Hair and Scalp Care Tips

Dear reader, in the never ending search for ways to improve our hair and scalp health, we have come across some useful information. Here are some common sense tips to follow when it comes to hair and scalp care:

Unless otherwise directed by your physician, apply your scalp hair medication to towel-dried hair before using any styling products, like gels or mousses. Once you have applied the medication go ahead and style as usual.

Do not use hair spray too often; it tends to suffocate the hair. Hair gel and mousse are fine, but don't apply them directly on areas with scalp dermatoses. Put these styling aides elsewhere and then comb them through your hair.

It is good to massage your scalp while shampooing and rinsing. Massage uniformly to make sure that the blood is circulated on your entire scalp. Don't focus just on the area with scalp dermatoses; massage your whole head.

It is okay to blow dry your hair. Just don't overheat the scalp, especially the area wit scalp dermatoses.

Any hair length is fine. However, with certain treatments (such as those that are greasy and difficult to put on), you may find it more convenient to wear your hair short.

Use a wide-tooth comb or a flat brush. Round brushes are okay for styling while you dry your hair. Never pull hard to rid yourself of knots; you'll break the hair and irritate the follicles.

Alternate your shampoo and conditioner every few months. If you have dry hair use a conditioner. But don't feel that you have to use one if your hair is in good shape.

A new look is always fun! Feel free to use hair dyes, permanents, gels, straighteners and other products. But just to make sure they don't cause irritation, test these products on one area before applying them to your entire scalp.

UNDERSTANDING SCALP DERMATOSES

Scalp dermatoses are skin disorders that can cause the scalp to become red, irritated, flaky and itchy. They can last a life time. For some, scalp dermatoses worsen over time; others go into remission for months, even decades. Although neither fatal nor contagious, scalp disorders diminish self-esteem by causing social embarrassment.

The most common conditions are scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Those affected often have a combination of these problems. If you have any of these scalp conditions, you are one of millions affected Americans.

SCALP PSORIASIS. Psoriasis, from the Greek word for Œitch', is the abnormal maturation and rapid shedding of skin caused by inflammation. The condition causes inflammation of the scalp characterized by the presence of reddened skin and siver-white, flaky scales. In many, intense itching is also present. Researchers believe an immune in the
body somehow triggers the psoriasis. Although anyone can get it, at least half of those who have it also have psoriasis elsewhere in their body. Psoriasis affects both men and women. Nearly one-third of psoriasis patients have a family history of the condition.

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS. This condition is characterized by inflammation, scaling and flaking, as well as redness, itching and crusting in body parts with many oil glands like the scalp, eyebrows and sides of the nose. Some scientists believe yeast in these oil- rich areas may cause the condition. Seborrheic dermatitis, most common in males 13 years and older, may also affect infants in whom the condition is sometimes referred to as "cradle cap."

ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA). This condition can appear as an itchy spot on the scalp. Uncontrolled scratching then causes the skin to become red, irritated and flaky. Irritated or dry skin (from allergies, scratchy material, or changes in temperature) can also cause the problem. Although it can appear at any age, atopic dermatitis is more common among infants and children. Most people with atopic dermatitis have family members with the disease.

TRIED, TRUE AND NEW TREATMENTS