Winter Scalp Woes: Expert Explains The Causes And How To Find The Right Treatment

Are you someone who repeatedly complains about dry scalp during the cold season? While winter is often celebrated for cozy nights and warm beverages, however, the cold wind that it carries may lead to dryness and scalp irritation. As many people think they should only moisturise their skin in winter, the scalp, which is the skin on our heads, is still the most neglected one, and, therefore, it is the one that gets dry and irritated as well.
We spoke to Dr Vidushi Jain, Dermatologist and Medical Head, Dermalinks, Delhi and Noida, who explained the causes of winter scalp conditions and how to treat them.

Why the Scalp Suffers in Winter

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"Not just the cold weather outside, but the room heater inside the house also takes the moisture that the scalp needs. The scalp surface becomes dehydrated due to low humidity; therefore, its protective barrier becomes weaker and more susceptible to irritation," said Dr Jain. Individuals who frequently wash their hair with hot water are removing the natural oil from their scalp twice, and hence their hair gets dry, and their skin becomes inflamed.

Additionally, wearing caps and mufflers for long hours may cause the area to sweat and produce sebum, thus leading to blocked follicles or fungus. The symptoms of this disorder include dryness and dandruff-like flakes that are often mistaken for each other.

Common Causes Include:

  • Low humidity and cold air dry out the scalp.
  • Taking a hot shower removes the natural oils from the body.
  • The excessive use of shampoo and styling products that contain chemicals.
  • Scalp issues, for example, seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, which become more severe in winter

How to Treat and Prevent Winter Scalp Irritation

Here are some expert-recommended tips to swear by this winter season:

1. Use a gentle, moisturising shampoo

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Try a shampoo either without sulphates or that is meant for moisturising and has such ingredients as aloe vera, coconut oil, or glycerine added. Besides, do not excessively use the shampoo, because the shampoo can dry the scalp even more.

2. Oil rubbing before hair washing

Soothing an irritated scalp, feeding the scalp, and increasing blood circulation can be achieved by a warm and gentle massage with the fingers or the palm of the hand of coconut, almond, or argan oil. Rinse after 30-60 minutes.

3. Do not use hot water

Water that is warm is the most suitable for hair washing. Though hot water can give a person a feeling of comfort, at the same time, it is the one that is able to remove the most essential lipids from the scalp.

4. Condition and protect

Make your hair, which is minus the moisture, complete with the help of a conditioner or a leave-in serum. Along with that, you can have tremendous effects from deep conditioning once a week as well.

5. Keep a balanced diet

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Along with drinking enough water to keep your scalp nourished from the inside, do not forget to consume foods, such as nuts, seeds, and fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (for example, walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon) and vitamins A and E.

6. See a dermatologist if the symptoms don't go away

Is the situation of itching, scaling, or red patches that last for a long time, and that you are always annoyed by? Then maybe it is a scalp condition that requires a doctor's intervention. The treatment may include the use of medicated shampoos such as ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or mild corticosteroids that are given by your dermatologist.

Bottomline

Dr Jain concluded, "Not only is the scalp the foundation of healthy hair, but also good hygiene habits for the scalp during the cold season can help the hair become stronger and less prone to the seasonal problems, as well as giving it a nice shiny look all the time. Being gentle with your scalp, choosing the proper products, and seeking professional advice can be of great help for you in resolving those winter scalp ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌problems."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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