Scalp care. Healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair

Most people (especially women) want to have a lot of beautiful hair, like in pictures in magazines and fashion shows. That is why there are hundreds of creams and products that can be purchased in stores.

However, many of them do not take into account something important - the place where the strands of hair are "born". In today's article, learn how to take care of your scalp every day. This will prevent dandruff and let you enjoy much prettier hair.

Healthy scalp = beautiful hair

To make your hair look like you just left the beauty salon, you do not need to spend crazy money on care products or treatments. First of all, you need to take care of your scalp.

Of course, you can choose the hair care that you like, but if you do not take enough care of the area where the hair begins its life, or damage it, no products will give positive results.

Dryness, excessive oil production, sun exposure and improper hair care immediate causes most problems such as baldness or alopecia, dandruff, thinning hair, itching, dermatitis and the like. If you really want to have beautiful hair, first you need to pay attention to the scalp and “attack” the root of the problem (pun intended).

cleaning

In case you haven't noticed, this area collects a lot of pollution (dust, dead skin cells, shampoo residue, etc.). This can clog the pores of the scalp: the follicles will be poorly nourished and there will be a “suffocation” effect on the hair, making it weaker and more brittle.

Hair should be washed more than once a week, but not every day. Find golden mean which suits you. If you wash your hair every day, it can lead to certain unwanted side effects, deprive you of useful nutrients and dry out the roots.

It's best to try to wash your hair every three days and use a natural shampoo and conditioner (like oatmeal, avocado, or honey) so your scalp can produce its own natural oils.

massage

A good scalp massage is not only a great way to unwind after long day It also has amazing health and beauty benefits.

Try every day to do this massage with your fingertips (in no case nails) to promote better circulation blood, oxygen access and nutrient absorption, and to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated. When doing this, always press lightly, and if, for example, you have problems with dandruff, you can take essential oil or some olive oil.

masks

Look for homemade scalp masks that can improve the condition of your hair. Apply this mixture to your head every week:

• 1 jar of white yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey (60 g)

You should have a paste that can be applied to the scalp and left for 15 minutes. Then wash it off warm water. This antiseptic will revitalize and restore the skin. If it is very dry, replace the honey with some aloe gel.

nutrition

Never forget that beauty starts from within. All the masks, creams and natural shampoos in the world won't help if you don't eat right. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. If the body lacks the right nutrients, it will certainly affect your appearance.

Be sure to include the following foods in your diet.

• celery
• carrot
• seaweed
• Fish (ex. Salmon)
• walnuts
• almond
• milk
• vegetable oils
• avocado
• olive oil

Common scalp problems

Psoriasis, dandruff and dermatitis are the three most common scalp problems. They usually appear prominently behind the ears, as well as on the face, hairline, and neck. If we talk about dandruff, then it consists of dead skin cells that exfoliate and look ugly. For example, it can be treated with herbal shampoos.


People with also suffer from sloughed cells and inflammation of the scalp. If this is a problem for you, try NOT to comb your hair too often and always use a bristled brush. Do not scratch or irritate the scalp, wash your hair gently and do not use a hair dryer or other aggressive means for hair.

Pay attention to any stress or anxiety you've been experiencing, as these can cause flaking of the scalp. Also, the reason is the wrong mode of washing your hair or using certain cosmetic products.

For example, it is recommended to constantly dye your hair or tie it tightly while it is still wet. You can wash your braids sea ​​water to balance the amount of oils the scalp produces. It is also useful to massage this area using a small amount of olive oil or arnica oil.

Pay attention to signs and symptoms in this part of the body and most importantly, change habits that cause discomfort or damage to the scalp. If you follow these tips, you will get amazing bouffant hair, just the way you always wanted it.

From the point of view of physiology, the presence of hair on the head does not play any role for our body. Their length, color, shape or their complete absence does not affect health in any way. But for our psychological comfort, hair is of exceptional importance, giving an opportunity for self-expression, self-decoration. And it turns out to be so important that today there is an entire industry in the world that supports the beauty of hair, funding laboratories for their study. And a new medical discipline is developing - trichology, the science of hair health. Why is their condition of such exceptional importance to us? Why are women so concerned about covering up their gray hair, while men are so concerned about a barely visible bald spot? The answers to these questions go deep into our unconscious and into the past of mankind.

Connection with the spirit world

Since ancient times, various mysterious properties have been attributed to hair, for example, a connection with the world of spirits or the underworld. This explains many customs and prejudices, both in the pagan cults of the past and in modern religious traditions. Let's say, according to the Aztec beliefs, hair is the "house of the gods", so the priests were not supposed to cut their hair until their death, and their hair sometimes reached the length of their feet. It is customary to wear long hair among Orthodox priests, Sikhs, and Jews. Representatives of African tribes, such as the Yoruba, compare hair with a bush (forest), which is the abode of spirits, so you need to take care of your hair, keep it clean, decorate it. And among the inhabitants of Togo, to this day, it is customary to choose a hairdresser very carefully and in no case cut your hair after sunset, otherwise the spirits can steal the cut hair and harm a person through it. The idea that a cut strand retains some kind of intangible connection with its owner is reflected in many cultures - from magical rituals voodoo before the custom of keeping a lover's lock or the first strand of a baby. The most poetic custom associated with the first hair of a child exists in Japan: a calligraphy brush is made from it, which is then kept in the family. Here are some more examples: the Chinese adhere to the custom not to cut their hair for 49 days after the death of a relative, while his soul is still on earth, and in India and some other countries of the East, a woman must cut her hair after the death of her husband. Perhaps the source of all these superstitions is the intuitive knowledge of the ancients that hair - a unique part of the human body - is alive and dead at the same time.

Svetlana Khodchenkova, actress:

“For as long as I can remember, I have never wanted to change my hairstyle. It seems to me that this means changing yourself. Recently, I even refused a very interesting role - it required brightening for it. I like my hair, its length, its color. Recently I made myself a bang - this is the maximum in which I am ready to experiment. I am sure that men like long hair - it's really feminine, it's sexy, it's natural. Of course, caring for lush hair requires some effort and time, but I'm so used to it. Hairdryer is taboo for me. My hair is a connection with the cosmos, my talisman, my highlight. This is my "I".

Living and dead

Their visible part is absolutely dead. It consists of dead cells - keratin scales, tightly linked to each other around the core, which, in turn, consists of spiral-shaped protein molecules intertwined with each other like a rope. This is what gives the hair such strength and elasticity: a strand of 10 hairs can withstand a weight of 10 kg. And the average amount of hair on a human head could support a weight of 12 tons. Before the hair breaks, it can be stretched almost twice. Not surprisingly, this durable fiber can be dyed, heat-set, permed, or straightened with little or no harm. In the event that the roots are not damaged, nothing threatens our hair - growing back, it will be exactly the same as before, retaining the genetically predetermined color and density. But no matter how hard we try cosmetic masks and conditioners, they will not be able to cope with negative changes if they occur in the invisible part of the hair - its root. “The hair root (bulb) is closely connected with all processes occurring in human body. It is sensitive to hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, illness, or psychological conditions such as depression, chronic anxiety, or stress. In this case, the growing hair will be thinner, duller and weaker, says the trichologist-endocrinologist. Anna Goncharova. - Hair can be literally decomposed into trace elements - this gives a lot useful information, say, for criminologists. But in order to solve a problem with hair - for example, with hair loss - sometimes the efforts of a gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, neuropathologist and, of course, a psychotherapist are required.

Measurement system

The human scalp contains an average of 100,000–150,000 hair follicles. 90% of them are in the growth phase, and 10% are in the dying phase. Therefore, the loss of approximately 100 hairs per day is considered a physiological norm. Under the influence of moisture, the hair increases by 2% in length and 15% in diameter. This ability to respond to humidity was used to create a high-precision device - a hair hygrometer. Average term the life of a hair is 3 years, but among them there are also centenarians whose age exceeds 10 years. Hair grows fastest in Asians - about 1.3 cm per month, the slowest - in black Africans - 0.9 cm per month. Europeans have an average hair growth rate, but the highest density.

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Thus, in the structure of a growing hair, as in the annual rings of a tree, all changes that occur with the body are recorded. Isn't this our belief that cutting your hair means getting rid of the burden of the past? According to an Italian psychotherapist Gloria Rossi, "Changing hairstyle, color, hair length is one of the ways people have to approve the changes that have taken place in their lives or express a desire for such changes." She gives an example from her own psychotherapeutic practice: after disappointment in her personal life, women tend to cut their hair short, thereby, as it were, getting rid of their femininity, which brought them suffering. And some of us just love dramatic changes - whether it's the length, the shape of the haircut or the color of the hair. According to Gloria Rossi, this is more of a temporary phenomenon than some kind of special personality type. “To play with your image means to be in search of your own inner identity. We try different extreme options, we constantly change the hairstyle, but then, when our own ideal image is finally found, the search process stops, ”continues Rossi. This idea is developed by psychologist Nina Knyazeva: “Psychological comfort will be achieved only if the image corresponds internal state person. If a match is not found, sometimes this can be an impetus to a disease, to border states psyche."

Andrey Bartenev, designer:

“I always and everywhere get up before everyone else in order to have time to shave myself clean. Removing hair from the shell biological form increases its hypersensitivity to cosmic impulses. My hairless skin is the perfect radar for the chaos of celestial information. The skin should be free from unnecessary barriers. I allow only the preservation of the contour of the eyebrows (as a mimic accent) and the preservation of the hair in intimate places as a way to pacify the hyperactivity of these chakras.

The power of femininity

In all cultures and at all times, hair was considered one of the main criteria for external attractiveness. As explains Nina Knyazeva, “thick, shiny hair in a woman is a sign of physical, and therefore reproductive health. It has always had great importance for a man when he was choosing a mate." At first, this choice was made at the level of instinct, then it was already socially regulated: when choosing a bride, matchmakers evaluated not only her appearance and complexion, but also the thickness of her hair (or the thickness of a braid resembling a wheat ear - a symbol of fertility), and, of course, their color. “Now we know that gray hair is genetically programmed and can appear in a very early age- continues Nina Knyazeva. – Nevertheless, it is associated with the beginning age-related changes. From a biological point of view, she was supposed to serve as a sign that the reproductive period in a woman's life is over, which means that she automatically becomes less attractive to young men. Despite the fact that civilization has taken us far from nature, these ancient mechanisms still work on an unconscious level: women are afraid of losing their sexual attractiveness and therefore they are so eager to mask their gray hair. Men, on the other hand, treat their own gray hair much more calmly. Not only does it not affect their sex appeal in any significant way, but it is often synonymous with maturity, life experience, success". Men are much more concerned about another problem - the appearance of baldness.

Andrey Maksimov, TV presenter, playwright:

“I really don't like going to the hairdresser, I don't like it when a stranger digs into my hair, and I don't like washing my hair - I find it boring. By nature, I have thick hair, and with this nature in Soviet times had to fight. At school, freestyle hairstyles were not allowed, and in Komsomolskaya Pravda in those years it was forbidden to have a beard and lush curls. As soon as in public consciousness those restrictions were lifted, I allowed myself to be myself. It seems to me that a man's hairstyle eloquently characterizes its owner. If a man pays excessive attention to his hairstyle, then I have a lot of questions for such a man. The exception is actors - they need to take care of themselves. Does the TV camera love my lush hair? I don't think she really cares. In bald people, there is where more problems- the bald head glares on the air, it needs to be powdered.

Ekaterina Volkova, actress:

“Last year I experienced a spiritual crisis - my second attempt to find a family ended unsuccessfully. No longer believing that I would ever fall in love again, I met Eduard Limonov. I decided to start living anew, from scratch, from a blank sheet. Hair stores a lot of information and energy. I wanted to be free from this. Not a single hairdresser dared to shave off my hair. Edward did it himself, with pleasure. A short haircut does not make it possible to “curtain”, you are always open, and this is very mobilizing, tempering. Although a woman still needs shelter - I wear dark glasses. Haircut bald was the discovery of me. I realized my childhood dream and created a musical group. I have new movie roles. And Eduard and I are expecting a child, a child of our love.”

Fear in my head

concentrated in the hair life force. It can be appropriated or stolen - this is the custom of scalping, which is often attributed only to North American Indians. In fact, the custom of scalping an enemy in order to obtain his strength existed in Europe as well - among the Gauls, Franks, and Scythian tribes. Therefore, the loss of hair by a man is equated with the loss of strength - this is what the myth of Samson and Delilah says. “For a man, hair loss symbolizes castration, the loss of masculinity,” says Massimo Baldini Professor of Semiotics at the University of Rome. – Or the arbitrary renunciation of one's own sexuality - this is what the monk's clean-shaven head symbolizes. And for the military and prisoners, it is a sign of subordination and coercion. So, the long hair of hippies symbolize sexual freedom, and the shaved heads of Taoists and Buddhist monks symbolize the renunciation of everything earthly and sexual abstinence.

It is activity male hormones is the most main reason male pattern baldness. Here is how Maria Shevchenko, a dermatologist at Vichy Laboratories, comments on this scientific fact: “Androgen hormones have a dual effect on hair follicles: they are one of the factors leading to atrophy of hair follicles on the head, and at the same time stimulate hair growth in the facial zone, that is, mustaches and beards." The problem of hair loss is the most significant for men: 54% put it in first place, while 34% are primarily concerned overweight, 7% - wrinkles and 2% - gray hair*.

Looking for remedies for baldness or taking the resulting baldness for granted? Everyone has a choice. "On initial stage hair loss, you can try a local remedy: for example, Vichy aminexil ampoules do not allow hormone-dependent hardening of collagen around hair follicle and stimulate hair growth. Maria Shevchenko. - There are also radical methods, such as transplantation, which involves transplanting the actual hair or pieces of skin with hair. There are also artificial implants – synthetic fibers implanted into the scalp that cannot be distinguished from natural hair.”

A hair's breadth from ideal

So, hair, this ancient rudiment left to us from our ancestors, can tell a lot about both the soul and the body. Despite the fact that civilization, or rather, modern ecology and constant stress are the most destructive factors for the health and beauty of hair, we find a cure for them precisely in the achievements of scientific and technological progress. New technologies offer more and more advanced products, for example, cosmeceutical preparations - Inneov's hair thickening pills. Modern trichology provides us with more and more complete diagnostics and more and more effective treatment in which psychotherapy also plays an important role. But who knows whether our distant descendants will be just as sensitive to the magic of hair, or whether impeccably smooth skin or silky artificial fiber will replace lush hair...

*According to Etude Vichy/Sofres, 1996.

The cold wind with the rain has intensified a hundredfold, and the first to suffer from the cold, the heat of the batteries and hats are our hair. Often aevit and burdock oil cannot cope with the problem, and without a quality examination, even vitamin A will work against us - at any time of the year. We talked with Olga Pobezhimova, a dermatovenereologist and trichologist at the Korytseva Clinic, and found out why we can’t grow Rapunzel’s braids, how to choose “our own” shampoo, how a towel turban harms us, and what to do if the bathroom is constantly strewn with hair.

Who is a trichologist
And what does he treat?

A trichologist is a doctor who deals with the prevention and treatment of hair loss, improving their structure. Moreover, it fights not only with their loss in the view of most people - when they see three to five hairs on a comb, but also with baldness. In addition to the hair on the head, specialists are engaged in the restoration of eyebrows and beards.

Most often, Samarans turn to a trichologist, trying to cure dandruff, diseases of the scalp and different types hair loss. Another reason to visit a trichologist is various allergic reactions: all the problems that arise on any other area of ​​​​the skin are also on the head.

At the same time, the competence of the trichologist is the selection of care programs: he not only treats dryness caused by the wrong shampoo, but also selects the most suitable products.

When should you sound the alarm?

Women are more careful about their image and come, having begun to regularly lose a small amount of hair a day. Men start: usually the trichologist sees them at the reception when the hair is already thinned and sparse to such an extent that the scalp is visible. Children are also brought in late - when bald patches appear.

Normal at healthy person 100-120 hairs should fall out per day. If the loss has intensified, you will immediately notice it: running your hand through the dry combed hair, you will see ten hairs in the palm of your hand each time. If the hair began to fall out in whole tufts - this is a reason for an emergency response.

Can you handle it yourself?

Coping with the problem of falling out on your own is almost impossible. Yes, pharmacies today provide a large selection of cosmeceuticals and vitamins, but to understand what you need, you should consult a doctor, not a pharmacist. Pharmacy staff can advise drugs that are not suitable in this particular case. For example, in case of hair loss, everyone is advised to drink vitamin D3, but if it is initially sufficient in the body, an increase in the level can lead to the appearance of pigmentation. In the clinic, the patient is offered trichoscopy or a genetic trichological test, which shows what exactly your body needs and in what quantity.

It's never too late to save your hair. Even if for some reason you lost all your hair, and the skin pattern of the head was preserved, it means that dormant follicles remained in the skin itself. Hair can still grow, and our task is to stimulate them to do so.

What affects health
hair and how to achieve it?

Hair growth is primarily influenced by genetics. It doesn't matter how often you cut your hair - if your whole family has hair that grows to a maximum of shoulder length, then no " light hand»Masters will not help: reaching a certain length, your hair will also break.

In the "Clinic Korytseva" genetic test, which aims to bring out the details that affect the appearance of the hair. A number of the genomes of our cells are responsible for hair growth and their condition, and the test allows you to identify all the predispositions of the body to certain substances and vitamins as well. After an extended analysis, the patient receives a conclusion from the trichologist, where, based on each gene, it is described how the body absorbs vitamin C, folic acid or omega-3 acids. Such a deep diagnosis can tell you what to do to make your hair grow faster.

If we consider the problem of hair loss, then first of all it is influenced by stressful situations, somatic diseases and lifestyle: if you smoke and do not sleep at night, no burdock oil will stop the fallout.

The trichologist usually starts the examination with simple questions: finds out how long a person has been losing hair, what reason could contribute to this, in particular, whether the person experienced stress. People often remember not only the fact of great anxiety, but also the exact date with which the problems started. In my practice, there was even a case when each day in the patient's calendar corresponded to a bag of fallen hair.

Also, when diagnosing, doctors use a trichoscope, which shows the root cause of the loss - the problems experienced by the hair and scalp. They are viewed under magnifying glass varying degrees magnification. For a deeper diagnosis, a trichogram is used: it shows how old hair behaves and those that have just begun to grow, and their quantitative ratio.

The cause of hair loss in the absence of stress is the accompanying autoimmune diseases And chronic diseases, information about which the specialist also finds out from the client. After collecting anamnesis, it is possible to make a preliminary diagnosis and refer the patient to hormonal analysis blood and related specialists - gynecologists, endocrinologists. Then, based on surveys and collected results treatment is being built.

How to choose the "right" shampoo?

Shampoo must be chosen according to the type of scalp: it is she who is responsible for the production of fat. Therefore, if you have oily roots, but dry ends, you need a shampoo for oily hair, and it is better to solve the problem with the ends with a mask.

You can stop at this criterion, the rest does not matter. For example, there is no difference in which segment to look for shampoo - in the mass market or professional brands; Korean brands are also no different from the rest.

A good shampoo can be bought at average price. But, of course, not all popular means from the mass market are effective and safe. Take at least one of the most popular brands in the fight against dandruff, declaring itself as the number one shampoo in the fight against dandruff. In my practice, I was convinced that because of the sulfates, propylene glycol, benzenes and dietanolamines in the composition, it is addictive: when you stop using it, dandruff returns. Also, I do not recommend shampoos with nettle in the composition - they cause peeling.

It is necessary to proceed from the composition, not marketing. For example, a product that promises a horse's mane is the simplest shampoo in terms of composition, stuffed with silicones. Immediately after washing, you get shiny and weighted hair, and after - a broken fluff. It can be used as an express help before a party, but I would not recommend anyone to wash their hair with it regularly.

It is important that the shampoo does not contain sulfates and silicones - they clog the hair scales. Of course, if you "solder" them, you will immediately notice a positive effect - the hair color will improve, they will become more elastic. But silicone is foreign to hair Chemical substance, which poisons his core, which eventually turns into regular trips to the trichologist.

Also, contrary to stereotypes, best shampoo the one that lathers worse: it has less chemicals, and in particular surfactants that degrease the hair and scalp, but act aggressively.

You don’t need to change the product periodically - I found “my” shampoo, mine them. The trichologist, after examining and collecting an anamnesis, will help you find the most suitable line of care.

How often should you wash your hair and how to do it right?

Since you remove the shampoo from the hair, it cannot moisturize and nourish it, so all the prefixes "restoring" and "giving volume" on the shampoo label are, again, marketing. In this case, it will be enough to wash your hair once: apply shampoo twice, as many do and advise, only in case of severe pollution - if you planted potatoes in the field, and the dust flew right at you.

You need to understand that shampoo only cleanses the hair. No matter how expensive it is, after applying it must be thoroughly washed off, otherwise it, that is, all the chemistry in its composition, will remain in the hair scales - and if you solder them with a balm, it will last up to next wash. But the mask and balm, unlike shampoo, can not be completely washed out of the hair: they close the scales after cleansing. Conditioner should be used after each wash, mask - once or twice a week. It is especially important to pamper your hair in summer period when the sun turns them into surfer hair. And in winter, you just need to wear a hat: the hair does not tolerate the cold.

In this case, the head does not need to be washed every day. It's all about the skin: it has a protective lipid layer where microorganisms live their lives. With constant intervention, their number will decrease or increase - due to such an imbalance, problems begin. Frequent washing helps to reduce the fat layer, and therefore - the rapid evaporation of the subcutaneous fluid. This leads to dehydration and vulnerability of the skin: its immunity is reduced, and even from ordinary combing or washing, it will become inflamed and flaky - which means it will get dirty even faster. Of course, it all depends on the type of skin, but no matter how much you want to wash oily hair daily, do it at least every other day.

What else affects the condition of the hair?

First of all, the quality of water: too soft water does not wash the hair, leaving a feeling of greasy, hard water contains magnesium, iron, and most importantly, calcium, which make our hair dry and naughty. Some houses in Samara have very old pipes, and people living in such areas constantly complain about brittle hair. In this case, water must be boiled - despite all the inconveniences, this is the only way to maintain healthy hair.

The most common grooming mistake is using a hair dryer. If possible, the hair should dry on its own. A towel can also do harm: they can get your hair wet after washing, but you shouldn’t leave it twisted on your head for a long time - this way the hair dries in an unusual folded state, which leads to brittleness.

The curling iron and iron should be thrown away completely. The thermal effect of the forceps destroys the protective shell of the hair, and no sprays with thermal protection can prevent this. As a result, with frequent use of such devices, the hair becomes fluffy, wavy and begins to split from the middle.

It is just as difficult to restore hair after a perm. We do not recommend keratin straightening either. The hair, in itself mobile and flexible, after such a procedure acquires a frame that easily breaks along with the whole hair. So the results of straightening with keratin becomes a section of the hair.

As for staining: the appearance gray hair makes people resort to this procedure every three weeks. Yes, it's bad for hair, but society asks for it, and modern brands are ready to adapt to these requirements. With good care and with the right balm, you can not be afraid of staining. The exception is blondes: hair lightening is more aggressive than simple dyeing.

How is hair loss treated?

We include peelings as part of our skin care routine - they will be useful for regular exfoliation, even for those who do not suffer from hair loss. Such a "cleansing" allows you to free the pores from the husk, help in the treatment of dandruff and simply "give air" for the growth of new hair. In our clinic we work on the line professional care Optima and Nioxin: it includes both treatment ampoules and shampoos, balms and sprays of three types - for oily, dry hair and hair prone to falling out.

More serious problems plasma therapy solves (Microinjections of one's own plasma into problematic foci to awaken hair follicles - ed.), enriched with platelets - hair growth factors. She copes with the loss at any stage.

Also at all stages of hair loss, with severe dandruff and psoriasis, we use mesotherapy. For example, for severe dandruff, we recommend vitamin cocktails high in zinc. Another method of struggle is photodynamic therapy.

Folk remedies -
harm or benefit?

I have never seen positive effect from homemade masks with egg yolk or from rubbing in brewer's yeast. Moreover, such methods can harm the hair due to errors in concentration, especially in the case of dyed hair: due to the use various oils or dairy products change hair color.

Exception - pepper tincture. We recommend it to patients with patchy alopecia. Such a tool warms and dilates blood vessels, irritates the hair follicles. However, a prescription for each person should be prescribed by a doctor so that the "pepper" irritates rather than burns the skin.

A variety of diseases of the scalp are accompanied by a mass discomfort: itching, irritation, sores, dandruff. But for most people the most an unpleasant symptom are hair changes - loss, brittleness, loss of luster, slow growth. To restore the health of the hair, it will be necessary to eliminate any problems of the scalp.

Causes of damage to the scalp

All diseases of the hair and scalp can be divided into local, initially affecting the skin head, and general, in which pathological changes in the hair and skin are the result or one of the symptoms of diseases of other tissues, organs and systems. The division is rather arbitrary, since a number of local pathological processes formed only under certain conditions. So, dandruff, at first glance, refers to local lesions of the scalp caused by a fungus and malfunctions. sebaceous glands. But the appearance of a large amount of dandruff is facilitated by some common metabolic disorders, diseases of the digestive system, malnutrition etc.

Local processes

1. Dandruff - a large number of whitish scales, which are dead cells of the epidermis.
2. Hyperkeratosis of the skin on the head is a localized thickening of the upper stratum corneum of the skin, accompanied by a feeling of dryness, the formation of roughness and irregularities, dandruff, focal or diffuse alopecia. Local hyperkeratosis can be a manifestation of the general, when thickening of the upper layer of the skin, roughness, tuberosity is noted over the entire surface of the human body.
3. Seborrhea of ​​the scalp is a violation of the sebaceous glands (increased secretion or a change in the viscosity of the secret), in which greasiness of the scalp and hair is most often noted, oily dandruff, irritation of the scalp, a tendency to furunculosis and other infectious and inflammatory diseases. In the case of dry seborrhea, there is a production of a viscous secretion, the release of which is difficult, as a result, the skin is not sufficiently moisturized, it looks tight, overdried, its sensitivity to any influences increases, dandruff is small, dry, and the scalp often hurts. A complication of seborrhea is seborrheic dermatitis- the formation of areas of wetting, blisters, crusts, itchy papules.
4. Allergic lesions in the form of edema, redness, urticaria, vesicles, papules and other rashes, accompanied by severe itching. Develops after using local cosmetics(shampoos, masks, balms, hair oils), which contain allergens.
5. Furunculosis is an infectious (caused by staphylococcus and other pyogenic flora) inflammation of the hair follicles and adjacent sebaceous glands. It is characterized by the formation of boils, with large multiple boils, body temperature may increase, symptoms of intoxication are noted. Predisposing factors - seborrhea, diabetes mellitus, microtrauma, hypovitaminosis, poor hair care.
6. Mycoses (favus, microsporia, trichophytosis) are contagious diseases caused by a fungus. Look like rough spots gray or pinkish in color, the surface of which is flaky. Hair in the spot area falls out or breaks off.
7. Inflammation of the scalp after external influences (chemical, thermal burns). The main symptoms: the scalp hurts, when viewed, it is easy to see erosion, ulcers, edema, hyperemia.

General Processes

Damage to the scalp is caused by:

• systemic autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus);
• are common skin diseases(dermatitis, psoriasis (pictured below), ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis);
• endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, pathology thyroid gland); blood diseases;
• metabolic disorders;
• other common diseases.

In all cases, when the scalp becomes inflamed, changes, it hurts, pathological changes in the hair are also noted, since the normal blood supply to the hair follicle is disturbed, and hence the supply of nutrients to the hair shaft. Hair becomes thinner, brittle, fall out, lose color. And if the deterioration of the condition of your curls is associated with damage to the scalp, you can’t do without the help of a specialist.

Treatment of diseases of the scalp

Why does the scalp hurt, will help to find out qualified specialist– trichologist or dermatologist . Self-medication is not worth it, because there are a lot of causes of diseases, and each of them requires its own approach: when a fungus is isolated, fungicidal preparations are prescribed, with hyperkeratosis - peeling for the scalp, to eliminate dandruff, you will need whole complex events. difficult problem is a treatment of skin lesions against the background of a general pathology, since in such cases the elimination of the underlying disease is required, and this is not always possible.

Regardless of the reasons, it will be necessary to provide special care- use sparing hypoallergenic cosmetics that correspond to the type of skin and hair, medicated shampoos and masks as prescribed by a doctor. It is necessary to avoid factors that can lead to damage to an already suffering skin: solar radiation, aggressive chemicals (coloring, perm, etc.). For most diseases good effect gives mesotherapy of the scalp - the introduction of special therapeutic "cocktails" intradermally in the hair growth zone with the help of tiny needles. Mesotherapy allows you to improve the skin in diseases such as dandruff, seborrhea, hyperkeratosis, is indicated for increased dryness of the skin, a tendency to early aging on the background common diseases. The composition of the injected "cocktail" during mesotherapy is selected by the doctor on an individual basis and depends on the causes, severity of the lesion, the presence of contraindications to individual drugs.

In addition to mesotherapy, physiotherapy techniques (laser, darsonval, drug electrophoresis) help well.

It will be useful to correct your own diet, provide the body with vitamins and microelements. However, with regard to individual vitamin preparations, as well as other medicines, it is worth consulting with your doctor. Incorrectly chosen medications will not only not help in the treatment of the scalp, but can worsen the condition or cause an exacerbation.

Brief anatomical data

Hair is an appendage of the skin. Of the three types of hair (long, bristly and vellus) on the head are long.

In hair (pili - Lat, trichos - Greek), a core is distinguished - a part of the hair that is visible above the surface and a root that is embedded in the dermis (directly in the skin).

The deepest, expanded part of the root is called the hair follicle, due to which the hair grows. The root and the bulb are located in a special (from epithelial cells) sac surrounded by a connective tissue bag called the hair follicle. At the base of the follicle, the hair follicle protrudes into the hair follicle, containing vessels that feed the bulb. The hair follicle has a cylindrical shape and opens to the surface of the skin with a kind of extension called the funnel of the hair follicle (or the mouth of the hair follicle), in which the rod freely passes. The follicle opens excretory ducts sebaceous glands. Near each follicle there are one or more sebaceous glands, the secret of which is the breakdown product of the cells of the sebaceous glands (sebum).

The hair follicle consists of cells that constantly multiply and contain a large amount of pigment (normal). Hair follicles are entwined with a large number nerve fibers. The trophic (nutritional) function in relation to the hair is carried out both by the nervous system and by the hormones of some glands. internal secretion(pituitary gland, thyroid gland, gonads).

Major hair and scalp problems

1. Oily seborrhea:

a) liquid
b) thick
c) mixed

2. Dandruff:

a) dry
b) oily (seborrheic)

3. Hair loss:

a) early
b) symptomatic
c) nesting

4. Psoriasis.

5. Seborrheic eczema, eczematid.

6. Hair damage.

seborrhea- this is a skin lesion based on a violation of the secretory function of the sebaceous glands, expressed in increased secretion and qualitative change sebum. Based on the characteristics of the physical chemical composition sebum, which determine its consistency, there are three forms of seborrhea: liquid, thick, mixed.

Liquid seborrhea characterized increased excretion sebum, the skin quickly becomes oily, the mouths of the hair follicles gape, expanded. The hair on the head is covered with a layer of sebum and is very shiny, glued, and by the age of 20 begin to fall out. Violation of the secretion of the sebaceous glands in this form of seborrhea is characterized by an increase in the amount of secreted sebum. To a lesser extent, its qualitative changes are expressed, which are manifested by a decrease in the amount of free lower fatty acids that have fungicidal (antifungal) and bactericidal (antibacterial) properties.

At thick seborrhea increased sebum secretion is less pronounced, hair does not fall out, as a rule, baldness does not occur. Here the leading role is played by the endocrine factor, in particular the dysfunction of the gonads. In the first place are qualitative changes in sebum - a lower content of free fatty acids and an increase in the amount of associated fatty acids and unsaponifiable substances (cholesterol). The composition of sebum with thick seborrhea includes a large number of partially keratinized and fatty-degenerate cellular elements, due to which it becomes more dense. With thick seborrhea, hyperkeratosis (increased keratinization) is noted, especially the mouths of the hair follicles.

Mixed seborrhea occurs more often than other forms and can lead to hair thinning. Seborrhea is based on changes in the normal physiological state of the sebaceous glands, which occur under the influence of dysfunctions of the endocrine and nervous systems that regulate their secretory function. With liquid seborrhea, pronounced changes in the vegetative nervous system.

Dandruff- this is a pityriasis peeling of the scalp in the absence of inflammatory phenomena(different from seborrheic eczema and eczematis). Often accompanied by itching. There is contamination of the collar and shoulders of outerwear. With seborrhea, dandruff has a greasy scale. Often dandruff can refer to an infectious disease caused by the fungus pityrosporum oval, which is a saprophyte of the scalp, and with appropriate changes in the skin environment gets favorable conditions for its development and acquires pathogenic properties. Such conditions arise in particular with changes in the chemical composition of sebum in patients with seborrhea. Predisposing causes also include a decrease in nutrition, a lack of vitamins of the B complex in the body, chronic diseases (especially gastrointestinal tract), fatigue, neuropsychiatric disorders. It can be noted increased flaking of the scalp due to exposure to aggressive chemicals (paint, perm).

Hair loss (alopecia)

Early hair loss occurs more often with liquid and mixed form seborrhea, especially in combination with dandruff and often leads to baldness in men, thinning and thinning hair in women. The hair that falls out is first replaced by new ones, but the hair that grows back becomes thinner with each new change, finally turns into vellus and eventually disappears completely. Early baldness begins with the fronto-parietal regions and the top of the head. The causes of this baldness are neuro-endocrine disorders and often a hereditary-constitutional factor (family suffering, androgenic alopecia). The prognosis is often unfavorable.

Symptomatic baldness is the result of serious illnesses (severe infections, vitamin deficiency, pregnancy and other diseases) usually begins acutely with total hair thinning. The prognosis is favorable.

Nested (focal) baldness begins suddenly more often in young people 15-30 years old. One or more bald spots are formed, which slowly increase in size up to 5-1 cm in diameter, which can merge. The surface of the skin in the place of the bald spots is smooth, shiny, the hair is easily pulled out along the edges, sometimes broken off at a height of 0.5-1 cm. from the mouth of the hair follicle. The hair root is thinned and presents in shape Exclamation point. Bald patches in a few months or years can overgrow first with fluffy, and then normal hair which are initially depigmented. Possible transition to total alopecia. The reasons are not exactly clear. Trophic skin disorders caused by changes in the functional nervous system (sympathetic) and endocrine glands (pituitary-adrenal system) were revealed.

Psoriasis or scaly goblin It is predominantly a disease of smooth skin, prone to frequent relapses, in which there are often so-called "duty plaques" on the scalp (that is, they usually exist for a particularly long time), which are a small spot with a scaly coating. Sometimes hairy part head is the only location of psoriasis. Differential Diagnosis difficult for non-specialists.

Eczema- we have seborrheic eczema, observed in people suffering from seborrhea and is often localized in addition to the face (nasobuccal folds, eyebrows) in the scalp. It is characterized by a rash of small precise follicular nodules yellowish - Pink colour covered with greasy, grayish-yellow scales. The nodules merge into plaques covered with greasy scales, which can form large foci. Subjectively, there may be mild itching. The cause is often low-pathogenic purulent bacteria (pyococci) permanently living on the surface of the skin. The predisposing cause of the development of the disease is a violation of the secretory activity of the sebaceous glands, leading to a decrease in the bactericidal properties of sebum and a decrease in the acidity of the skin surface. The disease is treated easily, but prone to relapse.

exematid is a kind of shape microbial eczema. It is characterized by a rash of various sizes of one-time spots, irregular shape completely covered with either bran-like or small-lamellar scales, with possible dotted crusts among them. Less commonly localized on the scalp.

Problems of the hair shaft itself - damage, breaks along the length, split ends, frayed ends - often depend on both skin problems and external influences (aggressive chemical, thermal, mechanical influences). It should be noted that hair damage can be caused by a fungal infection.

Trichophytosis superficial of the scalp is characterized by pale pink foci round shape with grayish bran-like scales. Hair damaged by fungi breaks off at a distance of 2-3 mm above the skin level and looks like black dots on the skin. This form is more common in children puberty, at hormonal changes the function of the sebaceous glands and changes in the chemical composition of sebum. At microscopic examination hair, elements of the fungus are found in them. May also be seen in adult women chronic form in the form of black-dotted trichophytosis, in which, against the background of slightly flaky skin foci, a hair break is observed at the exit level from the follicle. It is localized more often in the occipital and temporal areas, but can be scattered throughout the head.

Microsporia - occurs when infected from humans or animals. It is expressed in the formation of one or two large or several small foci lesions, regular round shape, pink with small floury scales. All hair above the lesion is broken off at a height of 4-6 mm above the skin level, as if cut short, but white, which is explained by the presence of a cover of fungus spores on each hair, and are easily pulled out with tweezers.

Favus (scab) - mainly affects the scalp in humans. The fungus (achorion) is introduced into the hair follicle and affects both the root and the rod system of the hair. Hair becomes dull, gray, easily pulled out. Massive crust-like layers are formed on the skin, in place of which a persistent scar and baldness can occur.

Fungal lesions hair problems are diagnosed by specialists, but should be taken into account by everyone who works with hair.

Hair damage wearing clean cosmetic defect(without skin damage) is easy to differentiate and requires mostly proper care.

Elimination of the problem of hair and scalp is aimed at eliminating internal changes (treatment fortifying, sedative vitamin therapy) and external manifestations(adequate care, anti-inflammatory therapy, improvement of trophism).

Disease of the scalp and hair

Scalp disease and hair can be associated with household cause rather than infection or heredity. IN modern world the environment has deteriorated so much that the hair can “get sick” from washing with water and low-quality shampoo.

To avoid harmful influence weather, a person can, subject to the recommendations of doctors:

• Do not walk without a hat at low air temperatures. Starting from plus 5 degrees, it is worth covering your hair with a hat.
• Do not expose your hair to direct sunlight. In hot weather above plus 25 degrees, you need to hide your head under a Panama hat or a light handkerchief.
• In our time, rains with high acidity are already becoming the norm. Do not expose your hair to rain. It is necessary to protect them by throwing on a hood or headgear if an umbrella is not at hand.
• scalp problem may occur after a long stay on a polluted city street. Arriving home, you need to take a shower, wash off the soot and dust from the body and hair. For everyday use, there are special shampoos.
• It is important to understand that wrapping hair and overheating is also harmful. A sweaty head becomes covered with sebaceous fat faster.

Scalp products

Hair loss is often due to improper care and rough combing:

• Hair coloring is stressful for the shaft and hair follicle. Chemical ingredients can cause irreparable harm, disrupt the structure of everything hairline. It is necessary to approach the choice of paint very scrupulously. Preference is given to natural dyes with natural protein, like Sim Sensitiv paint.
• Do not do perm more than once every six months.
• Problems with the scalp occur with improper use of hair dryer, straightening with an iron or after curling with curling irons.

One of the common reasons abundant fallout hair becomes beriberi. You can choose a general complex, but it is better to take special vitamins for scalp and hair. In such complexes, the content and concentration of vitamins and minerals are carefully selected, hair loss stops after 2-3 weeks.

Need to choose scalp care products without synthetic surfactants, with additives of medicinal components. IN natural shampoos and balms in the formula include nourishing and firming ingredients.