Sores on Scalp

Sores on scalp are not uncommon. A majority of the human population has to suffer from it at some point in their lives. It can affect any individual, irrespective of age and gender. Sores on scalp are highly annoying and uncomfortable as they cause a sharp pain even to a mild touch of fingertips. No wonder, the suffer wants to get rid of them as early as possible. Fortunately, both medical and natural effective treatments for sores on scalp are available, but it will be a wise idea to learn about the causative agents so that the problem can be foreclosed in future.

Sores on Scalp: Causes
The most common sores on scalp cause is microbial infection. Interestingly, it is not always the poor hygiene that results in an infection of the scalp. What causes sore spots on the scalp many-a-times, is the excessive use of chemical based shampoos, conditioners and other hair care products. The chemical substance that is usually used as a component in most trichological products is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is a strong chemical but is widely used as it produces foam and cleanses in an uncompromising manner. It dries the scalp and exposes the hair follicles to infectious micro-organisms like bacteria and fungi.

An allergy is another causative factor for sores on scalp. In medicine, the allergic skin reaction is termed as contact dermatitis. They are of two types, irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former is the result of the direct usage of a substance against which your body, more specifically skin, is allergic to. The latter is a kind of hypersensitivity reaction. The immune system of your body produces such a reaction against a substance that does not agree with your system. Other causes of sores are acne on scalp, improper diet, hair ingrowth, hormonal imbalance and blocked pores. There can be a variety of dermatological disorders that can lead to sores on scalp, for example, folliculitis, psoriasis, tinea capitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Sores on Scalp: Treatment
The first thing that needs consideration for sores on scalp treatment is the basic reason behind the origin of the problem. Try to find out which one of the above given factors has caused sores in your case. Avoiding the main cause will treat the problem to a great extent. If the problem is infection or other dermatological disease, visit a doctor for the necessary intervention. You may try a few things at home to speed up the healing process and soothe your condition.

Certain essential oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, anti itching and healing properties. The names on top of such a list are margosa, melaleuca, rosemary and lavender oils. Take half a teaspoon of the former two oils and a tablespoon of the latter two oils. Add these oils to a glass of water. You may replace water here with a cup of olive or coconut oil. Mix well and massage your scalp with it. Leave it on for about 20 minutes,and then wash your hair off with water and a mild shampoo. Rosemary oil is usually not recommendable during pregnancy. Therefore, do consult a herbalist or an aromatherapist before using this combination of essential oils. Doing a patch test to ascertain the safety of the results is advisable.

Sores on Scalp: Preventive Measures
Luckily, sores on scalp can be prevented by taking proper care of your scalp and hair. Wash your hair twice or thrice a week. This is sufficient to maintain good hygiene of the scalp. Secondly, do not keep your hair damp and sweaty, as moist conditions favor microbial growth. Thirdly, keep your hair brushes and comb clean. Do not share them with others as some infections are contagious and easily spread from person to person through such transferable mediums. Lastly, in the case of any cut or wound on your scalp, do your level best to heal them fast. Keep them covered as such openings are easy targets of pathogenic microbes.

Sores on scalp sometimes indicate some sorts of physiological and metabolic disorders, and thus are a matter of concern. Efficacious treatment of the cause will treat the problem. You should consult a dermatologist and follow his prescription, advises and instructions strictly. Also, adopt the hygiene habits suggested in the article to keep sores on scalp at bay.