Scalp conditions in children

Children’s scalp might be affected by many things, and although you may think you know what the condition is, it’s always best to consult a pediatrician, to diagnose the problem properly. Kids can suffer from dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp eczema and tract alopecia. Infections with ringworms or head lice, measles or chicken pox may also provoke different scalp problems in children.

Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Oily skin or seborrhoeic dermatitis is a condition that is characterized by infection of the child’s scalp with non-pathogenic yeast, known as Pityruasis. The yeast produces fine spores and this type of infection usually worsens and become seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff. Because of this condition, the scalp can become flaky, because the outer layer of the epidermal cells of the skin will start to exfoliate. Kids might be complaining about persistent itching and parents should find to way to relieve this feeling, as it may affect a child's sleep.

Chicken Pox and Measles

School children are the most frequently affected group by chicken pox. First symptoms usually include skin rash, fever and headaches. The rash and spots may appear several weeks after the initial exposure, and can affect the face, chest, back, limbs and scalp. Spots normally form a blister, which open and then crust. It may be just a mild rash, which is lightly irritating, or very high fever accompanied with spots all over the body. Try to stop your child from scratching his skin, because it may leave scars. The treatment to relieve the irritation is with antiviral medications (in older children) and the recovery usually take about 2 weeks.

Measles are causde by a viral infection. Usual symptoms are high fever, coughing and sore throat. This infection is also associated with rash on the face and neck, and sometimes on the whole body of a child. Always keep in mind that measles might get complicated and cause pneumonia, convulsions and some even more serious conditions. You may need to consult your pediatrician about the problem.

Other Scalp Conditions in Children

Ringworm or Tinea capitis is the medical term for this fungal infection of the scalp and the condition that can affect some children.

Pediculus capitis or head lice are tiny animal parasites living in human hair and around the ears. Always keep your child clean and tidy and insist on personal hygiene, to prevent this condition.

Traction Alopecia can happen after a long time of wearing pony tail or plaits. The loss of hair might be permanent, so be very careful how your child wear his/hers hair.

Scalp Eczema may affect almost anyone, and it’s characterized by inflammation, oozing and formation of papules and blisters on the scalp.