Scalp pruritus, known as itchy scalp, is a common condition. Dandruff and an inflammatory skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis are the most common causes of itchy scalp. An itchy scalp that affects the back of your head and leaves you with thick scales of skin can be annoying. Itchy Scalp flakes can be noticeable and may cause embarrassment if they fall on to a person’s shoulders.
Common causes Of itchy scalp
Seborrheic dermatitis (Dandruff): Dandruff is a skin condition that mainly affects the scalp. Symptoms include flaking and sometimes mild itchiness. It can result in social or self-esteem problems. A more severe form of the condition, which includes inflammation of the skin, is known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can be the result of stress, seasonal changes, fluctuating hormones, or an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. Dandruff can be caused by scalp that’s too dry, oily hair, and a variety of skin conditions.
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, dry, itchy, and scaly. On people with darker skin the patches may be purple in colour. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage.
Tinea capitis (Ringworm): Tinea capitis is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, with a propensity for attacking hair shafts and follicles. The disease is considered to be a form of superficial mycosis or dermatophytosis. It usually appears as itchy, scaly, bald patches on the head. Ringworm of the scalp, a highly contagious infection, is most common in toddlers and school-age children. Also See: How To Spot Fake Andrea Hair Growth Essence
Head lice: The head louse is an obligate ectoparasite of humans that causes head lice infestation. Head lice are wingless insects spending their entire lives on the human scalp and feeding exclusively on human blood. Itching on the scalp, neck and ears is the most common symptom. This is an allergic reaction to louse saliva. When a person has an infestation for the first time, itching may not occur for two to six weeks after infestation. To get rid of the scalp itch caused by lice, you need to get rid of the lice. A number of essential oils have been shown to be effective along with combing in eliminating head lice. You can use over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for lice, keep an eye out for these ingredients:
Pyrethrins: This is a natural extract from chrysanthemums. It’s safe for children age 2 years and older. But this ingredient only kills live lice, not nits. You’ll need a second treatment after nine to 10 days if existing eggs have hatched.
Permethrin lotion, 1 percent (Nix): This is a synthetic treatment similar to natural pyrethrins. It kills both live lice and nits. Permethrin also leaves a residue on the hair that is designed to kill any newly hatched lice arising from eggs not killed in the initial application.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to hair products can irritate the scalp and hair follicles, resulting in itching. In most cases, the reactions are mild, and any scalp irritation or inflammation is temporary. However, if the irritation persists, it can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. Leaving some shampoo on your scalp can irritate it. If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair, often the culprit is an ingredient in the dye called para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in black hair dyes. SEE How to Regrow Hair on Bald Head
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General Tips On How To Soothe Itchy Scalp
- Use a Gentle Shampoo
Shampooing too often can have other repercussions as well. If you have an itchy sensitive scalp, shampooing too much can make this irritation worse because it strips the scalp of its natural oils and gives the scalp a dry, tight, and uncomfortable feeling. To prevent stripping the scalp of lucrative moisture and leaving it further parched, swap aggressive shampoos for gentler and more hydrating alternatives.
- Wash and condition your hair with warm water
Wash and condition your hair with warm water, rather than scalding hot. Even if you love that feeling of hot water on your head, it’s not worth burning or damaging your scalp, or drying up your hair. Always finish with a cold water rinse to keep your hair shiny, strong, and ready to grow. Hot water can also damage the scalp and negatively impact on future hair growth.
- Keep your scalp moisturized
Keep your scalp moisturized by deep conditioning regularly. Avocado Deep Conditioners or other deep moisturizers provide a deep moisturizing treatment for your hair and scalp. If your hair is particularly dry and itchy though, use twice weekly instead to further boost its rehydrating benefits.
- Exfoliate Often
Exfoliation involves the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin’s outermost surface. Exfoliation is involved in all facials, during microderm abrasion or chemical peels. Exfoliation can be achieved by mechanical or chemical means. But always opt for a less abrasive approach and choose a milder alternative. “You should exfoliate your scalp once to twice a week with gentle exfoliants, as well as moisturizing aloe vera and protective emollients.
- Avoid Scratching
Constant scratching can lead to wounds and scabs, further damaging your scalp. The scalp can also become dry as the outer layer of skin becomes weak and lacks moisture. Scratching leaves your hair weak and your scalp vulnerable. Apply a soothing scalp toner or balm like Aboniki that contains ingredients such as camphor (cooling and calming) and benzalkonium chloride (an anti-itch agent) See: Irish Moss Benefits For Hair
