Hodebunnen

Hodebunnen, or the scalp, is the area of skin and associated tissues that covers the upper part of the skull. In Norwegian usage, the term refers to the skin from the hairline at the forehead to the occipital region at the back of the head, and laterally to the temples where hair grows. The scalp contains hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, nerves and blood vessels, and it serves as the base for hair growth.

Anatomy and structure: The scalp consists of five layered tissues: skin, dense connective tissue, the epicranial aponeurosis, loose areolar tissue, and the pericranium. It is rich in blood supply and innervation, with hair follicles embedded in the skin and associated sebaceous glands and sweat glands.

Function and role: The scalp protects the skull, provides anchorage for hair, and hosts sensory nerves that alert to touch and temperature. Its vascular richness supports hair growth and contributes to thermoregulation.

Common conditions: The scalp is affected by a range of conditions, including dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal infections such as tinea capitis, contact dermatitis, and infestations like head lice. Hair loss disorders such as certain forms of alopecia can also involve the scalp. Symptoms often include itching, redness, flaking or scaling, and changed hair density in affected areas.

Diagnosis and treatment: Diagnosis is typically clinical, though skin scrapings or fungal cultures may be used to identify infections. Treatments depend on the condition and may include regular gentle cleansing, medicated shampoos (for example containing zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or coal tar), topical anti-inflammatory agents, antifungals, or prescription therapies. In persistent or severe cases, specialist evaluation is recommended.