Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 3 hrs ago
Dermatologist lists five signs that may point to scalp problems
A dermatologist has outlined five signs that may mean your scalp needs attention.
They include tightness or stinging after washing, recurring flakes, roots that become oily soon after washing, a coated feeling around the roots, and changes in hair shedding.
The scalp has its own protective barrier, oil production and microbial environment, which help keep it balanced.
When that balance is disrupted, the scalp may become sensitive or flaky, and hair shedding or new hair growth may change.
A clean-looking head of hair does not necessarily mean the scalp is healthy.
The dermatologist says haircare routines should include attention to the scalp, not only the hair.
The advice is informational and is not a substitute for professional medical care.
Dermatologist Dr Ashwini Kandikatla listed five signs that may indicate scalp problems.
The signs are tightness or stinging after washing, recurring flakes, oiliness soon after washing, a coated feeling around the roots and changes in hair shedding.
Kandikatla said scalp health can affect hair growth and quality.
He said changes in the scalp’s barrier, oil production and microbial environment may be linked to sensitivity, flaking or changes in shedding.
- Who
- Dr Ashwini Kandikatla, a dermatologist at Dermis Oracle.
- What
- He listed five signs that may point to scalp problems.
- When
- The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- The scalp’s condition can affect the environment in which hair grows and may influence hair growth and quality.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The hair gets the shampoo, conditioner, serum, and oil, while the scalp is often given attention only when something starts to feel wrong.
When the balance is disturbed, it can affect barrier function, sebum regulation, and the scalp’s inflammatory environment, with signs that may include persistent sensitivity, recurring flaking, or changes around the follicular openings.
Treating the scalp as living skin, rather than simply the surface beneath the hair, is central to building a routine that supports the environment in which healthy-looking hair grows.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Dermatologist
- Dr Ashwini Kandikatla
- Outlet
- Hindustan Times
- Publication date
- 12 October 2026
- Signs listed
- Five
- Possible symptoms
- Tightness or stinging after washing; recurring flaking; oiliness soon after washing; coated roots; changes in hair shedding
Sources
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