From Hats to Gnats... Protect Your Hair and Scalp this Summer

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From Hats to Gnats... Protect Your Hair and Scalp this Summer

Summer hair and scalp care tips from noted dermatologist; online summer hair/scalp chat set for June 28

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., June 16 -- The hot summer sun might make us forget winter worries for a few months, but, for many of us, it does not cast away flaky scalp problems. Consequently, those glorious days of summer bring new sources of irritation for the scalp that call for special protective measures. Things like the sun, gnats, perspiration and close-fitting hats can not only create scalp problems, but can also exacerbate pre-existing conditions," says Jerome Shupack, M.D., board-certified New York University Medical Center dermatologist and medical advisor to the Scalpicin Stress Free site at www.scalpicin.com.

Sun
Many people do not realize that the sun is a very powerful drying agent, and that they can sustain substantial damage from not protecting their scalps from the scorching rays," observes Dr. Shupack, who was recently named one of the Best Doctors in New York" by New York Magazine. Not only do the suns rays burn the scalp, but they can accelerate aging by damaging the skin of the scalp. To avoid sun-related scalp problems, Dr. Shupack recommends wearing a hat, as well as using hair products that contain sunscreen.

Hats
While hats will keep the scalp safe from sun damage, tight, close-fitting ones do more harm than good. Close-fitting hats do not allow the scalp to breathe, so the scalp becomes very hot," says Dr. Shupack. Perspiration builds up, making the scalp feel itchy and tight, causing or exacerbating scalp irritation."
Dr. Shupack advocates loose-fitting hats made from breathable fabrics to shield the hair and scalp from the sun. Avoid hats made with mesh-like materials, since the suns rays can penetrate through the small openings.

Gnats
Along with the bright summer sun, the gnats are out in full force to add to scalp irritation. Gnats usually hover around the head and face, which puts them within striking distance of the scalp. The scalp becomes inflamed and itchy from the gnat bites," says Dr. Shupack. To combat gnats, experts advise people to don a hat or use insect repellent sparingly on clothes and hats.

Chlorine
When the temperature rises, pools and beaches are especially inviting -- and very hard on the scalp and hair. The chlorine in pool water and the salt in the ocean can be extremely drying. After swimming, immediately rinse chlorine or salt from hair. The longer the chlorine and salt are in contact with the scalp, the more it dries it out," says Dr. Shupack. He recommends wearing a bathing cap while swimming, and conditioning hair more often.

Existing Scalp Problems
Dr. Shupack cautions people who are prone to outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis or other scalp ailments to be especially careful in the summer months. In addition to scalp protection, applying Scalpicin® Anti-Itch Liquid Scalp Treatment daily during outbreaks of seborrheic dermatitis will help provide immediate itch relief," adds Dr. Shupack.

Ask the Experts/Free Information
For more information on summer hair care, visit www.scalpicin.com, where you can ask the experts your scalp and hair questions. Site visitors can also register for periodic skin/scalp tips e-mailed to their mailboxes and free brochures, as well as an online summer hair care chat, featuring Dr. Jerome Shupack, dermatologist, and Kathleen Flynn Hui, head colorist at Salon AKS in New York City, on June 28, from 8 -- 9 p.m. (ET). The chat guests will field questions about protecting your strands and scalp from the salt, sun and other irritants of the season.    

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