Copyright Dr. Marder Skincare
Winter weather, and the subsequent use of indoor heat to stay warm, can have an extreme drying effect on the skin?and this most certainly includes the scalp. For those who already suffer from sensitive scalps or are susceptible to environmental and weather changes in general, the result can be scalp skin that?s dry, itchy and downright unattractive. Then there are the more serious matters like psoriasis and other scalp concerns causing incessant scratching that?s not only annoying, but also possibly damaging to the skin and hair follicles within. Plus, all of that scratching often loosens dead skin, resulting in unsightly and embarrassing flaking that?s visible on the head and often falls onto furniture and clothing. Aside from changes in weather and other environmental factors, and even stress, which can trigger a scary scalp, according to the Cleveland Clinic the most common reasons for a dry, itchy scalp include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis (yeast overgrowth), psoriasis, tinea capitis (fungal infection) and even allergic reactions. Dandruff may also be caused by excess sebum and even by certain hair products that cause irritation known as contact dermatitis.
While for the majority an itchy scalp is not a major health concern or caused by medical issues, scratching too hard and too often can cause damage and create red, raw patches that are certainly unsightly. And, even if non-serious scalp issues like standard dandruff are left untreated...