Dry Scalp
Treatment advice for Dry Scalp
Many dry scalp cases resolve on their own with a few lifestyle changes. These changes include drinking plenty of water and avoiding harsh shampoos and hair care products.
What can I do to prevent Dry Scalp?
- Eating a well-balanced diet and avoiding potentially damaging hair treatments can help prevent dry scalp
- Eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, preservatives, and food additives. Test yourself for food sensitivities.
- Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy), dark leafy greens, and sea vegetables.
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes), and vegetables (such as squashes and peppers).
- Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
- Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy) or beans for protein.
- Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
- Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
- Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.
Advice for Dry Scalp
The exact cause of dry scalp is unknown. Doctors think it may be due to a combination hormone levels, weakened immune system, lack of certain nutrients, or nervous system problems. Irritation from a yeast called Malassezia may also lead to this condition.
Risk factors include:
- Stress or fatigue
- Weather extremes
- Oily skin, or skin problems such as acne
- Infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning
- Using lotions that contain alcohol
- Obesity
- Neurologic conditions, including Parkinson disease , head injury or stroke
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Lots of different things can lead to dry skin and a dry scalp.
Some examples include:
- Not drinking enough water
- Using harsh cleaning products
- Taking long, hot showers or baths
- Living in cold, dry conditions
- Using artificial heat sources, such as central heating and wood-burning stoves, that dry out the air
A person with a dry scalp may experience itching and flaking skin. Although it may look like dandruff, a dry scalp is different. The two conditions have different causes and different treatments.
Dry scalp may flare up periodically, but appropriate treatment can usually control the symptoms.
A doctor will examine the area and ask about symptoms, medical conditions, and family health history. A dermatologist may diagnose scalp simply by examining the rash, or they may recommend a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions.
