Barbers should be aware of various scalp disorders that may affect their clients. Some common scalp disorders include:
1. Dandruff: This is a common condition characterised by the flaking of dead skin cells from the scalp. It can be caused by dry skin, oily scalp, fungal infection, or sensitivity to hair care products.
2. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, including the scalp. It leads to the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, scaly patches. These patches can be itchy, red, and sometimes painful.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis: This is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects areas rich in oil glands, including the scalp. It causes redness, itching, and flaking of the skin. Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with dandruff.
4. Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body.
5. Tinea capitis: Also known as scalp ringworm, tinea capitis is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. It can cause hair loss, redness, itching, and the formation of scaly patches or blisters.
6. Folliculitis: Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, usually caused by bacterial or fungal infections. It can result in red, swollen, and pus-filled bumps on the scalp.
7. Head lice: Although not a disorder, head lice infestation is a common problem, especially among children. It causes intense itching and the presence of tiny insects or their eggs (nits) on the scalp.
Barbers should be knowledgeable about these scalp disorders to identify them early, provide appropriate advice to clients, and refer them to a dermatologist or GP if necessary.
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