Dandruff

Just as the skin is constantly being shed and replaced, the uppermost layer of the scalp is also being cast off all the time. Usually these horny scales agreed and fall off freely. This natural shedding should not be confused with dandruff.

Dandruff is identified as small, white scales that usually appear on the hair and scalp. The medical term for dandruff is pityriasis (pit-i-reye-ah-sis). If dandruff is neglected and ignored for a prolonged amount of time, it can progress into baldness.

Though the nature of dandruff in not clearly defined by medical authorities, it is generally believed to be of infectious origin. Some believe it is due to a specific microbe in the scalp called malassezia is a naturally occurring dandruff.

The excessive shedding of epithelial, or surface, cells is the direct cause of dandruff. These horny scales accumulate on the scalp instead of simply falling off.

Poor circulation, infection, injury, lack of nerve stimulation, improper diet, and uncleanliness can all contribute to dandruff and a sluggish scalp condition of the scalp. Other contributing causes include the use of strong shampoos or insufficient rinsing after shampooing the hair.

To treat dandruff, experts recommend use of an anti-dandruff shampoo that contains a healing, medicated agent such as pyrithione zinc or selenium sulfide, which suppress the growth of malassezia. These shampoos must be used frequently in order to effectively control dandruff.

The two principal types of dandruff are:

1. Pityriasis capitis simplex

Pityriasis capitis simplex (dry dandruff) is sometimes identified by an itchy scalp and small white scales that are usually attached to the scalp in masses or scattered loosely in the hair. On occasion, they are so profuse that they fall to the shoulders. Dry dandruff is caused by an improper diet, emotional glandular disturbances or uncleanliness.

Frequent scalp treatments are recommended for this disorder. Mild shampoos, regular scalp massage, daily use of antiseptic scalp lotions and applications of scalp ointments are all recommended.

2. Pityriasis steatoides

Pityriasis steatoides (greasy or waxy dandruff) is  a scaly condition of the epidermis (surface skin). The scales become mixed with sebum, causing the individual to scratch the scalp. If the scales are torn off, bleeding or oozing of sebum may follow. Medical treatment is advisable.

Both forms of dandruff are highly contagious and can be easily spread by sharing brushes, combs and other articles. Cosmetologists must always sterilize all tools that come into contact with the client.

Fungal Infections

Tinea is commonly known as ringworm, a condition caused by vegetable parasites. All forms of ringworm are highly contagious and transmittable. Scales or hairs containing the fungi carry the disease, and swimming pools, bathtubs and non-sanitized items are common sources of transmission.

“Barber’s itch!
Also known as tinea barbae.
Is the most regularly acquired infection
resulting from hair services.
Men usually have this infection located in the
beard area, mustache and neck and scalp.”

Ringworm starts with a small, reddened patch of little blisters. Several patches may be present. Any condition of ringworm should be overseen by a physician.

Tinea capitis (kah-peye-tis), is referred to as ringworm of the scalp and is characterized by red papules, or spots, at the opening of the hair follicle. The spots spread and the hair becomes lifeless and brittle. The hair soon breaks off, leaving a stump, or falls from the open follicles.

Tinea favosa (fa-vo-sah), also referred to as favus (fay-vus) or honeycomb ringworm, is characterized by dry, sulfur-yellow, cuplike crusts on the scalp, called scutula (skut-u-la), which have a peculiar odor. Scars from favus are bald patches that may be pink or white and shiny. It is very contagious and clients exhibiting this condition should be referred to a doctor immediately.

Parasitic Infections

Scabies “itch” is a very contagious, animal parasitic skin disease, caused by the itch mite. Vesicles and pustules can from the irritation of the parasites or from scratching the affected areas.

 

Staphylococci Infections

Furuncle (fu-run-kel), or boil, is an acute staphylococci infection of a hair follicle that causes constant pain. It is confined to a specific area and causes a pustule perforated by a hair.

Carbuncle (kahr-bun-kul) is the end result of an acute staphylococci infection and is larger than a furuncle. Refer the client to a physician.

Precautions
Always refer a client to a medical professional when infections are present.

Follow all sanitary and sanitation procedures to prevent spread of infections.

Hair Growth Patterns

Growth patterns are crucial to consider when shaping and styling hair. Hair follicles usually do not grow out of the head at a perpendicular, 90-degree angle or in a straight or directly out of the head. When they do, these growth patterns result in hair streams, cowlicks, and whorls.

Hair growth patterns will be more fully discussed later in this fully discussed in the Hair Analysis chapter.