Background

Condition Lookup

Sub-Category:

Scalp Conditions

Number of Conditions: 3

Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders

Sub-category: Scalp Conditions

Symptoms:
flaky, greasy scales on scalp; itchy, inflamed skin; may involve eyebrows, beard, or ears

Root Cause:
Overgrowth of Malassezia yeast and immune response, influenced by genetics and environment.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; no specific tests required.

Treatment:
Antifungal shampoos and topical anti-inflammatory agents.

Medications:
Ketoconazole shampoo – antifungal. Topical corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone ) – for inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 3–5% of the population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Oily skin, stress, and neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson’s).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but controllable with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence; Secondary bacterial infection

Scalp Psoriasis

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders

Sub-category: Scalp Conditions

Symptoms:
red, scaly plaques on scalp; silvery scales; itching or burning sensation

Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder causing accelerated skin cell turnover and inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; biopsy for confirmation in atypical cases.

Treatment:
Topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic agents for severe cases.

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcipotriol). Biologics (e.g., adalimumab ) – for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2–3% of the population; scalp involvement is common.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, stress, and infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic; manageable with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hair loss due to scratching or treatment side effects

Folliculitis Decalvans

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Hair and Scalp Disorders

Sub-category: Scalp Conditions

Symptoms:
inflamed hair follicles; pustules or scabs; patchy hair loss with scarring

Root Cause:
Chronic bacterial infection and inflammation leading to destruction of hair follicles.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; bacterial culture and biopsy.

Treatment:
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory therapies.

Medications:
Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline ). Topical antiseptics (e.g., chlorhexidine ). Corticosteroids – for inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, typically affects adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unknown; possible role of Staphylococcus aureus.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic; progression can be slowed with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent scarring and hair loss