7 Causes Of An Itchy Scalp & How To Deal With It - MensXP.com
Most men look great in black. But if you are one of those unfortunate ones that struggle with an itchy scalp, you might avoid wearing dark colours. An itchy scalp often results in dry skin flakes over the shoulders, which is not a pleasant sight.
An itchy scalp, also known as 'scalp pruritus' medically, is sometimes accompanied by flaking skin. Sometimes the conditions can get severe and require appropriate medication and treatment.
Let us see what causes an itchy scalp and understand how to use the proper treatment methods to get rid of it.
Table of Contents
Reasons for itchy scalp
The first step to healthy hair is maintaining it well. An itchy scalp is a sign that your hair is not healthy. There are several reasons for an itchy scalp.
© iStock
Dandruff, which refers to small bits of skin shed from the scalp, is the most common cause of an itchy scalp. There are several treatment options for dandruff ranging from shampoos for itchy scalp to topical medication.
People with oily skin are often more prone to dandruff. A particular kind of yeast breaks down the oil in the scalp, and the skin keeps producing new skin cells at a high rate, resulting in dandruff. Usually, it takes about a month for new skin cells to be produced. However, for those with dandruff, the whole process happens in a week. Other causes include seasonal changes and hormonal fluctuations or stress.
- Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition that occurs when the body comes in contact with an irritant. When it occurs on the scalp, it could be because of a new shampoo or hair product resulting in an itchy, dry, and flaky scalp. It can also be accompanied by rash and redness over the scalp and, in rare cases, blisters or hives.
- Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis or eczema produces a red rash over the scalp, itching, dry skin, and inflammation. It is usually not contagious and occurs in children.
Hives are red, raised, itchy bumps that form on the body, including the scalp. They usually subside in a few hours. Usually, if hives occur on the scalp, they will likely develop on the body as well.
© Shutterstock
Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair on your head and feed off blood from your scalp. They are highly contagious and caused by head-to-head contact or sharing personal items, such as towels, combs, etc., with someone already affected by them. They cause an itchy scalp and give one the feeling of something crawling on the scalp.
- Scalp Psoriasis
Several studies indicate that 50% of people with psoriasis on their body also develop psoriasis on their scalp. Scalp psoriasis causes thick, scaly, itchy patches to expand on the scalp, and sometimes, these patches extend to the neck, back, and forehead. In addition to scalp itching, psoriasis can cause scalp bleeding due to excessive scratching and hair loss.
- Tinea Capitis
© Shutterstock
Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that affects the scalp. In simple terms, it is a scalp ringworm that occurs as discoloured, itchy, and scaly patches. Eventually, these scaly patches result in hair loss. It is contagious and can spread from the scalp to other parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of an itchy scalp?
The symptoms of an itchy scalp may vary due to its cause, but common symptoms include:
- Hair loss or bald patches
- Dry or irritated skin
- Patches or scaly skin on the scalp
- Redness over the scalp
- low-grade fever and pus-filled sores in rare cases
© iStock
Should you seek medical help?
If the problem of an itchy scalp subsides in a few days, you might not need to see a doctor. A few home remedies for itchy scalp can help you get relief. However, you should see the doctor if:
- You have had an itchy scalp for more than a month
- If you have a rash, scaly patches, sores, hair loss or fever along with an itchy scalp
- If you have hives for more than six weeks
- If you are suffering from significant hair loss
- Bleeding occurs over the scalp
What is the treatment for an itchy scalp?
As there are so many reasons for an itchy scalp, the treatment will also vary. Here are some itchy scalp solutions.
1. Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Treatment for atopic dermatitis includes maintaining good scalp hygiene and regular massage with coconut or any other oil. Anti-itch creams containing corticosteroids may be used. If this doesn't help or flares occur too often, phototherapy (exposure to light) may be suggested.
© Majestic Pure
BUY NOW
2. Treatment for Dandruff
Dandruff is relatively easy to treat and involves frequent hair washing with an anti-dandruff shampoo and a few scalp medications, such as anti-fungal cream or salicylic acid. Oiling the scalp before shampooing is also a good option, as it helps exfoliate dead skin and flakes from the scalp.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
3. Treatment for Contact Dermatitis
The primary treatment for contact dermatitis is to avoid irritants and use natural products. You can also apply an anti-itch cream containing cortisone over the itchy area. If this is not possible, you can ask your doctor to prescribe an anti-itch tablet.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
4. Treatment for Scalp Hives
Hives rarely require treatment as they settle on their own. Rubbing some ice over the hives may help reduce the inflammation.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
5. Treatment for Head Lice
Washing hair with medication to kill head lice is the first thing that must be done. After this, remove the lice eggs using a fine-toothed comb. As head lice are very contagious and can spread quickly between people in a household, personal items that come in contact with the person must be washed at a high temperature.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
6. Treatment for Scalp Psoriasis
Treatment for scalp psoriasis requires products containing salicylic acid and coal tar. Using the products helps soften the plaques, making them easier to remove and reducing itching and inflammation. Phototherapy and oral medication are also often suggested.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
7. Treatment for Tinea Capitis
The main treatment for tinea capitis is an anti-fungal medication that has to be taken for at least six weeks. In addition, you may also be prescribed a medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide. It is necessary to use the shampoo and the medication, as shampoo will only prevent the spread of the fungus elsewhere, while oral medication will kill the fungus.
© Amazon
BUY NOW
The Bottomline
Lifestyle choices and seasonal changes can often cause an itchy scalp. Dandruff is the most common cause of an itchy scalp. An itchy scalp usually goes away on its own. Most symptoms can be controlled using the right products for your hair and scalp. But when the problem persists, you should consider changing your regime or seeing a doctor.
Comments
Post a Comment