What Causes Oily Scalp and Hair?
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Modern lifestyles have triggered our health conditions one great effect of it is an unhealthy scalp and hair. Oily scalp and hair may often be the reason of unhealthy and irritated hair and scalp. There are a lot of studies made and discussions were opened to it. But what really is the basic cause of an oily hair and scalp. How is this possible and what are ways to prevent it?
Part of our daily routine is keeping our body clean and healthy. We take a bath washes our hair,dry, and use some hair products to make it look better and ready to go for whatever career we're into. Oily Scalp and hair will decrease the amount of confidence we have. With regards to career and business it would be much appreciated if we look good and fit. And keeping your hair healthy is part of it. So how will we keep our hair and scalp look healthy rather than the oily appearance of it? First we need to know the cause of oily scalp and hair.
In recent studies it had been proven that too much oil in the hair and scalp is caused by an over active sebaceous glands. These glands produce oil for the follicle shafts and cuticle in order to give you a healthy glowing hair. But if these glands (sebaceous glands) would function improperly and gives more than it is recommended this will make your hair and scalp oily and soon will go further if untreated. On general conclusions also the lifestyle and cleanliness of a person will be responsible with it. If certain amounts of bacteria is present in your hair (as it can not be avoided) it will become an open way for irritation and infections if combined with too much oil on the scalp and hair. If this type of hair condition will not be given enough treatment it will result to more serious infections. Seborrheic dermatitis is one example of it. This kind of scalp condition is itchy and visible in white and flaky forms. Regulating and reducing sebum is often the main target for medication towards prevention. In order to avoid such conditions shampoo for oily hair is invented. A special formulated oily scalp shampoo that contains Zinc Pca, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. These kind of shampoo helps prevent oily scalp and hair. You can also lessen the amount of oil in your hair by frequent washing and minimized the used of conditioners and other hair products that has strong substance that may damage you hair.
Oily hair shampoo is often recommended by doctors depending on the exact treatment your hair needs. It is best to seek doctors advised before buying one. Some shampoos are way much stronger than the other and if you used the wrong one this will just increase the damage to your scalp and hair. Or you can use some reviews for a specific brand that is available on the internet these will surely help you know what kind of shampoo that would fit to your hair condition.
Scalp Infections - Symptoms, Causes & Natural Options For Fast Relief & Treatment
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There are many definitions and symptoms commonly described as "scalp infections". There are in fact quite a few quite different reasons why your scalp may be sore, itchy, inflamed burning red or infected. If you are like many people with chronic scalp issues - it may be driving you completely up the wall and not knowing what it is or how to treat the problem effectively after many unsuccessful attempts to eliminate it can make it seem far worse - like you are never going to get to the bottom of the problem. Well that need no longer be so! It can be simple to diagnose and treat it now and for good.
So if you are dealing with any of these symptoms lets first identify the problem and then some of the underlying causes.
Firstly, if you want to get to the root of your problems, so to speak, you need to be able to identify what your problem actually is. Of course, many scalp infections & conditions look alike, so here is a brief description of some of the most common scalp conditions:
Red Burning Itchy ScalpDandruff
Ringworm
Dry Scalp
Scalp Dermatitis
Eczema of the Scalp
Scalp Psoriasis
Folliculitis
Stress Related Itching
Red burning itchy scalp can be characterized as any tingling,burning, prickly, and sensitive to the touch or a fiery hot sensation. Often associated with an allergy, sunburn, chemical burn (sensitization of the scalp),or fungal infection.
Dandruff as most of us know is the process of continual shedding of skin cells on our scalps. Often the cause of dandruff is simply the result of toxins, pollutants and products that have built up on the scalp particularly products like silicone- a cheap commonly used artificial shine enhancer in conditioners sold in supermarkets.
When the natural balance of our scalps is disturbed, this creates the perfect environment for the yeast fungus Melassezia Globbosa to move in and thrive. This is when the natural process of shedding our cells gets a little out of hand resulting in an unsightly condition known as "Seborrhoeic Dermatitis" (fancy name for dandruff) and we see the highly visible tell-tale signs of flaking and crusting.
The accompanying itch and urge to scratch are often made worse by the multiplication of the fungal yeast pityrosporum-ovale (having one big party on your scalp). Another follow on effect of this is that the relentless scratching by the sufferer can cause small lesions which weep and ooze or become infected resulting in scalp infections.
Lumps bumps and sores are also common when the scalp is highly irritated or sensitivity has been aggravated. Candida can be an underlying cause of yeast infections of the scalp.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitols) is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. Scalp ringworm is caused by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. Ringworm infection occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies anywhere on your skin, scalp, or nails. It is far more common in children and symptoms include red, itchy patches on the scalp, leaving bald areas. The skin might itch and be red and peel or be scaly, have swollen blisters or a rash (that can spread) and looks like black dots. The rash is highly contagious. It is normally treated with over the counter products containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or similar. Sometimes prescription anti fungal skin medications, such as ketoconazole are needed to clear it up. There are also products direct from nature's factories that can aid the healing process and act as natural antibiotics, although it must be said that ringworm is an aggressive fungus which needs to be monitored closely and treated accordingly.
Dry scalp can feel "tight", a sensation that is sometimes accompanied by flakiness. It is often the result of natural oils being stripped from our scalps by the frequent use of shampoos, hair dyes and or other hair products.
Dermatitis of the scalp (Seborrheic dermatitis) is an inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and body where sebaceous glands are most prominent. It can vary from mild dandruff to dense flakey and greasy scale. Once again it is often an accumulation of toxins and products built up on our scalps that our body is trying to rid itself of.
Eczema of the scalp similar in appearance to Seborrheic dermatitis but instead has the name Atopic dermatitis.
Scalp Psoriasis commonly occurs on the back of the head however multiple areas of the scalp or the whole scalp may be affected. Scalp psoriasis is characterized by thick silvery white scales on patches of very red skin and can extend slightly beyond the hairline. Scalp psoriasis, despite being partially hidden by the hair is often a source of social embarrassment due to flaking of the scale and severe 'dandruff'. Scalp psoriasis may be extremely itchy or on occasion have no itch symptoms. It can also cause temporary baldness on the affected areas. It is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease and is associated with increased risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.
Folliculitis of the scalp is a superficial bacterial infection of the hair follicles. It is characterized by pustules around the hair follicles and symptoms include painful brushing of hair and tenderness when rubbing your scalp around the hair follicle sites. Treating with antibiotics for the particular bacteria is the usual course of action but can eventually cause resistance to the antibiotic used. Options include applying Evoclin Foam which is topical. Folliculitis is commonly caused by staph bacteria which also reside inside the nose and sinus cavity. Natural oils such as tea tree and lavender have good antibacterial properties and can also be used to treat this condition.
If you have a bump or lump under the skin (commonly a lump behind the ears with no broken skin or rash developing, then this could be a cyst. Cysts are liquid filled pustules which can be painful when they become infected. If you have such symptoms I recommend seeing a doctor to be safe. Doctors can also treat cysts with antibiotics if they have become infected or incise them as a further but uncommon procedure if the antibiotics are not sufficient.
Stress Related Itching Stress can contribute to or worsen scalp itching as it plays havoc with our immune system and hormones which have an effect on production of sebum from your sebaceous glands. Although it can contribute to the problem it is still somewhat of a myth. It may appear that you have a"stress rash", but it is more likely that the problem was already there in a less noticeable way, then aggravated by increased stress levels making it harder for your body to deal with the problem on its own and eliminate the problem. Many of the treatments below include stress relieving properties - like Lavender oil for example which calms the mind and soothes the body.
Solutions - what YOU can do about it
Going to your doctor may be the best way to get an accurate answer to diagnosing your problem, but I understand that many of you may have already done this, been prescribed some form of medication of cream (even "heavy duty" cortisone based ones where the cortisone potency may need to be increased after time).
Often the problem either doesn't go away from the start - or seems to subside but comes back with full a vengeance later leaving you wondering with more unanswered questions and a VERY unhappy scalp! Well the good news is if you don't like using these expensive and often impotent products- or even want to help them along you can use natural remedies and essential oils known to be super effective anti-bacterial busters such as tea tree oil for instance to inhibit or stop the growth of the infection and assist healing/re balancing of the scalp.
Something that is also important to understand in curing scalp conditions and scalp infections - a factor that is missed by so many doctors, and something not disclosed by companies who sell hair products and treatments is the number of people who are allergic or sensitive to commonly used ingredients in shampoos, dandruff treatments and other hair products. In fact MOST hair products (as many as 90%) contain at least one ingredient that is used in engine degreasers, another is a common ingredient in antifreeze.
These ingredients are cheap to produce foaming agents that make shampoo foam up, and do a fantastic job of stripping dirt and oily build up from hair. Problem is that they sometimes do SUCH a good job that they remove all of the natural oils and sebum from the scalp thus removing the scalps natural against bacteria etc. Another little known fact is that the most common ingredient (Sodium laureth sulphate) is used to induce skin irritation in test patients by drug companies to test the effectiveness of their itch relief skin creams. When first produced and for year's afterwards manufacturers did not know that skin was not a barrier but an absorber of ingredients & that they caused skin irritation in so many people.
So sometimes the beginning of a scalp condition can have originated from something as simple as an imbalance to the skins (scalps) sebum or an allergy to an ingredient that can easily be rectified.
Like your immune system, if your skin has an opportunity to rebalance itself and not be subjected to "incoming foreign matter" and the daily stripping of its natural oils that further aggravates the problem you can allow your body to re balance and heal itself. Obviously buying products that do not strip your hair and scalp is an obvious step in the right direction.
Fortunately there are a lot of manufacturers such as Aveda and Akin (Purist Company) who know what consumers are suffering from these issues so have addressed this problem. They have applied this knowledge to produce some amazing products with all of the benefits of natural ingredients, with none of the side effects at a price we can afford (Akin especially). It need not be difficult, nor expensive to make these choices and a move to healthy hair and scalp long term.
So yes you can eliminate harsh shampoos containing sodium sulphates and go for natural Sulphate and paraben free shampoos that contain ingredients such as macadamia, wheat germ or jojoba oils. These oils mimic our natural sebum to some extent to help to re moisturize and nourish our scalp.
Then there are lavender, rosemary and tea tree oils which contain antibacterial, healing properties. Neem oil great for its antiquing and stops itching. You can apply these topically to your skin for fast relief, to assist healing as well as looking out for shampoos with these natural ingredients in them.
Lavender calms the skin (as does chamomile tea cooled and used as hair rinse).
As well as buying quality shampoos containing these ingredients, you can
create your own combinations of remedy or remedies to soothe your scalp.
You can also help it along by using natural remedies to treat your scalp such as this scalp treatment containing natural oils to assist healing, detoxify and stimulate hair growth: (Add to
water (4 parts water 1part oil) and spray onto scalp and you can add to your shampoo and conditioners also).
Oils To Relieve Itching: Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils
(Mixed together and dabbed locally on effected areas has a soothing effect).
Neem oil is also a very good dandruff preventative which can be added to any of the formulas detailed below and is excellent for psoriasis and eczema & scalp infections.
Scalp massage with lavender oil (not scented - the real oil) is another
wonderful way to relieve the tension from a sore scalp as well as treat the
issue. It also helps to re grow hair and repair the damage done to your
follicles by chemicals in shampoos causing thinning hair. (Lavender is known to stimulate hair growth too).
There are many more powerful scalp remedies you can use to treat your scalp as well as many shampoos that are excellent value, contain no nasties to aggravate your scalp and hair follicles. It can be really simple to treat scalp problems by treating yourself to your own pampering session using natural oils to help heal your scalp infection. And then be kind to your hair and scalp by using only products that nourish your hair and scalp such as Aveda or Akin brand shampoos. You can assist the healing process and help restore balance back to your scalp and you hair will appreciate and reward you for it too by becoming less brittle, stronger and shinier.
As with all natural remedies please patch test first. It is not intended for this information to replace a doctors medical advice, so please see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The responsibility of obtaining doctors diagnosis and using remedies is yours.
Scalp Acne - Causes and Natural, Non Prescription Treatments You Can Make and Use at Home
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Many people are quite surprised when they find that acne, bumps, or pimples have moved from their face and onto their scalps. Your first reaction may be "how in the world could I possibly get acne on my scalp?" Simply, because your scalp is an extension of your skin and you can get acne or pimples wherever you have skin.
Causes: Scalp acne (the medical term is scalp folliculitis) is sometimes (but not always) caused by the same things that cause pimples on your forehead, face, or body.
Many people incorrectly assume that those who have acne form on their scalps do so because of a build up of dirt and oil or by dropping the ball hygienically. The opposite is sometimes true, as shampoos, hair loss / hair growth and cleansing products that we sometimes use on our hair can severely irritate our scalps and the result is sores, acne, or pimples. Some people can even have a severe allergic reaction to these products and acne is the result of this.
Sometimes, scalp acne really can develop as the result of a build up of or excess sebum or oil production, or DHT (the substance that causes male pattern baldness) on the scalp. In this case, people sometimes make the mistake of thinking that if an oily scalp is the problem, then the solution must be to use harsh shampoos made just for oily hair. This could be a big mistake because such products can either irritate your scalp more or dry it out, causing it to be red and itchy on top of the pimples.
Keep in mind that sebum and oil are produced by your sebaceous glands to protect your scalp. So, if you pour harsh or irritating chemicals on your head, your sebaceous glands are going to go into over drive in protest. This could very likely worsen the acne, which is unfortunately what you were trying to treat in the first place.
Natural, Safe Treatments For Scalp Acne That Won't Irritate The Skin Or Make The Problem Worse: Now that we've discussed the most common causes, it's easier to see that any treatment should both clean the scalp and treat the acne without being irritating, clogging, or putting the sebaceous glands into overdrive.
I know it's common to treat acne on the scalp with products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but if you're skin is sensitive (which may be the reason for the acne in the first place) these treatments may just make your problem worse and injure your scalp further.
There are many natural substances that are both safe and effective for your hair and scalp and any acne they may contain. You can make and use these at home without a prescription. (Although it's always a good idea to ask your doctor if you have questions or concerns.) Some examples are tea tree oil, juniper berry, chaparral, burdock root (and its tea), chamomile flower (and its tea), eucalyptus, golden seal root, and neem oil, to name only a few. Typically these are added to a carrier oil (like jojoba) and / or diluted to safe, non irritating levels and applied directly.
You can get these natural scalp treatments in any health food store (and in many large grocery and discount stores) and online. Which of these will be most effective for you will depend greatly on the cause and severity of the problem.
The good news is when used correctly (and sometimes in combination), these natural treatments can be very effective, very gentle, and very soothing for most scalp problems (including acne and inflammation) and they can even be added to gentle, PH neutral shampoos if you don't feel like starting from scratch.
Causes Of Sore Itchy Scalp
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There can be many causes of sore itchy scalp problems. In rare cases it can be put down to a lack of hygiene, though that is generally not the case for most people and it can in fact more likely be attributed to excessive washing or the use of harsh shampoos and conditioners that cause the scalp to dry out and leave the follicles open to infection (folliculitis). Many of today's shampoos and conditioners contain a number of toxic chemicals which dry out the skin, stripping it of its natural oils and thereby causing a sore, itchy scalp. Without these essential oils the skin is open to a number of infections and yeast organisms like Melassezia Globbosa (the fungus which causes dandruff) or Pitysporum Ovale - which result in dandruff and flaking of the scalp. An example of one of these toxic chemicals is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLS) which is an aggressive cleaning and foaming agent commonly used as an engine degreaser. Although proven to strip oils from and prematurely age your skin, damage eye membranes, retard healing, inhibit hair follicle growth and more, it is added to 90% of shampoos on the market. Silicon is also often added to conditioners as an artificial shine enhancer.
Some other possible causes are:
A skin condition, such as acne, which can occur for a number of reasons - often hormonal, but also via infection, ingrown hairs and blocked pores, or incorrect diet.
A fungus like Ringworm (tinea capitis). This is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp and is caused by mould-like fungi called dermatophytes. It is more common in children and the symptoms include red, itchy patches on the scalp, which cause hair loss and leave bald areas. The skin might itch and be red and peel or be scaly, have swollen blisters or a rash (that can spread) and looks like black dots. The rash is highly contagious, and I would highly recommend seeing your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to get further advice and prevent it from spreading further.
A cyst, such as an epidermal or sebaceous cyst, a sac beneath the outer layer of the skin that is filled with a greasy white material. These cysts most often appear on the scalp, ears, face or back and are caused by plugged ducts at the site of a hair shaft.
An allergic skin reaction (contact dermatitis). This usually comes in two forms - Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The former is normally a reaction caused by the direct effect of an irritant substance on the skin, while the latter is a hypersensitivity reaction, acting through the body's immune system, due to a particular substance or group of related substances. This goes back to what I mentioned above about the harsh irritant chemicals that you find in many of today's shampoos and hair products.
Stress - brought on by exhaustion, work pressures, emotional tension. Stress can also cause acne to develop.
Viral infections, such as chickenpox and shingles
(Please note that every case is different and if you have an extreme case of scalp problems or are worried and uncertain about anything I would highly recommend you consult your doctor or dermatologist).
To soothe the itching on your scalp there are a few things you can do. Natural oils such as Lavender, German Chamomile, Eucalyptus, and Avocado Oil are excellent at relieving the itchiness. Simply mix them together and add water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), then apply locally to the affected areas on your scalp for relief. This mixture can also be added to your shampoo or conditioner to give your skin an extra boost (try to use a pH neutral shampoo with natural oils such as Tea Tree - this will stop your scalp from drying out further and will help to prevent any infection).
Neem oil is an excellent dandruff preventative and is also great for relieving psoriasis and eczema. As above, it can be added to your shampoo to soothe and aid your scalp problem.
(As with all oils, consult your doctor first if you are pregnant. It is also recommended you patch test all oils/formulas before application or addition to your shampoos).
The causes of eczema
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