Changes in the scalp
February 13, 2012 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann
Dear experts,
I have a question for you and hope you can help me.
A little about me: I am 29 years old, non-smoker, slim.
So far, my scalp has been regenerating normally - no increased dandruff or anything like that.
Since the end of January, I have been experiencing symptoms that I don't know how to deal with (see attachment) and it is not getting better. Spread across my head, there are some changes at the hairline as shown in the picture. These cannot be removed - as soon as I try to remove these white "structures", the entire tuft of hair that is covered by this "structure" comes loose and I have it in my hands. That's why I'm afraid to pull at the "structures" anymore, as I fear visible bald spots will form. My hair is not dyed, and I wash it 1-2 times a week with regular shampoo. Since these spots have appeared, I occasionally feel itching in the head area - but not constantly.
What are these white "structures" caused by or what are these "structures" (is there a medical term for this), and how can I get rid of them (preferably using home remedies)?
Best regards,
Jule
Good morning Jule,
I will take a very close look at the pictures and try to give you a good answer based on them.
Your Dr. K. Hamann
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Based on the pictures, you can clearly see an increased formation of dandruff (greasy flakes), which leads to crusting of the hair, especially at the hairline. This should be examined under a microscope and microbiologically. It could be an infestation with skin fungus (often Pityrosporum), but also eczematous dandruff.
Hormonal fluctuations, stress, and climate changes (office air conditioning, dry air, wearing hats) cause an increase in dandruff along with increased sebum, which causes the flakes to stick together, as visible in the picture.
Treatment options (source: netdoctor):
Dandruff can be effectively treated at home. However, if the scalp is inflamed, appears red, moist, covered in crusts, or even if hair is falling out, one should consult a dermatologist.
Antifungal medications from the pharmacy are effective for self-treatment. They reduce the number of fungi on the scalp, addressing the root of the problem. Ketoconazole and bifonazole are active ingredients in medical shampoos that are easy to apply like regular shampoo. The shampoo must be left on the scalp for some time as the fungus is very stubborn. Then the hair is rinsed out and styled as usual.
The treatment is usually carried out for a month. To prevent relapses, one application per week is sufficient for up to six months. In between, wash the hair with a regular shampoo. Then switch back to normal shampoos. If the flakes reappear, the treatment can be repeated.
For severe dandruff, the dermatologist may remove the stubborn flakes on the scalp with salicylic acid spirit, a hair tonic from the pharmacy. For severe inflammation, cortisone-containing hair tonics may be useful. Cortisone has anti-inflammatory effects and when applied topically for a short period, it has minimal side effects.
Regular dandruff shampoos are cosmetic products, not medications. They contain antifungal agents or generally disinfecting substances in very small amounts, or simply nourishing or anti-itch ingredients. They are not suitable for severe dandruff, only for a few flakes or for post-treatment with medical shampoos.
What can you do yourself?
Use a mild shampoo for washing your hair and always rinse well with clear water. Daily hair washing with suitable shampoos usually does not harm the hair. Only for very oily hair, washing less frequently is advised, as it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
Important: Do not blow-dry your hair too hot, as this irritates the scalp. For oily hair, it is better to let it air dry.
Frequent brushing removes sebum from the scalp and distributes it in the hair. Avoid scratching, as this irritates the skin and promotes scalp infections.
The sun has a healing effect. In winter, the scalp of those affected produces significantly more dandruff than in summer.
Take care!
