Flaking and crusting of the scalp can be caused by many conditions.
Some of these respond well to home treatment, including:
- Cradle cap, an oily, yellow crusting on a baby's
scalp. It is common in babies and is not a part of any illness. It does not
imply that a baby is not being well cared for.
- Dandruff, a
shedding of the skin on the scalp that leads to white flakes on the head, neck,
and shoulders. It may be caused by a form of a skin condition called
eczema, which causes increased shedding of normal
scalp skin cells. Dandruff can also be caused by a
fungal infection. Hormonal or seasonal changes may
make dandruff worse.
- Head lice
, tiny wingless
insects that cause itching and raw patches on the scalp. Head lice are most
common in school-age children.
Scalp conditions that may need medical treatment include:
- Ringworm, an infection of the outer
layer of the scalp and in the hair. It usually causes a rash made up of
circular patches with raised, red edges that resemble worms. The rash spreads
from these edges, often leaving the center clear, giving it a ring
shape.
- Ongoing (chronic) skin conditions, such as
psoriasis,
eczema, and
seborrhea.
- An uncommon, recurrent skin
condition called
lichen planus. This condition appears more often
during stress, fatigue, or exposure to medications or chemicals.
Treatment for scalp symptoms depends on the underlying cause. A
health professional can evaluate the cause of your symptoms and recommend
treatment.
