I have a patch of dry skin on my scalp

The exact cause of certain scalp conditions is often unknown, or multiple causes are involved, possibly due to genetics. Others scalp conditions, like ringworm , lice, and leishmaniasis, are known to be caused by infections. You may experience other symptoms that are characteristic of particular conditions and not necessarily related to the scalp. For other conditions, your healthcare provider or a specialist may need to order other tests.

You may need to have a sample of blood drawn, for instance, to test for hormone levels and to determine if a thyroid or pituitary problem is to blame, or to detect a nutritional deficiency.

Prescription medications are available to help treat hair loss. Surgical implants of hair transplants are also possible. In some cases, the underlying cause of hair loss can be treated.

Medicated ointments and washes that kill fungi or certain insects can cure certain infections, such as ringworm and lice. Medications that slow hair growth or regrow hair are somewhat successful, and wigs are always an option if medications are not effective in treating the scalp condition. Female pattern baldness is similar to male pattern baldness, except that women lose their hair in a different pattern than men.

Learn more. Give these tips a try. If you're losing your hair, you've probably already heard of Rogaine, or minoxidil. Learn about how it works, as well as safety, side effects, and….

Thinning hair happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best treatment measures. Here's what you can do. The Norwood scale can be used to help explain the stages of male pattern baldness. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Use sunscreen. Before spending time outdoors, even on cloud days, apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor SPF of at least 30, as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends.

Use sunscreen on all exposed skin, and use lip balm with sunscreen on your lips. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Rather, keep them out of the sun if possible, or protect them with shade, hats, and clothing that covers the arms and legs.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Actinic keratosis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Actinic keratosis Actinic keratoses are scaly spots or patches on the top layer of skin. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Kang S, et al. However, it may be the result of other skin conditions, such as:. The above conditions can also lead to dry skin on the scalp. Learn more about the difference between dry scalp and dandruff here.

Learn more about how to treat dandruff here. There are lots of things that people can do to help prevent developing dry skin on the scalp. These include:. Anyone who suspects that they have an underlying skin condition should talk with a doctor.

This is especially true if the symptoms are interfering with their everyday life. A person with a dry scalp may experience itching and flaking skin. Although it may look like dandruff, a dry scalp is different. The two conditions have different causes and different treatments. Many dry scalp cases resolve on their own with a few lifestyle changes. These changes include drinking plenty of water and avoiding harsh shampoos and hair care products.

Sometimes, a dry scalp may be a symptom of an underlying skin condition. When this is the case, a person can talk with a doctor. They will be able to assess the skin and recommend the best course of action. There are a variety of conditions that can affect the scalp. Learn about some scalp conditions and their potential treatment options here. Learn how to treat pimples or zits on your scalp. We will cover how to identify scalp acne, home remedies, medicated shampoos, and lifestyle changes.

Many people have dry skin. It happens when the skin does not have all the water or naturally occurring oils it needs to maintain itself. Learn more….