Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1380995
38 indie stylist Volume 2 Issue 3 The yeast, specifically malaassezia (present in skin sebum), is part of the normal skin biome, but in seborrheic dermatitis patients it is in misbalance. Seborrheic dermatitis can also be associated with a depressed immune system, certain medications, neurological or psychiatric conditions, alcoholism, or during recovery from surgery or a life-threatening medical event. Failure to shampoo the hair and scalp regularly does not cause seborrheic dermatitis but can make it worse. Also, seasonal changes can make it worse or cause it to reoccur. Seborrheic dermatitis sometimes spontaneously clears without treatment. The most common treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is the use of an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal (anti-yeast) shampoo. Regular use of these medicated shampoos can help clear or control the condition. If the seborrheic dermatitis is severe or unresponsive to OTC treatments, the client should be referred to a physician, as these more severe conditions may require stronger medications or may be associated with another health issue. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a condition in which the cells of the skin renew or turn over at an accelerated rate. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and it is not contagious. Psoriasis frequently occurs in the scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body. It is a chronic condition, which means it is persistent and only controllable, not curable. Psoriasis may seem similar to seborrheic dermatitis, but it is more scaly than flaky, and may look more like a rash on the scalp. Mild psoriasis may be controlled by the regular use of a medicated shampoo. More severe cases may need medical evaluation and prescription medications. SUN DAMAGE AND SKIN CANCER Definitely the most serious lesions found on the scalp are skin cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, and sun exposure is the number- one cause. The basics of recognizing potential skin cancers are: • Obvious change in a wart, mole, or other skin growth. • Unexplained bleeding of the skin or a specific lesion. • A sore that does not heal or seems to reoccur. • Crusty, itchy, lesions that may also bleed when the hair is cut or styled. • New pearl-like growths on the skin that may appear transparent. • Dark or multicolored moles or birthmarks that are larger than a pencil eraser. Sun can affect scalp skin even through hair and is especially problematic for people with thinning hair or baldness. Sun engin akyurt/unsplash