How Eczema And Other Skin Disorders Affect Hair
How Eczema And Other Skin Disorders like Psoriasis and Tinea Capitis Affect Hair?
There are many skin disorders and conditions which can affect a person’s hair, because the hair grows on the scalp – which (surprise!) is of course covered in skin. While skin conditions that appear on the rest of the body are more apparent because they are visible, skin conditions that affect the scalp are just as important to deal with.
Certain skin conditions can affect your hair and cause cosmetic and hair loss issues. Below are some common skin disorders that can affect your hair:
Eczema
According to the National Eczema Foundation, eczema is a common skin condition that causes the skin to be red, inflamed, and itchy. More than 30 million people across the U.S. have eczema.
There are several types of eczema such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, nummular eczema, and more. Eczema can range from mild to severe, and flare-ups can happen at any time.
There are a variety of things that can trigger eczema, including hormones, allergies, stress, certain medications, and genetics.
Because eczema causes itchy and inflamed skin anywhere on the body, it can also happen near or on the scalp. This is called scalp eczema or seborrheic dermatitis. This type of eczema causes red, scaly, itchy patches to form on the scalp.
Your hair can be affected by this condition because flakes come off the eczema patches when you scratch them. It can also cause hair to be greasy or waxy.
While the symptoms for this type of eczema is very similar to other forms of the skin condition, its effects on the scalp are mostly cosmetic. The flakes come off and get trapped in the hair and look similar to dandruff flakes. The greasy or waxy look of the hair may require more frequent washing.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, and these patches differ from eczema in that they tend to be raised and well-defined. It makes the skin extremely itchy and inflamed, and repeated itching can cause skin infections.
Scalp psoriasis can happen anywhere on the scalp and can spread to your neck, forehead, or ears. It is not contagious, and it is likely caused by an immune system or genetic issue.
Like eczema on the scalp, psoriasis causes flakes to come off that look similar to dandruff. It can also cause burning or soreness if the area becomes inflamed or due to repeated scratching. While psoriasis itself does not cause hair loss, too much pitching can lead to hair loss – so individuals with scalp psoriasis have to be cautious in how they deal with it.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp, is a fungal skin infection that develops near the scalp. It causes circular, scaly patches to form on the scalp and can be very itchy.
Tinea capitis is highly contagious and is more common among children. The condition can cause hair to become brittle and temporarily fall out. It can also cause the scalp to be inflamed and painful.
If this condition goes untreated for a long period of time and continues to get worse, there may be permanent hair loss.
Who Can Help Me With My Hair Loss? Due to Eczema And Other Skin Disorders
Hair loss can be caused a variety of reasons, including skin disorders. If you have a skin disorder that is affecting your hair, it’s important to talk to a professional about treatment options as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a way to restore your hair, the experts at Maxim Hair Restoration can help you find the right hair restoration solution for you. Request an appointment at one of our locations today. We look forward to helping you.
