An itchy scalp is a common problem experienced by millions of Americans. This condition is caused due to a change in the pH level of the scalp. It may also cause inflammation of the hair follicles, causing hair loss and literally leaving sufferers scratching their heads. The root causes of itchy scalp are varied and include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, poor diet, medications and food allergies.
In addition to the itchiness, the scalp can also look unsightly and really affect a person’s confidence. However, itching alone should not cause you to lose sleep, and there are plenty of ways out there to treat the various causes of an itchy scalp. We’re now going to explore some of the causes of an itchy scalp, as well as a few things you can do to help your scalp, should you ever find yourself dealing with any of these things.
Causes Of Itchy Scalp
The scalp has many functions and is the body’s first line of defence against foreign invaders. So, when the hair on your head starts itching, there’s a good chance something is wrong. There are, however, many potential causes of itchy scalp, including dry skin, dandruff, eczema, allergies, and head lice. The best way to determine what’s behind your itchy scalp is to have it examined by a dermatologist, who will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment.
Dandruff
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes flakes of skin to cling to the scalp and hair. If you’ve ever had dandruff, you know it drives you crazy. The scalp itchiness and flakes just keep falling off and causing discomfort. Though dandruff is a common scalp condition, symptoms can also indicate other conditions, such as a weakened immune system, seborrheic dermatitis, and can even be a symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. Knowing the causes of your dandruff is therefore vital when it comes to keeping this annoying condition at bay.
Skin Allergies
Scalp itching can be a very common symptom of a skin allergy, and it’s almost always harmless and treatable. The condition is caused by an allergic response to things like haircare products, hair dye, or any other product that you use that touches your scalp. If you aren’t 100% sure which specific product is causing this reaction, a dermatologist can help you identify the culprit so that you then know which product to stop using.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of red, scaly skin. These patches usually appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and feet. Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow more quickly than normal. The skin becomes thicker, forming raised, red, and scaly patches. This, in turn, leads to itchiness.
Eczema
Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a skin disease that causes inflammation and dryness. It commonly affects the outermost layer of the skin, causing bumps, thickened skin, and blisters. The symptoms of itchy scalp eczema can vary from person to person. For some, it can appear as a dry, flaky scalp. For others, it may cause swelling and redness that spreads to other body parts.
Treatment For Itchy Scalp
You may suffer from an itchy scalp, or your scalp may be the cause of a persistent itch. Whatever the cause may be, there are a few steps you can take in order to remove the itch and soothe your scalp, including:
- Stop using certain hair care products.
- Try a different shampoo and conditioner.
- Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to remove any loose flakes.
- Ice the area.
- Try an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.
- Next, consider seeing a dermatologist to ensure no underlying issues could cause the itch.
If it’s dandruff, in particular, you struggle with, here are some home remedies that can relieve or cure dandruff:
- Apple cider vinegar: Take 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and mix it with 1 cup of water. After washing your hair, apply it to your scalp and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse it.
- Grapefruit juice: Mix 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice with 1 cup of water and then apply to the scalp. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off.
- Tea tree oil: Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil. Apply it to the affected areas and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse it off.
- Orange juice: Apply 1 tablespoon of orange juice.
An itchy scalp is never a pleasant thing to be dealing with, and it can be difficult to get to the source of what the problem actually is. However, with dedication and some simple changes to your routine, you can take care of your scalp and minimise the impact of an itchy scalp on your everyday life.