Scalp Problems – Causes and the Right Remedy

Scalp Anatomy: Role and Composition

The skin structure of the scalp is basically the same as the skin on the rest of your body, even though the hair on our head can grow longer than in other places.

The following three layers make up the skin:

1. The epidermis (top layer)

2. The dermis (middle layer)

3. The hypodermis (bottom layer)

The scalp alone contains thousands of hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and nerve cells. Like the rest of the skin, the scalp renews itself every 28 days. During this process, new skin cells are formed in the depths of the skin, which then migrate to the upper skin layers, where they are eventually shed. This shedding of tiny cells happens when we comb, brush and wash or run our fingers through our hair and is usually invisible to the naked eye.

Poor or inadequate scalp care is often the root of the problem and can cause itching, oozing, burning and flaking, or even aggravate existing conditions. Unfortunately, most people only think about ways to get a healthy scalp when the first warning signs appear. One in every five Germans suffers from chronic scalp problems. Another 30% experience occasional problems with their scalp. To help you get rid of the itch and the pain, we’ll look at the causes and treatment options of various scalp problems.

Oily Scalp

Do you feel like you’ve only just washed your hair but the roots are greasy and your hair stringy again? But not to worry – learning how to take care of your scalp can alleviate the problem!

The scalp needs care and oil (which is produced by the sebaceous glands) to be supple and act as a protective barrier against sun exposure, environmental factors and dehydration.
However, if too much sebum is produced, an oily scalp can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which in turn can cause inflammation. The tell-tale sign of an oily scalp is hair that quickly becomes greasy and stringy again. The strands clump together at the ends, the hair falls flat and loses its bounce, and voluminous hairstyles won’t stay up.

There are many different reasons for an enhanced sebaceous gland activity:

Genetic predisposition
Hormonal changes, such as during puberty, shortly before your period starts, during pregnancy or when menopause is reached
Taking, or switching, hormonal birth control
Excess levels of androgens, a male sex hormone
Drug side effects
Increased stress levels
An unhealthy diet high in fat and sugars
Improper hair and scalp care, such as washing your hair every day, blow-drying it on a hot setting, brushing your hair too often and too vigorously, using water that is too hot and hair care products that are not suitable for you

Washing your hair more often is not the solution! On the contrary. If you wash your hair frequently and use the wrong hair care products it puts stress on your scalp and sebaceous glands, which only puts your body into sebum production overdrive.

Here are some simple tips that actually work:

Use scalp-care products and treatments such as shampoos for greasy hair and conditioners designed for oily scalps.
Don't wash your hair too often or only as often as is really necessary. Consider waiting a day longer.
Avoid styling products that cause build-up, such as hairspray, hair wax or dry shampoos.
Use a hairbrush that is gentle on the scalp.
Eat a balanced and healthy diet.

If following this advice does not prevent greasy hair or does not help with a fungal infection of the scalp, we recommend you see a specialist.

Oily Scalp With Dandruff

Dandruff can not only be the result of a dry scalp. An overly greasy scalp can also cause dandruff. The difference is that then these flakes appear yellowish and feel oily.

The yellowish dandruff caused by the overproduction of sebum clogs the pores of the scalp, preventing enough oxygen and nutrients from reaching the hair follicles, which in turn can lead to hair loss. What’s more, the greasy dandruff coating your scalp becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and fungi that can cause irritation and inflammation. Your scalp will start to itch and feel raw.

If your scalp is really greasy and you’re experiencing heavy flaking, the probable cause is the skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis (also seborrheic eczema). Other parts of the body, such as the face, chest or back, can also be affected. The definitive cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood; however, it is widely assumed that the factors that cause an oily scalp have been associated with its development. But it is also possible that an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, in other words a fungal skin infection, can contribute to an oily scalp and dandruff.

The remedies that help with an oily scalp can also help control oily dandruff, especially shampoos for greasy hair.
In cases of severe seborrheic dermatitis, we recommend you always seek out a dermatologist. As a rule, topical agents such as special shampoos containing antifungal medication, also known as an antimycotic medication, are a good treatment option. These shampoos inhibit the growth of fungi, yeasts and bacteria, while also reducing the risk of hair loss.

Dry, Itchy Scalp

Many people report suffering from a dry and itchy scalp. Not to worry though – our tips for a healthy scalp can bring relief.

Itching, flaking and tautness (especially after shampooing) are signs that you have a dry scalp. But irritated, red skin and a burning sensation are also symptoms. The most obvious sign are fine, white, dry flakes. They are especially easy to spot when wearing dark clothes, as they tend to fall from your hair and land on your shoulders. Scalp micro-inflammations are less visible and cause a burning sensation on the scalp.

A dry scalp means your skin is not producing enough sebum, so the skin’s protective layer can become compromised. That allows your skin to be exposed to UV radiation, the cold or heat, heat from blow-drying and harmful substances such as styling products. The natural renewal process is slowed, exacerbating the rate of production of horny cells and ultimately leading to the shedding of small flakes.

There are many reasons why you have a dry, itchy scalp:

Washing your hair too often with aggressive surfactants
Not rinsing thoroughly after shampooing
Hard water
Hairdryer temperature setting too high
Overprocessed hair (dye, bleach, perm)
Certain cosmetic or food allergies
Stress, an unhealthy diet and hormonal changes can impact your scalp and cause it to itch and be dry.

Follow these home remedies to relieve a dry scalp and its symptoms, such as itching, irritation and flaking, or to soothe the scalp after bleaching:

Wash your hair with lukewarm water only and only as often as necessary (not daily)
Use mild shampoos and scalp-care products/treatments such as Yours Truly anti-dandruffshampoo
Try not to use a blow-dryer and let your hair air dry instead when possible
Eat a balanced and healthy diet and manage stress

To really pamper your scalp, it is worthwhile to give yourself regular scalp massages using hair tonics and serums.

If there is no improvement after 2–3 weeks or if you are experiencing wet dandruff and have very itchy spots, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.

Tender Scalp

No matter what your gender is or how old you are – anyone can suffer from a tender scalp. Below are some steps to take to give your tender scalp some relief. They work for both men and women.

Scalp tenderness symptoms include:

Itching
Inflammation
Tautness
Dryness
Flaking
Sensitivity to touch

Having a tender scalp can have several different causes. Common causes are easily and quickly treated, while others require medical attention. The reasons for a sensitive scalp include:

Washing your hair too often, especially with aggressive shampoos, and blow-drying your hair on a hot setting
Dyeing your hair (bleaching or perming can cause skin irritation and redness)
Wearing headgear often, as that tends to rub on the scalp
Tightly pulled back or heavy hairstyles
Excessive brushing can cause micro-injuries and inflammation
Environmental factors such as UV exposure, chemicals, heat, cold or wind dry out the scalp and make it more susceptible to inflammation
The newly formed skin after a sunburn is very sensitive
Cosmetic and food allergies and intolerances cause rashes and skin irritation
An unhealthy diet can lead to a mineral and vitamin deficiency in the scalp
Hormonal changes or medication (such as menopause, puberty, hormonal birth control, pregnancy and menstruation)
Head lice and any remedies cause itching, inflammation and pain

If you have an itchy or tender scalp from a fungal infection or skin disease such as eczema or psoriasis, please consult a dermatologist.

Here are some simple ways to help relieve a tender scalp:

Eat a healthy and balanced diet to provide the scalp with essential nutrients.
Gently brush and style your hair to avoid any injuries to the scalp.
Avoid aggressive hair care products and switch to mild products made especially for the needs of the scalp.
Don’t wash your hair daily and don’t blow-dry it too hot.
Wear a light and loose-fitting hat to protect your scalp from the sun and avoid it rubbing on the scalp.
If you do experience itching, do not scratch your head because that will cause further injury and inflammation.

Painful Scalp

Especially if you often tie your braids very tight you know what a sore scalp feels like. If this pain becomes permanent experts speak of traction alopecia.

Trichodynia is a painful sensation in the skin of the scalp. Common symptoms are tingling, itching, burning, tightness or severe pain of the scalp and hair follicles, and sometimes tension headaches. Hypersensitivity to touch and, in frequent cases, hair loss are also symptoms.

We don’t quite know what causes a painful scalp, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose trichodynia.

However, assumptions have been made about triggering factors:

All the causes mentioned in the “Tender Scalp” section.
Tension in the neck can migrate to the scalp, restricting blood flow to the scalp. That causes severe pain in the scalp.
Migraine and tension headaches can make nerves so sensitive that even the slightest touch of the scalp hurts.
A not immediately recognizable reason for painful scalp is shingles, which causes nerve pain.

The best thing you can do to give yourself respite is to leave your hair alone when possible. So, wear your hair down and not up and don’t overly style or blow-dry it. In addition, regular head massages that stimulate blood circulation using hair tonics help relieve tension.
Because trichodynia can have several causes, there is no single treatment option. If your scalp hurts, that does not necessarily mean you have trichodynia. That is why you should also refer to the section “Tender Scalp” for possible remedies.

Scalp Problems – Causes and the Right Remedy