glycolic and malic acid, as well as extracts of ginkgo biloba, centella asiatica, calendula, and rosemary to strengthen hair follicles.
- Cleansing: With Seborh moisturizing shampoo. Gentle cleansers make it suitable for daily use. Contains effective anti-fungal ingredients: selenium sulfide, piroctone olamine, and ichthyol. Royal jelly and vitamin E moisturize the scalp and regulate sebum production.
- Moisturizing and Soothing: Using Seborh emulsion. Urea, NMF, hemp oil, and black cumin oil rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic layer and enhance moisture. Soothes burning and itching, supporting skin regeneration.
Seborh dermocosmetics help safely remove scalp crusts. Their mild ingredients are gentle on the scalp and hair, moisturizing and restoring comfort.
Summary
Scalp crusting is most often caused by seborrheic dermatitis. A dermatologist should make the diagnosis, as similar symptoms can occur with conditions like psoriasis. Usually, scalp crusting can be treated with appropriate skincare and products. However, more serious cases may require medical treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is scalp crusting?
Scalp crusting is a buildup of dead skin cells mixed with sebum. This crust forms due to excessive skin cell shedding and sebum production, characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis.
2. How do I get rid of scalp crusting?
First, soften and exfoliate the scalp using keratolytic and oil-based preparations. After sufficient time, wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Repeat daily until the crust is completely removed.
3. How do I care for my scalp to prevent crusting?
Adapt your skincare to your scalp's needs. For seborrheic dermatitis, use gentle, preferably dermocosmetic products that provide adequate moisture, maintain healthy microflora, and support exfoliation.
This article originates from Verdelove.pl.
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