Dandruff

How to treat the yellow rash on your baby’s scalp

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Are there flaky or scaly patches on your baby’s head? While dandruff may be somewhat rare in babies, cradle cap isn’t. There may be yellowish or brown scales forming on your baby’s head. Your baby may also have oily and thick crusty patches on the scalp.

Cradle cap is a common baby rash that starts at around 3 weeks of age, and affects up to 70% of infants. Bedsides the scalp, it can sometimes also be found behind the baby’s ears, eyebrows, forehead, and even on the upper torso. The good news is that it isn’t harmful to the baby, or a sign of bad hygiene, nor is it contagious.

What causes cradle cap? 

When the scalp makes too much oil, it traps the skin flakes and prevents them from naturally shedding, leading to those yellowy scales.

The cause of cradle cap in babies is unknown, but dermatologists believe the mother’s hormones are likely to play a role. This is because hormones can be passed to a baby through the placenta before birth or through breast milk when the baby feeds.

Another possibility is that oil glands are more active in babies because their own hormone levels are high during the first year of life.

The presence of a type of yeast called Malassezia, which is normally found on the skin, is produced by oil glands, and this may also be a factor.

Most mild to moderate cases of cradle cap aren’t itchy or painful. Severe cases can be. In most severe cases, your baby could lose some of their hair with cradle cap. But even in those rare instances, any hair that your baby loses will grow back after the rash has cleared.

Treat the oily skin

Shampoo regularly 

Shampooing your baby’s scalp daily can help treat and prevent cradle cap. Use a gentle baby shampoo without fragrances to help prevent skin sensitivities.

Apply oil 

Baby, coconut or mineral oil can help soften the scales on your baby’s skin. Apply a very small amount; just a few drops and massage it directly into the scales.

Brush your baby’s scalp 

To help remove scale build-up, gently brush or massage your baby’s scalp with a baby brush or comb. Avoid scratching or picking at the scales as it can worsen the condition.

If all else fails, see a doctor 

Cradle cap is often mistaken for another dry skin condition, eczema. While eczema can be itchy and irritating, parents may be unaware that their baby has cradle cap. If your baby’s skin becomes red and inflamed or if your child has a fever, you’ll have to take your little one to a doctor. Cradle cap shouldn’t bleed easily or be extremely itchy, and your baby shouldn’t be unwell from the condition either.

If symptoms persist and there seems to be no improvement with treatment, see a doctor.

References:

Why are my eyes puffy?

July 16th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

No-one enjoys waking up with puffy eyes. Now, imagine puffy, sore, inflamed, sticky eyelids. Yikes.

Blepharitis is a condition where there’s inflammation around the base of your eyelashes. It can produce clumping and stickiness around the eyelashes, along with swollen eyelids. This condition usually starts when the tiny glands found near the bottom of the eyelid becomes clogged. This leaves you with irritated and red eyes.

Signs:

Watery, red eyes.
A burning or stinging feeling in the eyes.
Eyelids that appear oily.
Red, itchy, swollen eyelids.
Flaking of the skin around the eyes.
Crusted eyelashes.
Eyelid sticking together.
More frequent blinking.
Sensitivity to light.

There are two types of blepharitis, anterior blepharitis and posterior blepharitis. Anterior blepharitis happens on the outside front edge of the eyelid where your lashes attach to one another. Posterior blepharitis is in the inner edge of the eyelid that touches the eyeball.

What causes blepharitis?

Anterior blepharitis is usually caused by bacteria or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows. The bacteria can be found on the face and eyelids and if it becomes excessive, an infection may occur. Although it’s uncommon, mite infestation of the eyelids or allergies may also cause anterior blepharitis. Posterior blepharitis happens when the glands of the eyelids make too much oil. This causes an environment that encourages bacterial growth. It can also develop from other skin conditions like rosacea and scalp dandruff.

Treating blepharitis

Blepharitis is a chronic condition and is difficult to treat, but it doesn’t usually cause permanent damage to your eyesight. It can’t be cured, but you can ease the symptoms with good eyelid hygiene. In the case of a bacterial infection, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Talk to your doctor before doing your own home treatment.

Loosen the crusts with a warm compress. Wash your hands thoroughly, then mix warm water with a small amount of baby shampoo or scrub solution. Using a clean cloth, gently scrub your eyelids with the solution by rubbing back and forth across your closed lids. Use a different cloth for each eye. Rinse with clean water.
Use antidandruff shampoo on your scalp.
Limit or stop using eye make-up during treatment as it makes keeping the eye area clean more difficult.
Massage your eyelids to clean out the excess oil if the eyelid glands are blocked.
Don’t use contact lenses during treatment.

Good to know

Soaking your eyelids may help. Start by washing your hands thoroughly, then moisten a cloth with warm water. Close your eyes and place a washcloth on your eyelids for about five minutes. Repeat several times a day.
Omega-3 fatty acids help your eyes. You can find these substances in oily fish like mackerel, sardines, salmon and tuna. Omega-3 supplements may be helpful, too.
Do your best to not touch or rub your eyes. The last thing you want is to cause a second infection! If you suspect that you have blepharitis, talk to your doctor immediately. He may recommend over-the-counter medication, eyedrops, or prescription medication.

References:

Treat your dry and scaly skin

April 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Does your skin feel dry and scaly? Are you ashy all over even after you’ve rubbed on body lotion?

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition, leading to itchiness, scaliness and cracked parts on your body. This can happen for many reasons. Dry skin can start on any part of the body too. Even if your skin tends to be oily, you can develop dry skin from time to time.

Why is your skin scaly?

The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and natural oils, which help it hold on to water. If this layer gets damaged and moisture escapes, or if your skin struggles to renew itself, it will become flaky and scaly. Exposure to sunlight, the natural process of ageing, harsh chemicals and certain diseases could also be to blame.

Your skin usually sheds about 40 000 skin cells every day and replaces them with new ones. You don’t feel the skin cells growing and shouldn’t see any falling or flaking either.

Different types of dry skin

Dry skin

loss of moisture.
tight
rough

Very dry skin

If the dryness isn’t treated, and your skin loses more moisture, it will become:

Very tight.

itchy
chapped
scaly

Rough and cracked skin

Your hands, feet, elbows and knees are likely to experience:

Extreme tightness.
Extreme roughness.
Skin cracks.
Intense itching.

Common dry skin conditions

Eczema

This condition is also known as the “itch that rashes”. When you have eczema, your body is saying that it’s working too hard. Eczema is linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritation. This is thanks to smoke and pollen, or foods that cause an allergy, like nuts and dairy products. You will notice rashes, dryness, flakiness, bumps, peeling, and redness.

Psoriasis

This condition is when your skin cells build up and form scales and itchy-dry patches. You then end up with dryness, flakiness, peeling, small bumps, thickness, redness and rashes.

This is white, oily flakes of dead skin in your hair and sometimes an itchy scalp.

Ditch the itch

Limit your time in the shower or bath to five or 10 minutes.
Use warm rather than hot water.
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using a lot of product to prevent stripping away the natural oils of the skin.
Pat your skin dry with a towel.
Use a moisturiser immediately after drying your skin.

Treat your skin

Stay away from deodorant, soaps and products that contain alcohol and fragrance to help your skin hold its natural moisture. Some skincare products will be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin.

Dry skin responds well to ointments and creams rather than lotion. They are more effective and less irritating on the skin. Look for oil-infused creams or ointments with olive oil, jojoba oil or shea butter. These will help soothe your skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture.

Good to know

Your hands are often the first place to show signs of dry skin. Wear gloves when you wash dishes, work outdoors and whenever you handle harmful substances.

When your skin is dry and raw, even clothes and soaps can irritate the skin.

Wash your clothes, sheets and pillowcases regularly to get rid of skin-irritating substances.
Use a fragrance-free washing powder.
Go for clothes made of 100% cotton material to help your skin breathe.
Stay warm and avoid the fireplace and heaters. Sitting in front of an open flame or heat can dry your skin.

When to see a dermatologist

Very dry skin needs special attention. You doctor may advise an ointment or cream. Dry skin can also be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and advise on what can help to reduce your discomfort. If you’re uncertain, why not chat to one of our doctors? They’re here to help!

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/scaly-skin#1
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/dry-skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
https://www.eucerin.co.za/skin-concerns/dry-skin/general-dry-skin

Your most common hair issues, sorted!

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Long or short, the road to healthy hair is paved with a good diet, quality products, and tricks and tips from your stylist. Left to its own devices, we know hair problems can ruin your whole day!

We have a few simple ways you can sort out those common hair issues.

1. Lack of volume

Your hair may be tired, fine and damaged. The lack of texture may weigh it down and make it greasy.

Solution: Dry your hair in an upside-down motion (with the hairdryer) to create instant volume. Use a back brush method (teasing) to whip up some soft volume. Hot rollers are great for flat hair too.

2. Dry hair

Essential oils are the answer to your problem. Your hair could be lacking moisture thanks to blow-drying once too often, and strong shampoos that have left it dry and brittle. Nutritional deficiencies also play a role, so bulk up on foods that are rich in Vitamins A, E and B7.

Solutions:

Rosemary oil stimulates the scalp, increases circulation and improves hair growth.
Moroccan Argan oil provides antioxidants, nourishes and moisturises hair.
Lavender oil helps control dandruff, keeps your hair shiny, increases hair growth and deep-conditions your mane.
Jojoba oil is packed with Vitamin E, Omega-3 and fatty acids, making it ideal to nourish the hair and scalp.
Coconut oil has been used for years in many cultures, thanks to its benefits in boosting growth. It’s said to make hair follicles healthy, and keep your hair soft and shiny.
Chamomile oil soothes the scalp, adds shine and softens hair.

3. Dandruff

These white flakes are caused by a fungus which feeds on oil of the hair follicle. The build-up of dead skin causes redness and itchiness in the scalp and flakes appear on the surface of the hair and scalp.

Solution: Look for anti-dandruff shampoos that have active antifungal ingredients. Minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, and zinc can help keep your scalp healthy. Add healthy oils to your diet to prevent dry hair and a dry scalp.

4. Hair loss on the edges of your hairline

Excessive hair loss can leave you with bald patches. This type of hair loss happens over time, but it’s controllable. It comes from certain hairstyles that put a strain on the outer corners of your hairline (edges). Tight hairstyles could thin out your hair or pull out the hair roots completely.

Solution: Give tight ponytails and plaits a miss. Try Black Jamaican oil, castor oil and coconut oil, which are known for stimulating hair growth.

5. Oily/greasy hair

Excessive sebum (natural oil) production is the culprit of oily hair. Glands in your hair roots secrete oil that lubricates the skin and hair. You will always produce sebum; the trick is to keep it under control.

Solution: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help minimise oil from the roots. Add a few drops to your shampoo and lather up. Dry shampoo can also help absorb excess oil. Wash your hair more frequently to remove oils as they build up. When it comes to conditioning, apply the product only to the ends of your hair. Try not to touch your hair frequently as your fingertips produce oil that you’re easily transferring to your hair.

References:

How to get rid of dandruff

September 28th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Uh oh… it’s those telltale white and grey flakes, making it look like your head is snowing! Dandruff can be embarrassing, and no matter how many times you wash your hair, the problem keeps coming back.

There is good news, though: dandruff is perfectly treatable.

Dandruff, decoded

You are not alone! Half of the people in the world are affected by dandruff. It’s a chronic scalp condition that causes the flakes of the skin to appear on the surface of the scalp and hair; sometimes ending up in your ears too. The noticeable flakes may vary in colour from white, yellow to grey. This condition may start from the ages of 10-20, and can still be present as you get older.

What are the causes for the flakes?

Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on oil of the hair follicle. The fungus is normally found in the natural skin flora. The dandruff happens when the protective barrier of the skin weakens, resulting in overgrowth of fungus and excessive shedding of dead skin on the scalp.

Dandruff can also be caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis (oily skin); a form of eczema linked to an overgrowth of yeast, which can be triggered by stress, the weather, or genetics.

Other culprits of flakes are hair dyes, or not shampooing properly. It’s easy to confuse dandruff with a dry scalp, psoriasis and product residue, since the symptoms are the same:

Itchiness
Dry scalp
Redness on the scalp

How can it be treated?

Treatment to stop dandruff will aim to slow the reproduction of skin cells that cause dandruff and neutralise the fungus too. Dandruff doesn’t go away on its own; an anti-dandruff shampoo will help. An antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth) called Zinc Pyrithione, is an active ingredient in most anti-dandruff shampoos and is effective in getting rid of flakes.

Look for these anti-dandruff ingredients in products:

Climbazole
Coal tar
Ketoconazole
Piroctone olamine
Pyrithione zinc
Salicylic acid
Selenium sulphide or sulfur.

These compounds have antifungal agents that are effective in treating skin conditions.

Just because you’re susceptible to dandruff doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it. Certain minerals and vitamins can keep the skin and scalp healthy and help with factors that contribute to it.

Vitamin A: Supports and maintains the function of skin cells. Get your fill from dark leafy greens, tropical fruits, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Good oils: Lack of oil in your diet means dry hair. Add olive, peanut, safflower, or sunflower oil when preparing food.

Vitamin C: Foods that are packed with Vitamin C can help prevent conditions that can be triggered by weakened immunity (dandruff). Get your dose from citrus fruits, strawberries and leafy greens.

Zinc: This mineral is necessary for new cell growth and development; which is essential in the maintenance of healthy skin, nails and scalp. Foods high in zinc include chicken, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, beef, dark chocolate and garlic.

Vitamin B: The vitamin is responsible for growth and creation of new cells. Eggs, salmon, beef liver, whole grains, avocado, legumes and nuts are helpful.

References

5 natural ingredients for healthy hair

September 26th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Are you struggling to find the right product for your hair, or simply looking for a cheaper option? We’ve scoped out some natural remedies that make good alternatives to expensive products. Bonus: they can also help heal pesky hair problems.

Remember: As with any other natural oil, it’s important to do a patch test first: rub it on a small part of your skin, such as your arm or hand, and give it a few hours to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

1. The problem: hair breakage and split ends.

The solution: coconut oil.

Coconut oil is the only oil in hair products that can minimise protein loss, says a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. This means it’s effective in preventing hair breakage, which is great news if you’re regularly shedding hair. This fragrant substance has been used since ancient times in India for hair grooming, thanks to its moisturising properties.

How does it do this? The molecules in the oil get into the hair shaft, and repairs damaged, dry hair. They then seal the outside part of each hair, (the cuticle), that keeps it from breaking. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, capric acid and Vitamin E to increase and retain hair strength.

How to use it

Rinse your hair before shampooing and apply a tablespoon of coconut oil from the ends of the hair up to the scalp. If you have an oily scalp, only use coconut oil from the middle down toward the ends, as it can be too heavy for people with oily scalps. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for at least 10 minutes, or preferably overnight. Shampoo and condition as normal.

2. The problem: slow-growing hair.

The solution: castor oil.

Although there’s no clinical evidence claiming that castor oil is a remedy for alopecia (hair loss), the oil has been used for centuries. Castor oil can kill viruses and bacteria, making it a popular treatment for dry scalp and scalp fungus, which are indirectly linked to slower hair growth. Castor oil also contains Omega-6 and 9 beneficial fatty acid, which condition your scalp.

The reason why castor oil could possible help stimulate hair growth, is because it contains ricinoleic acid which increases circulation to the scalp. The increase in circulation is what could help with hair growth.

How to use it

Apply castor oil to damp hair and the scalp and let it soak in for a few hours, preferably overnight if possible. Wash the oil out of the hair with your normal shampoo and condition afterwards. If you find the smell a bit strong, add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to mask the smell.

3. The problem: dull hair colour

The solution: a tea rinse

Tea’s not just for drinking; it’s great for your hair too. Say thanks to its medicinal, rejuvenating properties. Rinsing your hair with tea can make it shinier, and add a new lease of life to colour-treated hair. Tea contains antioxidants which can help fight sun damage that dries out the hair. Use chamomile tea for blonde hair, Rooibos for red hair, and black tea for brunette or black hair.

How to use it

Use the tea as your final rinse after a wash. Simply brew a pot of your preferred tea, let it cool and rinse your hair after shampooing and conditioning. Do not rinse again.

4. The problem: chemically damaged hair

The solution: Argan oil

Argan oil comes from the unroasted kernels of the Argania Spinosa fruit, and has become the latest star of hair and skincare products. There’s good reason for the popularity, though, as its therapeutic benefits have been claimed by Moroccans for more than eight centuries. In a study done on chemically treated and coloured hair, it’s been shown that Argan oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, which reduce breakage and upward bending of the hair cuticle, leading to a damaged, dull appearance. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology also mentions that Argan oil’s high content of monounsaturated fatty acids can benefit the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

How to use it

Use pure oil as a leave-in treatment after your wash. Rub a few drops of oil between your palms and massage through towel-dried or damp hair before styling.

5. The problem: dandruff

The solution: tea tree oil

Dandruff can have several causes, like dry scalp or a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or a yeast fungus called Malassezia. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is said to be an effective solution to dandruff. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that only five percent of tea tree oil in shampoo can significantly provide relief for dandruff. If you do consider using tea tree oil, be careful of inhaling or swallowing it as the concentrated form can cause irritation or digestive problems.

How to use it

Simply add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo before applying to your hair. If you suspect that your current shampoo might cause scalp irritation, switch to a shampoo with a gentler formula first.

References

How to identify and treat a lice infestation

February 23rd, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

What are head lice?

Head lice are wingless, parasitic insects that live and feed on blood from the human scalp. They are white to grey-brown and about the size of a sesame seed. These tiny insects infest in human hair, and sometimes in the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Head-to-head contact spreads head lice. These little critters climb from the hair of an infected person to the hair of another. An infestation of head lice most often affects children. However, it is possible for people of any age to become infested with these pesky creatures.

Why is it a common occurrence in children?
Children have frequent head-to-head contact with other children, usually from interacting at sports activities, games, sleepovers and camping. The playground and childcare centres also provide prime breeding and sharing ground for lice. Children also tend to be lax with their personal space. They are more likely to share personal items (clothing and hairbrushes), which make it easy for head lice to travel.

Signs and symptoms

Itching of the scalp, neck and ears.
A ticklish feeling or crawling sensation on the scalp or neck.
Red, irritated skin on the scalp and neck as a result of excessive scratching.
Lice or lice eggs on the scalp or shafts of hair.

Ditch the itch

Comb the hair section-by-section with a special comb (you can buy one at the pharmacy) to remove lice and nits.
Use olive oil to loosen and suffocate lice and nits. Apply before bedtime for the best results.
A hair dryer is effective to get rid of nits due to the heat, but not for live lice.
Check at the pharmacy for over-the-counter medication that may help.
Once the lice and its eggs have been cleared, and treatment is complete, thoroughly clean all bedding, furniture, carpets and clothing.
Hairbrushes and other hair accessories should also be cleaned properly.

What else could it be?
Lice spread easily but your itchy scalp could be caused by other reasons.

Dandruff
Your body reacts in different ways to the overgrowth of yeast, and sometimes these responses cause itching and flaking on your scalp.
Allergic reactions
Hair dyes (allergies to chemicals), eczema and atopic dermatitis are other less common causes of itchy scalp.
Psoriasis
This is a chronic disease that causes reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. You can’t get psoriasis from other people. It is not clear what causes psoriasis but talk to your dermatologist about medication and shampoos that might help.

Good to know

Don’t share head-touching items like brushes, combs, scarfs and coats.
Regularly check household objects like towels, bedding and mats for lice or nits.
If you have children explain about lice and how to prevent them.
Minimise head-to-head contact.

References

Oh no, I have dandruff!

August 25th, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Too scared to wear anything dark because you battle with dandruff? It’s painless and it won’t kill you, but dandruff is an embarrassing bother.

What Is Dandruff?

Those annoying skin flakes are caused by a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. It’s an inflammatory skin disorder that affects the scalp, causing white or yellow dandruff flakes to rub off a person’s head easily.

If you have dandruff, you might find that your scalp feels crusty or raw in the areas where seborrhea is getting worse, and it can also cause your scalp to itch. This condition may cause hair loss if it isn’t treated, but only in very rare cases, and any lost hair should start to grow back once the condition is treated. For some people, seborrheic dermatitis may spread to different areas of the body, such as the inside of the ear, the armpits, and even the belly button.

Note: You can’t catch dandruff from another person.

Who Gets Dandruff?

Current theories for the cause of dandruff are:

a weakened immune system
issues with the nervous system.
a lack of specific nutrients

Dandruff can start as you go through puberty, and lots of teens and adults live with it. People with eczema may find that their dandruff gets worse when they have an eczema flare-up, and it can also get worse during cold weather.

How Do I Treat Dandruff?

While more severe dandruff may need a prescription shampoo, steroid creams, or antifungal creams prescribed by your doctor, most of the time dandruff can be simply controlled with over-the-counter dandruff shampoo. Speak to your pharmacist about the different anti-dandruff shampoos available.

You may need to use a dandruff shampoo every day in the beginning, but once it improves, you can use the shampoo less often.

Note: If one type of dandruff shampoo irritates or bothers your scalp, try a different one. You can use your usual conditioner after your dandruff shampoo.

Living With Dandruff

Dandruff can’t be cured, but it can be kept under control. Don’t just put up with the flakes: speak to your pharmacist or doctor and wash dandruff out of your life.

Sources: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/Pages/Introduction.aspx