Which area of scalp is affected the most in dandruff?

We all get dandruff in our hair from time to time, which causes discomfort and irritation. The scalp is the area that has been harmed by dandruff. We know from earlier articles that Malassezia, a common fungus, can cause dandruff. Most healthy people have this fungus on their scalps with no problems. It is critical to understand the various layers of the scalp and how they are affected by dandruff.

Let us acquire a clear picture of the distinct layers of your scalp in this blog post to understand and maintain scalp health. Let’s get started!

What Are the Scalp’s Five Layers?

Your scalp is made up of layers of skin and subcutaneous tissue that cover the cranial vault’s bones. The scalp is the soft tissue that serves as a barrier to keep physical damage and infectious pathogens out of the cranial vault. The first three layers of the scalp are securely bound together as a unit. The scalp layers can be memorized using the mnemonic SCALP:

• S – Skin
• C – Connective Tissue
• A – Aponeurosis
• L – Loose connective Tissue
• P – Pericranium or Periosteum

1. The Skin

Hair follicles and sebaceous glands are found in the skin. A gland is a collection of cells that create substances that are required for biological processes. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, or natural oil, which lubricates the scalp.

2. The Connective Tissue

A subcutaneous layer of fat, blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic system comprise dense connective tissue, also known as superficial fascia. This stratum contains hair follicles.

3. Aponeurosis

The epicranial aponeurosis, also known as galea aponeurotica, is a delicate yet tough layer that connects the frontalis and occipitalis muscles.

4. The Loose Areolar Connective Tissue

The mobility of the scalp is dependent on loose Areolar Connective Tissue. It serves as a flexible plane that separates the pericranium from the other three layers. This layer contains plasma cells, mast cells, and adipocytes. When infected, this layer is considered a “risk zone” because it can readily migrate throughout the tissue and pass on to the underlying pericranium. In simple words, if you get dandruff in your hair then this scalp layer gets the most affected. 

5. The Pericranium

The outer layer of the skull bones is known as the periosteum (pericranium). It is a dense and uneven connective tissue that attaches to the skull’s calvarial bone. It receives circulatory feed from the underlying calvarium. It has two layers: the fibrous layer which is outside and the cambium layer which is inside.

How to Maintain a Healthy Scalp?

• Wash your scalp regularly to increase skin cell turnover. Dead skin cells must fall to reveal a new layer of skin cells. Exfoliating shampoos, hair scrubs, and DIY scrubs are all options.
• Massage your scalp to increase blood flow. Blood transports nutrients and oxygen to your scalp, promoting healthy hair growth. Massage your scalp in circular strokes with your fingertips and your favorite oils for 5-10 minutes.
• Keep the moisture in your scalp. The majority of scalp problems are caused by a dry scalp. Make sure to oil your hair, invest in deep conditioning treatments, and avoid hot showers, which drain the sebum from the scalp.
• If you have an oily scalp, use a gentle shampoo once every 1-2 days, and once every 3-4 days if you have a dry scalp. Cleaning the scalp aids in the removal of dirt, excess oil, dead skin cells, and product accumulation.
• Wear a hat or scarf to shield your head from the sun’s rays. The skin on the scalp is easily damaged by the sun. You can also use sunscreen-containing shampoo.
• Heat styling and chemical treatments should be avoided since they can irritate your scalp over time. Choose natural hairstyles whenever possible.
• To improve the health of your scalp, eat a well-balanced diet. Consume vitamins B, A, E, iron, zinc, and protein. Eggs, salmon, almonds, green leafy vegetables, and fresh fruits are all good for your scalp.

Summing Up

In addition to developing hair from follicles, the scalp is a delicate tissue that protects the interior layers of your head. Cleansing, massaging, and oiling the hair regularly ensures that there is an adequate supply of blood to the scalp. A healthy scalp is also a prerequisite for good hair. Protect it, embrace it, and show it off!