from the Winter 2000 issue
If you have that itchy, twitchy feeling in your scalp, chances are a yeast called Pityrosporum ovale (P. ovale) may be causing the problem. The microorganism plays a role in the three most common conditions characterized by a flaky scalp, including:
- Dandruff, the most common type of flaking scalp, is typified by an itchy, irritated scalp and the appearance of tiny white flakes around the scalp and shoulders.
- Seborrheic dermatitis, unlike dandruff, includes inflammation and sometimes redness. It is more like a rash, with greasy, yellowish scales.
- Psoriasis, the most difficult-to-treat scalp condition, is characterized by an inflamed, and sometimes itchy scalp with thick silvery scales on a red base. Psoriasis can be a recurring condition and tends to run in families.
Although P. ovale normally exists on everyone's scalp, in people with the above conditions, it proliferates out of control. All three conditions are helped by daily shampooing with medicated shampoos, which inhibit the yeast. The best anti-yeast shampoo on the market is Nizoral. It is available in prescription strength (2%) or in an over-the-counter strength (1%). Using it twice a week keeps dandruff under control for most people. For the more difficult-to-treat seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, it may be necessary to use other active ingredients which also suppress yeast, such as pyrithione zinc (in shampoos such as DHS-ZincTM or ZNP BarTM) or selenium sulfide (in Selsun Blue or Head & Shoulders® Intensive Treatment). Rotating the active ingredients is a good idea, i.e. shampooing one day with Nizoral®, the next day with zinc, and the third day with selenium. If the medicated shampoos alone do not control the problem, other prescription medications such as cortisone solutions are usually effective. There is no need to suffer with the discomfort and embarrassment of an itchy, flaky scalp.
For more information, see:
The Kid's Corner:
Scalp Problems
Fall 2003
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