The skin's normal bacterial flora prevents colonization by pathogenic organisms. A break in epidermal integrity by trauma, leg ulcers, fungal infections (e.g. athlete's foot) or abnormal scaling of the skin (e.g. in eczema) can allow infection. If reinfection occurs, this may be due to asymptomatic nasal carriage of bacteria or the presence of other infected close contacts.
There are many over-the-counter preparations available to treat scalp conditions. Coconut oil will help to remove dandruff and improve the condition of the scalp. Rosemary, cedar wood or tea tree oil can be massaged into the scalp or used in the final rinse when washing your hair to treat fungal infections and flaking.
