London Trichologist & Dermatologist: 4 ways a sunburned scalp can trigger other health issues!

While most of us know the importance of wearing sun creams to protect our skin from UV damage, one area that many people forget about is the scalp.

Skin specialists are warning this week that people with baldness or thinning hair or very fine hair need to take particular care during sunnier weather when the sun is particularly strong as the scalp is one of the most sun-exposed areas of the body.

Two skin care experts warn of four potential health issues that can be triggered by sunburn to the scalp and how to be prevent being at risk.

Dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh says. “Research shows almost 90% of melanoma cases are caused by cellular damage from UV rays from the sun with the scalp being second most common site for melanomas in men.

“It’s not just when sunbathing or by the beach or pool that people need to take precautions. Any outdoor activity such as sport, mowing the lawn or doing outdoor chores, can expose the scalp to direct UV rays.

“I’d primarily advise protecting exposed scalps from direct sun by wearing a hat. Be careful what type of hat you use. While many people opt for loose weave basket hats or mesh-style caps for ventilation, these can let through UV rays through the little gaps in the fabrics. I’d recommend using a cap or had made from lightweight but solid material with ventilation around the sides rather than on the top of the head. A hat with a wide brim that covers the ears and back of the neck is advisable.

“Second best is the application of a high factor physical block SPF cream to the whole scalp, tops of the ears and back of the neck. Zinc oxide mineral SPF physical block creams are highly effective at blocking UV rays and are also the least reactive of all SPF creams. They also have a good ‘stickability’ factor, but I would recommend reapplying an SPF after swimming or after profuse sweating. A Cancer Research UK survey found that  less than 40% of people take their sun cream with them to apply throughout the day.

Try Kalme Day Defence SPF 40 (www.kalme.co.uk) which not only contains a pure zinc mineral SPF but has the added benefit of 24-moisturisation and anti-redness ingredients.”

Consultant London Trichologist Tony Maleedy, says, “Dandruff caused by a very dry skin as a result of sun burn to the scalp often gets mistaken for normal fungal dandruff, but the two conditions are very different and in fact using normal anti-dandruff shampoos on sunburned dry scalp dandruff can often make the flaking and itching worse. The problem is that only a small bit of sunburn can have disastrous effects.

“In addition, during hot weather people are more likely to be coming into contact with chlorine from swimming pools, and chlorine has a very drying effect on scalps so coupled with sunburn you can end up with an acutely dry scalp if you don’t watch out.

“To help prevent dry scalp dandruff it’s essential to protect the scalp with high factor SPF creams and hats. But it’s hard to apply an SPF cream through hair so often the scalp does get exposed to sunburn. So, if you do start to experience a flaky scalp with small white flakes and fairly intense itching  during hotter weather when you’ve been outside you can usually safely assume it’s dry scalp dandruff and not fungal dandruff.

“For this you need to use hair products with ingredient that are specifically for dry scalp dandruff and without chemicals or perfumes in to quickly alleviate the itching and bring down the underlying inflammation as well as repair the damage to the scalp barrier. I conducted a trial at Bath University on a dry scalp shampoo by UK skincare brand Hydrosil Scalp Shield (www.hydrosil.co.uk) with ingredients in it that did all three. The shampoo’s Ph balance is 6, which is very close to the skin’s natural Ph of 5. Many normal shampoos have a pH that is too high for scalps suffering from dryness, itching and acute sensitivity. The results of the trial showed a very high success rate for only for clearing the scalp of flakes caused by dryness but also preventing any underlying erythema (inflammation) and causing a marked reduction in irritation and sensitivity of the scalp.”

Dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh says: “Any constriction or trauma to the hair follicle runs a greater risk of increasing hair loss. Sunburn to the scalp causes two things, underlying inflammation of the scalp which can temporarily constrict blood flow to the hair follicle and then itching and irritation, leading to scratching of the scalp which can cause trauma and damage to the skin around the hair follicles.

“Once damage has been done to the scalp skin, external bacteria and irritants can easily and quickly get into the scalp wounds and cause further inflammation and trauma to the scalp, leading to an increased risk of hair loss.

“It’s therefore crucial with a sunburned scalp to quickly try and bring down inflammation and reduce itching. Irritants from normal shampoos which typically contain perfumes and solvents can also get into micro scalp wounds caused by scratching, triggering skin reactions and inflammation.

“Stick to shampoos without perfumes or solvents or high levels of preservatives in and avoid blow drying hair while the scalp is dry and itching, as this can increase TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss) and make the scalp even drier, itchier and flakier. Use anti-inflammatory and repairing leave-in scalp sprays and moisturising conditioning creams and let hair dry naturally.”

Trichologist Tony Maleedy, says, “While away on holidays people will often not be using their normal hair products and often end up using poor quality hotel shampoos which are packed full of cheap preservatives and perfumes. These chemicals and perfumes can quickly irritate an already sensitive scalp suffering from sunburn and lead to contact dermatitis flares. If possible, it’s best to take your normal shampoo with you.

Excessive sweating can also trigger contact dermatitis as excessive sweat, when left o the skin for a long time, is also an irritant that can lead to contact dermatitis. So, while wearing a hat is crucial for protecting the scalp from sun, in the shade you need to air the scalp to reduce the build up of scalp sweat. It helps to shower off the scalp with just water both after exposing it to chlorine and also if it becomes very sweaty and hot.”