Crusty Scalp Causes

Crusting and flaking on the scalp is a concern for many people.  There are several scalp conditions that cause crusty scalp.  Some of the typical culprits of the crusty scalp are scalp seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrhea. 

Seborrheic dermatitis is a scalp condition that consists of flaking and scaly crusty patches.  These tend to be yellowish in color and usually cover red inflamed skin.  This is sometimes called seborrheic eczema or scalp eczema as well.  When infants have seborrheic dermatitis it is known as cradle cap.  Cradle cap usually goes away in a few months.  In adults the condition often continues for years. 

Psoriasis also causes crusting on the scalp.  The scales with psoriasis are thick white with a silvery sheen.  Psoriasis often affects the scalp, but it is usually present on other areas of the body as well.  It may be on elbows and behind knees.  In severe cases it may cover the entire scalp and spread to chest and neck.  Scalp sores are what some people call seborrheic dermatitis which is a severe form of dandruff. These scalp sores can become open and even bleeding at times.

Seborrhea may also cause crusting and bumps on scalp.  Seborrhea is characterized by a very oily and greasy scalp.  With this condition the hair will generally be very greasy as well.   The sebum gland produces too much oil, or sebum, causing yeast to grow and the scalp to become enflames.  This causes a rash, redness and itching. 

All of these crusty scalp conditions are ultimately due to an imbalance in the scalp, of either too much oil or too little oil.  To control these conditions the scalp needs to be balanced.  Most hair and scalp products contain chemical ingredients that dry the scalp causing an itchy scalp.  Natural ingredients such as zinc, thyme, emu oil and jojoba oil work to create a healthy scalp and to get rid of an itchy scalp or fkaly hair and scalp.  Zinc is a natural scalp neutralizer.  It cleans as well as regulates the sebum gland.  Thyme has detoxifying agents.  Jojoba oil and emu oil moisturize the scalp.