Symptoms

Dry scalp is dull, rough and sensitive. Often it also causes severe itching and the formation of dandruff. If the scalp is also reddened and blisters form, it can be seborrhoeic eczema.

This disease is very common and can also occur in babies, preferably in the first 3 months. However, there is an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands: the scales are rather oily and yellowish and not caused by dry skin. Another skin disease associated with dry skin and scalp is psoriasis.

It often occurs in the area of the scalp and the forehead-hairline, but can also manifest itself on the rest of the body. At first, silvery, thickened scales form, which look like candle wax. Furthermore, a skin rash occurs and in the majority of patients, hair loss in the area of the head is also possible.

The rash is not limited to the scalp, other areas of the body where psoriasis is most common are the elbows and knees. Therapeutically, there are countless possibilities to treat psoriasis, therefore the presentation to a dermatologist is important.In addition to creams and ointments, there are also therapeutic approaches with vitamin D3, UVB phototherapy, climatic therapy or photochemotherapy. Therefore it is important to have psoriasis examined by a doctor and to find an optimal treatment method.

Causes

Dry scalp (sebostasis) is caused by a reduced production of the oily film by the sebaceous glands. This underfunction of the sebaceous glands results in a lack of moisture due to reduced binding of moisture on the scalp surface. The excessive use of shampoos, soaps or hair treatments can also lead to a dry scalp, as these often have a degreasing effect on the scalp.

The use of the wrong products can also be a cause. Because an allergic reaction to certain ingredients can also cause dry and flaky scalp. In addition, blow-drying that is too hot or too long can contribute to the formation of dry skin.

Other causes are a constant stay in rooms with air-conditioned air as well as in airplanes or changes in temperature or a change of season. Chlorinated water or salt water can also extract important moisture from the skin. Stress or hormonal changes can also lead to dry skin.

In addition to the countless factors, skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis can also lead to dry skin. Here, however, dry skin is not limited to the scalp, but can occur all over the body. Fungi on the skin can cause itchy and scaly skin, including on the scalp.

In the case of a fungus, the symptom of itching is in the foreground. The itching causes extreme scaling of the skin. The fungus can attack the skin on any part of the body.

A fungal attack must be treated with a fungicide (antimycotic). This must be prescribed by a doctor. Due to the danger of the fungus spreading to other parts of the body, the therapy should be started as soon as possible and scratching should be avoided if possible.