Overview
A dry scalp is characterized by flaky skin and sometimes accompanied by itching. Dry skin can be red and scaly, but when covered by hair, like on the scalp, people often do not see these symptoms. A dry scalp can be difficult to treat since it can affect hair. KidsHealth.org indicates that dry scalp can be caused by both shampooing too often or shampooing too seldom.
Conditions Associated With Dry Scalp
Dry scalp can be associated with something as simple is inefficient hydration. People often develop dry skin in cold weather because of the lack of humidity in the air. More serious problems can also present with dry scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis, a form of eczema, is believed to be a genetic condition that can be activated by stress, weather and other health conditions, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Scabies, which are tiny mites that can cause skin infections, also dry the scalp. Scabies is contagious and is typically caught by skin-to-skin contact.
How to Treat Dry Scalp
To treat dry scalp, it helps to know what is causing it. Therapies used to clear dandruff may not have an effect on infections or bacteria. Beauty Brains, a website developed by cosmetic scientists, reports that everyone has different factors to consider when treating a scalp condition. While one person may have a problematic dry scalp, she may also have very oily skin, which limits her treatment options.
Shampoo
The Mayo Clinic reports that some dandruff shampoos are formulated with the antibacterial and antifungal ingredient zinc pyrithione, which reduces the fungus that causes conditions like dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Shampoos that contain coal tar slow cells from dying and peeling off the scalp.
Prevent Dry Scalp
Shampooing hair less often could help curtail dry scalp, according to KidsHealth.org, an award-winning health information website for kids. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that grape seed extract, used as a supplement by some people for serious conditions like high blood pressure and poor circulation, can cause a dry, itchy scalp.
Alternative Treatments
In 2007, the Medical College of Georgia discovered that green tea might help treat conditions associated with dry scalp, including psoriasis and dandruff. Green tea, applied topically, works by suppressing inflammation and controlling a protein that regulates the life cycle of skin cells.
