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itchy scalp; 18 causes [medical treatment + 11 home remedies]
itchy scalp; 18 causes [drug treatment + 11 home remedies]
Zahra Elahi Yekta List of skin and hair disorders and diseases Last update: 4 weeks ago Published: 4 weeks ago No questionsAwaiting review by the medical team of the medical school
Scalp itching occurs when the balance of sebum, microbiome and skin defense barrier is disturbed. This disorder can be caused by dandruff, eczema, infection or underlying diseases such as anemia and thyroid diseases. In this article from Darmankade Health Magazine, we discuss what causes itchy scalp and how to treat it.
Table of Contents
- cause of scalp itching What is it? Dry scalp
- 2. Dandruff
- 3. Allergy or sensitivity to hair care products
- 6. Fungal infection
- 7. Excessive washing
- 8. Stress
- 9. Head lice
- 12. Hormonal changes
- 13. Folliculitis 14. Sweating
- 15. Skin urticaria
- 16. Seborrheic dermatitis
- 17. Scalp ring cream
- 18. Skin cancer
What is the cause of itchy scalp?
The most important reasons Scalp itching can be summarized in the following:
1. Dry scalp
The scalp is like a brick wall; The bricks are the skin cells, and the mortar between them is the natural sebum (sebum) and the skin's natural moisturizers. When this mortar is reduced, the wall cracks and the nerves of the skin are quickly irritated, as a result, you face dry and itchy scalp. The reduction of skin sebum causes:
- The skin cannot retain moisture.
- The moisture of the skin evaporates quickly.
- The skin becomes thin and sensitive.
2. Dandruff
Dandruff is actually excessive and abnormal scaling of the surface layer of the scalp, which usually has the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Too much or less fat
- White or yellow flakes
Dandruff is not a dangerous disease, but it indicates that the renewal cycle of scalp cells has become faster than normal.
If this situation continues or is accompanied by burning and redness, it is better to seek help from basic methods for dandruff treatment; Like choosing the right anti-dandruff shampoo or using anti-fungal compounds.
If dandruff is severe or you are not sure what the exact cause is, consulting with an online dermatologist can lead you to a correct diagnosis and effective treatment faster.
Dandruff is not contagious.3. Allergy or sensitivity to hair care products
Allergy or sensitivity to hair products means that the scalp comes into contact with a new substance and the immune system recognizes it as dangerous. For example, the irritant enters the pores of the skin through hair dye, new shampoo or spray, the body recognizes it as uninvited and begins to release inflammatory substances. For this reason, you face hot scalp, redness and itching.
4. Dirty scalp and fat accumulation
When the skin's natural sebum, dust particles, sweat, air pollution, hair spray or even dead cells accumulate together, they form a sticky layer on the scalp. This situation is similar to when a layer of finger fat sits on the phone frame and dust sticks to it little by little. This layer closes the pores, reduces the air flow and prepares the environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria. As a result, it causes itching, bad smell, excessive fat and heaviness of the scalp.
5. Psoriasis
Psoriasis (Scalp psoriasis) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes scalp cells to multiply several times faster than normal. For this reason, new cells are piled up layer by layer and the skin does not have a chance to fall off. As a result, a thick and silver-white plaque is formed on the scalp, and the skin underneath is red and inflamed.
6. Fungal infection
Imagine that the scalp is like a small garden. If the soil (skin) is moist, warm and slightly polluted, the weed (fungus) will grow. This is exactly what happens in scalp ringworm. In this case, you will encounter the following symptoms:
- Spotty and irregular hair loss
- Not extensive regional peeling and dandruff
- Local itching
- Painful, swollen and purulent mass
The following factors increase the risk of fungal infection of the head:
- Close contact between children in School or kindergarten
- Shared combs, hats, towels and pillows
- Contact with infected animals
7. Excessive washing
Frequent washing of hair, especially with strong shampoos, removes the sebum of the skin, which is why the scalp becomes dry and sensitive. Also, the scalp has a collection of useful bacteria and fungi that are effective in maintaining balance and controlling pathogens. Frequent washing with strong detergents disrupts this ecosystem and causes species that are inflammatory to grow.
8. Stress
Stress is not just an emotion but also causes chemical changes in the body. When you are stressed, the level of the hormone cortisol rises and affects the oiliness of the skin. It only takes two to three days of extreme stress for your scalp to become too oily or dry to experience an itchy scalp.
9. Head lice
Head lice (with the scientific name of pediculosis, Pediculus humanus capitis) feeds on human blood and its egg-laying place is on the hair shaft. Lice eggs are small and white and stick to the hair. They are just like sugar particles on hair that are difficult to remove. While feeding, the louse bites the skin and injects its own saliva. The body recognizes this saliva as an irritating foreign substance and reacts. For this reason, it is associated with inflammation and itching.
Sometimes severe itching and scaling similar to the symptoms of lice can also be caused by scabies. If you want to know what is gall, it should be said that this disease is caused by the activity of a type of tiny skin mite. The correct diagnosis between lice and scabies is very important, because each has a different treatment method, and incorrect treatment can prolong the problem.
Scalp itching caused by lice and scabies is contagious.10. Underlying diseases such as anemia and thyroid disorders
Anemia or anemia, especially iron deficiency type, affects the skin, nerves, oxygenation and the skin's defense barrier. Due to this disease, the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin decreases, less oxygen reaches the scalp and the skin cells become weak. This issue leads to the thinning of the protective layer of the skin, which eventually leads to dryness and the creation of fine cracks in the scalp.
In hypothyroidism, the reduction of thyroid hormones slows down the cellular metabolism of the skin. For this reason, the skin becomes dry and fragile, which leads to scalp itching.
In hyperthyroidism, the production of skin fat increases and the skin may become greasy and prone to inflammation and fungal infection.
11. Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder in which the skin's protective barrier weakens and the skin loses its moisture quickly. For this reason, it causes extreme dryness, inflammation and sensitivity.
12. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes such as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), hormone therapy, menopause, pregnancy, severe lack of sleep or even a strict diet have a direct effect on the scalp. For example, when estrogen is low, the skin's natural fat is less and skin water evaporates more easily. As a result, you will face itching and peeling.
13. Folliculitis
Folliculitis means inflammation or infection of tiny follicles that are where hair grows in the skin. This inflammation can be superficial and only inflames the skin around the follicle or it can be deep and involve the entire follicle and cause pus. The most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but sometimes fungi or viruses can also cause folliculitis. Among its most important symptoms, the following can be mentioned:
- Redness of the skin
- Small boils
- Peel shedding
- Burning and local itching
14. Sweating
Sweating can cause itchy scalp when it is excessive and you hold it for a long time. For example, if you keep your hair wet for a few hours after an intense workout at the gym, you may experience an itchy scalp. Because the scalp is moist and warm after sweating, and these conditions are ideal for the growth of fungi and bacteria. Also, the salt in the sweat can cause burning, itching and stretching of the skin and cause local sensitivity.
15. Cutaneous urticaria
Hives (Urticaria) is a rapid and localized reaction of the skin to internal or external stimuli. In terms of appearance, you see it as red or pink bumps, soft and swollen. The size and shape of hives can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Skin hives are usually accompanied by itching that can last for several hours.
Hives itching is caused by the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances from skin cells. Histamine stimulates the nerve endings of the skin and causes itching. The common causes of hives are:
- food sensitivity
- drugs
- environmental factors such as heat, cold and sweating
- stress
16. Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin that usually manifests itself as oily dandruff and itching. This problem has nothing to do with dirt or poor hygiene, but rather an inflammatory reaction of the skin to the overactivity of a fungus called Malassezia. This fungus is naturally present on all skins and feeds on the skin's natural sebum. Now, if for any reason the scalp is too oily, the nutrition of this fungus will increase and as a result, it will start to grow excessively. For this reason, you face itching and inflammation of the head.
17. Ringworm of the scalp
Ringworm (Tinea Capitis) is a fungal infection of the scalp caused by dermatophytes. These fungi live on the hair and scalp and cause inflammation, itching and scaling. The name "ringworm" is due to the circular or oval appearance of the red spots on the scalp.
In ringworm infection of the scalp, there are circular lesions with a red and prominent border.18. Skin cancer
Skin cancer can cause itching for the following reasons:
- Nerve stimulation by the cancerous mass
- Local inflammation
- Scaling or change in skin texture
If the skin itches for a long time and there are other symptoms such as a change in the appearance of the skin and an abnormal mass, you should definitely check dermatologist.
What is the cause of itchy scalp after washing?
Scalp itching after bathing can be related to the following reasons:
- Inappropriate shampoo or detergent
- Water that is too hot or cold
- Shampoo remaining on the skin
If this itching becomes severe and persistent, it can indicate underlying problems such as dry skin, dandruff, or allergies. If you want to know exactly what is the cause of itchy scalp after showering and what is the best solution for it, consulting an online dermatologist can be helpful. Dermatologist can suggest the best treatment by examining the skin type, severity of itching and medical history, and prevent further problems such as inflammation or infection.
What vitamin deficiency is itchy scalp?
Scalp itching can be related to the deficiency or decrease in the level of several vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
Do you feel that your itchy head is getting worse?
Consult a specialist without the need to visit a doctor The best dermatologist Online DermatologistWhat is the treatment of itchy scalp?
When the itching and flaking of the scalp is severe and home care does not work, the dermatologist suggests shampoo and oral and topical medications according to the cause:
Cause of itching and flaking HeadShampoo Scalp itching and burningDandruff and seborrheic dermatitis- Antifungal shampoo Ketoconazole 2%- Zinc prythion (ZPT)
- Lopirox shampoo
- Shampoo with salicylic acid
- Coal tar shampoo Scalp psoriasis- Shampoos with corticosteroids
- Shampoo Psoriasis of the scalp - anti-fungal shampoo Ketoconazole 2%, severe dryness of the scalp - moisturizing shampoo without sulfate
- shampoos with urea 5% or ceramid list medicines for itch and scalp
To reduce and treat itching of the scalp, the doctor may also prescribe topical solutions and ointments:
Causes of dryness and itching of the scalpDrug nameInflammation, itching and eczema of the scalp Topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone and clobetasol, psoriasis, calciputerin, bacterial inflammation, clindamycin and erythromycin solution, surface fungi, clotrimazole solution, strong antipruritic creams, lotions containing insoluble pramoxine and topical ointments for the treatment of scalp itchingAmong the oral medications for the treatment of itching and scalp, the following can be mentioned:
- Oral antifungal
- Antihistamines such as fexofenadine, loratadine to reduce itching
- Oral corticosteroid for severe inflammation and short-term use
What is the home treatment for itchy scalp?
Before using any type of oil and herbal medicine, you should check the causes of scalp itching, and also be sure to try a small amount of them to make sure you are not allergic to these substances.
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory substances and also has high moisturizing and cooling properties. If the cause of severe itching of the scalp is excessive dryness, using aloe vera gel can help in the treatment. This plant relieves inflammation, redness and burning.
Aloe vera is not a good treatment for fungus or lice or folliculitis and you should not use it on an open wound.
Aloe vera can be allergic to some.2. Coconut or argan oil
If the cause of the itchy head is due to extreme dryness of the scalp, argan and coconut oil can help you in your treatment. These oils are also soothing for eczema and scalp psoriasis, but they are not the main treatment. If the cause of itching and redness of the scalp is fungus or folliculitis, the use of these oils worsens the situation.
3. Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has an acidic pH and inhibits the environment of the Malassezia fungus, thus reducing dandruff and inflammation. Therefore, if the cause of excessive itching of the scalp is oily dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and mild fungal infection, diluted apple cider vinegar can be a better option for the home treatment of itchy scalp.
Apple vinegar can increase the itching and burning of the scalp caused by dry scalp, eczema, and psoriasis.
Note that do not use pure vinegar for treatment, and if you have an open and active wound, apple vinegar is not the right choice.
4. Oat mask
If the cause of itching and dryness of the scalp is caused by atopic eczema, the oat mask can help in the treatment. This plant has anti-inflammatory, anti-itching and moisturizing substances and reduces inflammation, burning and redness.
5. Tea tree oil
If itchy scalp and hair loss is due to oily dandruff and fungal infection, tea tree oil is recommended as a home remedy. This plant has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial substances.
Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory essential oil that may help relieve your itchy scalp. It can be irritating to the skin, so it's important to use it sparingly or dilute it prior to use. Try adding 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to a gentle shampoo, or mix it with olive oil and massage it directly into your scalp.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce scalp itching. Of course, some people are allergic to this oil and face side effects such as irritation and burning of the skin, so be sure to use it diluted. For this purpose, you can add 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to a mild shampoo, or mix it with olive oil and massage it gently on the scalp. Jojoba Oil
The structure of jojoba oil is very similar to the natural sebum of the scalp, so it can be beneficial for dryness, flaking, mild irritation and itching caused by dry dandruff. Note that jojoba oil cannot be effective for fungal itching, oily dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil has strong moisturizing properties, is a good source of antioxidants and can reduce inflammation. Therefore, it can be useful for itching caused by severe dryness of the scalp and eczema.
Olive oil is not suitable for greasy dandruff, fungal itching (malassezia), seborrheic dermatitis. Because its fat is high and it can be a good source for feeding mushrooms.
8. Pepper oil
Pepper has a substance called capsaicin that can increase blood flow and reduce itching signals. Therefore, if the itching of the head is caused by nervousness and stress, its consumption can help.
9. Onion juice
Onion juice has sulfur and mild antibacterial compounds that can be effective in reducing the inflammation of follicles.
Note that onion juice has a pungent smell and can cause a lot of irritation and burning, in this case you should wash the scalp quickly. Also, make sure that the scalp does not have an open wound or active inflammation.
10. Treatment of head itch with salt
Treatment of head itch with salt is a relatively common home method, but its scientific basis is limited and conditional. Salt has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliating properties and can reduce excess oil, bacteria and scales. For this purpose, you can add a little sea salt to the shampoo and use it.
If you have dry, sensitive skin or have eczema and psoriasis, salt cannot be a good option for treatment.11. Castor oil
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturizing properties due to its ricinoleic acid. For this reason, it can reduce scalp itching in cases such as dry skin, mild inflammation, or irritation caused by shampoos.
Scalp itching in several lines
In this article, we discussed the symptoms of scalp itching and how to treat it. Scalp itching is a symptom, not an independent disease, and to treat it, whether at home or with medication, you must first identify the root cause.
If you are worried about scalp itching, at Mankade, you can consult online dermatologists and ask your questions. In addition, you can book an in-person appointment through the online system.
Frequently asked questions
Is itchy head dangerous?In most cases, itchy head is safe and treatable. But if it is severe, continuous, spotty, accompanied by sores or hair loss, it can be a warning of a more serious disease.
How to stop itchy scalp?To stop itchy scalp, you must first find the cause. Then you can solve this problem with medication and home care.
How effective is the treatment of itchy scalp with henna?Henna is a natural way to reduce itching and inflammation of the scalp. Its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties can help reduce itching caused by dryness or light dandruff. healthdirect | health.harvard
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