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Dermatitis or Seborrheic eczema is one of the common reasons for developing scaly, flaky patches on your skin, especially on your scalp. Other causes for this scaling can be due to underlying medical conditions or fungal infections. This inflammatory skin condition is characterized by itching and tenderness. When the flaky patches fall, they are called dandruff. Do not feel ashamed about your scaling scalp when you can get help from Glen Allen scaling scalps specialists at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center.
Most people have tried several remedies like applying over the counter creams to their scalps, using a brush to loosen the flakes or shampooing their scalps as home remedies to get rid of the scales. While some of these treatments offer a short-term solution, the best thing to do is book an appointment with your doctor to help find a lasting solution.
What causes scaling of the scalp?
Scaling of the scalp can be caused by several factors including:
- An underlying medical condition. Such diseases cause tenderness of the scalp.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis. Haircare products like those containing preservatives and fragrances cause scalp irritation that eventually reddens the scalp and cause scaling.
- Sun damage. The sun’s damage starts scales that, if unattended, can evolve into discrete patches.
- Fungal infections like dandruff and ringworms.
- Skin cancer.
- Actinic keratosis. This is the abnormal growth of non-cancerous cells resulting from the sun’s long-term damage.
How is a scaling scalp diagnosed?
Your doctor will do a visual examination on your scalp to check for an infection on your first visit. When detected, he will confirm the condition with fungal culture, done by swabbing the affected area. If the results are worrying, your doctor will recommend a skin biopsy. This procedure is done to remove part of or the whole damaged lesion for a micro scoping evaluation.
What treatments are available for a scaling scalp?
Before the commencement of any treatment, your doctor will first check the diagnosis. Whether the cause of scaling is fungal or due to an underlying condition, your doctor will recommend the best remedy that will work for you. The skin will also be treated aggressively or less aggressively, depending on the extent of the damage. Conditions like actinic keratosis are less aggressive and your doctor will recommend conservative treatment options including topical creams.
What other services are provided by a dermatologist?
A visit to your dermatologist’s office could result in various treatments and procedures. Ranging in different categories, these are the services specialists at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center offers:
- Surgical dermatology. This includes skin cancer treatment, melanoma, scar treatment, cyst, basal, and squamous carcinoma.
- Medical dermatology. Services offered in medical dermatology are acne, psoriasis, keloids, warts, eczema, and melasma.
- Cosmetic dermatology. Treatment options include injectables and chemical peels.
When you start experiencing the skin’s flaking, characterized by tenderness and skin inflammation, it is time to book a session with your dermatologist at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. Book a consultation to learn how to keep your scalp free from scales.
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