Scalp Conditions
Scalp conditions can cause itching, flaking, redness, tenderness, oiliness, dryness, inflammation, or changes in hair shedding. At Carmen Du Preez Trichology in Perth, scalp concerns are assessed by looking closely at the scalp, the hair follicles, the pattern of symptoms, and the history behind the change.
Many people try changing shampoos first, which is understandable, but similar-looking scalp symptoms can have different causes. A proper assessment can help narrow down whether the concern may be linked to dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, folliculitis, product irritation, excessive oil, dry scalp, or another inflammatory scalp condition.
If you are concerned about ongoing scalp discomfort, flaking, irritation, or hair shedding linked with scalp changes, you can book a trichology consultation for a detailed scalp and hair assessment.
Dandruff and Flaky Scalp
Dandruff commonly presents as visible flaking on the scalp and through the hair. Some people notice fine white flakes, while others see heavier scaling that returns even after washing.
From a trichology perspective, I would want to look at the type of scale, whether the scalp is oily or dry, whether there is redness or itching, and whether the flaking is limited to the scalp or also appears around the eyebrows, ears, hairline, or face.
Not all flakes are the same. A dry scalp may flake because the skin barrier is irritated or lacking moisture, while dandruff is often linked with increased scale and oil-related scalp imbalance. This is why it is useful to assess the scalp before assuming that moisture, oil, exfoliation, or a medicated shampoo is the right answer.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause greasy or dry-looking scale, itching, redness, and inflammation. It often affects areas with more oil production.
In clinic, I would look for signs such as diffuse scale, oily yellowish flakes, redness, irritation, and whether the symptoms come and go. I would also ask about stress, recent illness, sleep, product use, and whether the condition has been recurring, because several factors can overlap.
If seborrhoeic dermatitis appears more inflamed or persistent, medical input may be needed. Carmen can guide you toward the appropriate next step if a GP or dermatologist should be involved for diagnosis or prescription treatment.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis may cause thicker areas of scaling. The scale can sometimes look silvery, white, grey, or thicker than ordinary dandruff. It may extend beyond the hairline or appear with psoriasis on other areas of the body.
Scalp psoriasis and dandruff can be confused because both may cause flaking and itching. When I assess this, I would look at the edges of the scaling, whether the plaques are well defined or whether there is redness or tenderness.
Folliculitis and Tender Scalp
Folliculitis involves inflammation of the hair follicles. It may appear as small bumps, pustules, tenderness, soreness, itching, or irritation on the scalp. Some people describe the scalp as feeling painful to touch or uncomfortable when brushing or washing.
I would check whether there are pustules, crusting, redness, broken hairs, or areas where the follicles appear inflamed. This matters because infection, irritation, product build-up, friction, and inflammatory scalp conditions can look similar at first.
If there are signs of infection, spreading redness, significant pain, or pustules, medical treatment may be needed. In this situation, the safest next step may be referral to a doctor.
Scalp Eczema and Contact Irritation
Scalp eczema or contact irritation may develop when the scalp reacts to products, fragrance, hair colour, styling products, or other irritants. Symptoms may include itching, burning, redness, dryness, flaking, or sensitivity.
Many people come in because they have tried several products and the scalp still feels uncomfortable. I would want to understand what changed before the symptoms started, including shampoo, conditioner, hair colour, styling products, scalp oils, treatments, or changes in washing routine.
The aim is to identify what may be aggravating the scalp and to support the scalp barrier while avoiding unnecessary irritation.
Pityriasis Amiantacea and Heavy Scaling
Pityriasis amiantacea is a scalp presentation where thick, adherent scale can bind around groups of hairs. It may be associated with other scalp conditions.
If I see heavy scale attached to the hair shafts, I would want to assess carefully rather than simply removing the scale aggressively. Pulling at thick scale can remove hairs and irritate the scalp further. The underlying cause needs to be considered so that the next step is suitable.
Scalp Conditions and Hair Shedding
Scalp inflammation can sometimes contribute to hair shedding or make existing hair concerns feel worse. If the scalp is itchy, inflamed, tender, or covered with scale, the hair environment may not be functioning as well as it should.
This does not mean every scalp condition causes permanent hair loss. However, it is important to look at the scalp as well as the hair, because the scalp can give useful clues about what may be happening.
During a consultation, Carmen may assess the scalp surface, follicle openings, scaling, redness, inflammation, hair density, and any visible pattern of shedding or thinning. Trichoscopy can help look more closely at details that may not be obvious to the naked eye.
When to See a Trichologist for Scalp Conditions
It is worth booking a scalp assessment if you notice:
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ongoing itching, flaking, redness, oiliness, dryness, or tenderness
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thick scale that keeps returning
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scalp irritation that does not settle after changing products
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pustules, crusting, or sore areas
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hair shedding or thinning with scalp symptoms
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patches of scale, inflammation, or hair loss
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uncertainty about whether a product or treatment is suitable
The pattern, timing, scalp health, and history all matter. A proper assessment can help separate what is mild and manageable from what may need medical input.
Book a Scalp Assessment in Perth
At Carmen Du Preez Trichology, consultations focus on understanding the full picture. Carmen will ask about your scalp symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, your hair care routine, health background, stress, medications, diet, and any previous treatments you have tried.
Your scalp and hair may be assessed using trichoscopy where appropriate, so that the scalp surface, follicles, scale, inflammation, and hair density can be examined more closely.
If you are concerned about ongoing scalp discomfort, dandruff, flaking, inflammation, or hair shedding linked with scalp changes, you can contact Carmen Du Preez Trichology to arrange an assessment.
Book an initial trichology consultation to better understand your hair and scalp concern and take the next step with more confidence.