Hair on the head is a phenomenon, the causes of which can have different origins and nature . They are not a disease, but are most often a symptom or a consequence of the main pathological condition. In some cases, the appearance of a crust is caused by non-pathological factors.
In the course of this article, we will briefly describe and analyze the most common causes that lead to the formation of a crust on the head, symptoms and possible treatments. We remind you that in order to effectively solve the problem, you should contact a specialist, and not engage in self-medication. If you notice the symptoms described below, consult a dermatologist at the " Bogolyuba " medical center .
Seborrheic dermatitis is probably one of the most frequent causes of the appearance of crusts. Essentially, this is a form of dermatitis that tends to appear primarily (though not exclusively) on the scalp. Cuticles and scales have a greasy , yellow color and are the result of irritation and peeling of the skin.
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is the fungus Malassezia furfur _ However, there are many risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of the disease.
The patient usually complains of redness, itching, dandruff. Diseases are often accompanied by itching and erythema. In addition, it should be remembered that in some cases this form of dermatitis can contribute to alopecia.
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis consists in the use of specific products with anti-seborrheic and antifungal effects, such as zinc, pyruvate, thione , selenium sulfide, and ketoconazole . In the most serious cases, a dermatologist may decide to prescribe topical corticosteroids.
Psoriasis is also a possible cause of crusting on the head. The disease can manifest itself in different forms and be localized on different parts of the body, in particular on hairy parts and head . There, psoriasis is manifested by the formation of dry (non-greasy) white crusts that are easily separated. Given their characteristics, in some cases the aforementioned scabs can be mistaken for dandruff.
The appearance of crusts on the scalp caused by psoriasis is preceded by the appearance of red spots that thicken and then peel off. Typical manifestations of this disease are usually accompanied by rather annoying itching. In addition, psoriasis is often associated with other disorders or diseases of an inflammatory and/or autoimmune nature.
Psoriasis treatment is aimed at controlling its symptoms, and since there are currently no drugs that can permanently eliminate the disease. Undoubtedly, the use of emollients it is useful in all forms of psoriasis to counteract dryness and flaking of the skin. Immunosuppressants , vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed .
Skin infections
Sometimes scabs can be a symptom and/or a consequence of various types of skin infections, for example: impetigo, ringworm, chicken pox. Impetigo is caused by pyogenic streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus. The infection is highly contagious and can affect different parts of the body, including the head. It is manifested by the appearance of serous bubbles that crack and give rise to the formation of crusts. Treatment of this infection includes the use of topical antibiotics .
Hair ringworm is highly contagious fungal infection _ of the scalp, caused by fungi of the genus Trichophyton and Microsporum . It is characterized by focal hair loss associated with flaking and the formation of crusts on the scalp. In this case for elimination of scabs on the head and other symptoms of the disease requires adequate antifungal therapy in order to eliminate the causative agent of infection .
Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the chickenpox virus . It is highly contagious and occurs mainly in children and adolescents, but it can also affect adults. The disease is characterized by the formation of red spots, first flat, and then raised, which spread to the face, hairy part of the head and trunk. After a few days, the vesicles turn into crusts, which dry up in a short time and then fall off. Most often, this disease tends to spontaneously regress without the need for special treatment. However, palliative therapy can be given to relieve the patient's condition, especially the pruritus caused by the vesicles. In connection with this use menthol talc or refreshing lotions are the most frequently used means.
