Scalp Problems In Children – Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

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Does your child has dry scalp and complain of extreme itching and irritation due to white flakes on her scalp? Do you notice the near-bald patches on her head? If you nodded along solemnly, your kid might be suffering from a scalp psoriasis. Read our post to know the causes, symptoms, and treatments of various scalp problems in children.

What Are Scalp Problems In Children?

Scalp infections and ailments affect a majority of kids worldwide. The scalp secretes a lot of sebum and has dense hair follicles. A warm, dense scalp environment leads to certain parasitic infections. Also, exposure to dust, pollution, and harmful chemicals affect delicate scalp skin of kids adversely resulting in an itchy and flaking scalp.

Types Of Scalp Conditions In Children:

Several different infections tend to affect scalp of your kids resulting in various kinds of scalp problems. Different kinds of scalp conditions in children include:

  • Scalp Eczema
  • Scalp Psoriasis
  • Scalp Ringworm
  • Dandruff Or Pityriasis Capitis
  • Scabies
  • Head Lice Or Pediculosis Capitis
  • Scalp Folliculitis (1)

[ Read: Dandruff In Kids ]

Causes Of Scalp Problems In Children:

The causes of scalp problems may vary from kid to kid according to the kind of scalp condition. Some of the major causes of scalp problems include:

  1. Pollen grains or dust.
  1. Hereditary factors such as parents with allergies.
  1. An abnormality in the immune system, a prominent cause of scalp psoriasis in children.
  1. A fungal infection, the cause of scalp ringworm in children.
  1. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, the cause of scalp folliculitis.
  1. Mites, such as Sarcoptes scabiei, burrowing into skin, causes scabies.
  1. Dry weather.
  1. Inappropriate scalp care like tightly braiding hair and using rough combs.
  1. Stress.
  1. Unhealthy diet.
  1. Lack of sleep.
  1. Head lice.
  1. Sharing combs, bedding, hair band, and hats of an infected individual.
  1. Excessive sweating and dirty scalp (2)

[ Read: Types Of Fungal Infections In Children ]

Symptoms Of Scalp Problems In Children:

The symptoms of scalp problems in children largely depend on the cause of scalp problem. Some of the common symptoms of scalp infections in children include:

  1. Inflamed, red skin.
  1. Flaky and itchy scalp.
  1. Dryness on the head.
  1. Small bumps on the scalp, face, hands, and neck.
  1. Thick, gray and silver, and scaly patches of plaque on the child’s scalp.
  1. A burning sensation.
  1. A black dot with patches of hair loss.
  1. Inflamed red spots or rings.
  1. Enlarged lymph nodes.
  1. Zigzag-shaped burrows due to mites.
  1. White and gray flakes.
  1. Thick, greasy, yellowish scales.
  1. Small, red, pus-filled bumps around hair follicles (3).

[ Read: Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata In Children ]

Treating Scalp Problems In Children:

When you observe any of the above symptoms in your child, visit your doctor as soon as possible to begin the right line of dry scalp treatment for children. Treating child scalp conditions depends on the cause and kind of scalp infection. Here is a list of some effective treatments to cure the problem.

1. Prevent Triggers Of Scalp Irritation:

Irritants, excessive sweating, pollens, dust, dander, hot baths, various chemical hair care products, and scratching with pointed nails are prominent triggers that can lead to scalp eczema flare-ups. So prevent your child from the impact of triggers (4).

2. Medications:

Certain scalp problems need medications. So consult your doctor to take the right medications. Doctors may suggest medicated creams, gels, and shampoos to prevent scalp dryness. Anti-lice medications and shampoos can help cure head lice. Antifungal shampoos treat a fungal infection of scalp effectively. The doctor may also recommend antibiotics for certain scalp conditions and infections (5).

[ Read: Causes Of Folliculitis In Children ]

3. Exercise Scalp Care:

Encourage your child to wash his hair and head with water regularly to keep the scalp clean. Prevent your child from scratching his scalp with pointed nails. Wash your child’s clothes and bedding in hot water. Avoid tight braiding and pointed combs (6).

Did your child suffer from any scalp infection at any time? How did you treat it? Share your experience with other caring moms. Leave a comment below.

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