Scalp disorders

Over the past four weeks I have looked at and identified seven scaly scalp disorders, their causes, signs and symptoms.  These disorders are known as, Pityriasis, of which there are different types, contact dermatitis — two types, psoriasis, neura dermatitis and pruritus. The types of Pityriasis (dandruff) are known as steatoid pityriasis, pityriasis amiantacea and Pityriasis Simply. Pityriasis Simply consists of small white dry scales on the scalp caused by the under activity of the sebaceous glands (oil secreting glands of the skin).

•Steatoid Pityriasis (oily dandruff) appears as larger oily like scales that adhere to the scalp and is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands.
•Pityriasis Amiantacea are sticky overlapping scales covering the scalp and clinging to the hair shaft.  These scales can be moist in the early stages.  Also the skin can become red and inflamed.
•Soborrere Dermatitis causes the skin to appear yellowish and may be oily or dry and flaky.  This can be mistaken for dandruff but may appear on other parts of the body apart from the scalp.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
•Irritant Dermatitis — a reaction to harsh hair chemicals.
•Allergic Dermatitis — the result of an allergy to some ingredient in particular hair products.
Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is of interest to trichologists because 50 percent  of all persons with this condition will also experience scalp psoriasis.  Symptoms include burning and severe itching.

Neura Dermatitis and Pruritus (medical term for itching) cause the skin to become scaly and leathery because of the chronic itching and scratching. It is important to note that if ithe scaly scalp disorders are ignored, hair loss can result in all cases.  This is because of the inflammation that occurs in some cases and the constant itch-scratch cycle. Now we look at the skin and origin of the hair. The skin is one of the larger and more versatile organs of the body.  It protects and covers vital organs. It helps to regulate inner body temperature and a whole lot more. There are two layers of the skin, the epidermis and the dermis. Your hair is an appendage of the skin.  It is considered an accessory organ and is present on all skin surface of the body except the palms, soles, lips and nipples.

Each hair develops from a group of cells called epidermal cells at the base of a tube-like depression called a hair follicle. This hair follicle extends from the surface into the dermis and contains the hair root. This is called the hair shaft and is where the hair is nourished and the hair structure develops pushing toward the surface, extending away from the skin. A hair strand is composed of dead epidermal cells. Your genes determine your hair colour and type including its length. There are six reasons for hair loss. These include stress, diet, health, medical, environment and genetics.

Stress — chronic reasons like some scaly scalp conditions. Also due to traumatic conditions such as a lash to the head, very tight braiding or tension to the scalp.

Diet — Nutritional deficiency, including excessive weight loss.

Health — Some illnesses, scarring (like burns), poor blood circulation and menopause.

Medicines — Birth control pills, radiation therapy.

Environmental — Pollutants in the air. Chemicals in water and food as well as hazardous employment.

Genetic — Inherited predispositions, cystic acne like Androgenetic Alopecia.

Hair needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen to maintain its growth and color.

Germaine Williams-Beckles is a qualified trichologist. If you have concerns about your hair or scalp send your queries to news@newsday.co.tt or call 625-6774.