As some people have itchy scalps, the first thing that they think of is that they merely have dandruff. But, if this “dandruff” has been manifested for a long period of time, then it’s possible that they have a condition of the skin known as sebaceous dermatitis. Sebaceous dermatitis is definitely a skin condition that should be taken seriously because it can lead to baldness if managed improperly. Dandruff appears complicated when referred to by its medical term, pityriasis simplex capillitii. But, the truth is, dandruff is a simple condition where the scalp sheds dead skin cells. But, although it is a normal process for skin cells to die and be replaced by newer, healthier cells, only a small level of shedding on the scalp is thought to be normal. Anything past that is thought to be abnormal and known as dandruff which causes people to have itchy scalps. Although dandruff is not normal and chronic in some people, it can be managed easily by purchasing shampoo that has ingredients such as salicylic acid, sulfur, and selenium sulfide.

An itchy scalp that can’t be helped by dandruff treatments more likely needs seborrheic dermatitis treatments since there is a high likelihood that what you think is dandruff is actually a more serious skin condition called sebaceous dermatitis.

Sebaceous dermatitis is the only type of eczema that affects the scalp which is why it is also called scalp eczema by some. Also known as seborrheic dermatitis, seborrheic eczema, or seborrhea, it is a disorder of the skin that affects the sebum glands of the skin and leads to dry patches of skin shedding from the scalp. However, sebaceous dermatitis also affects the sebum glands on the face and the trunk which is why you shouldn’t be surprised to see patches of dry skin in these areas.

In the beginning, when sebaceous dermatitis first shows up, the scalp begins to itch and what looks like simple dandruff appears. The flakes may be gray, white, or yellowish in color. What’s odd with this condition is that the flaking does not only appear on the scalp but it could also appear on the face, the back of the ears, the chest area, and the upper back. In rare cases, redness of the skin and flaking may appear around the eyelashes, on the forehead, and the sides of the nose. If left unmanaged, the condition may worsen and lead to temporary or permanent hair loss depending on the damage endured by the hair follicles.

Sebaceous dermatitis does not have a known cause. But, it has been linked to three possible aggravators and these are stress, deficiencies or excess in nutrition, and fungal infection. Stress does not only come psychologically. It also comes in many forms including illness, fatigue, sudden environmental changes, poor health, and sleep deprivation. All these are said to be tied to the aggravation of the condition’s symptoms such as itchy scalps. Excessive consumption of vitamin A and deficiencies in biotin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine are also thought to cause sebaceous dermatitis. Lastly, proliferation of the fungi Malassezia globosa on the scalp is also linked to the development of scalp eczema.

Thankfully for those who suffer from scalp eczema, there are existing seborrheic dermatitis remedies that can help to avoid the possible complication of hair loss. These treatments include the use of strong anti-dandruff shampoos, antifungal shampoos, and topical steroids. These remedies will not only decrease flaking of the skin but can also help people with their itchy scalps.

Never dismiss the flaking of your scalp as simple dandruff especially if you see the same flaky formations on your face and trunk. What you think of as an itchy scalp may actually be a manifestation of something more serious and worse like scalp eczema.

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