Why Do My Hair Itch So Bad – You may ask, why does the scalp itch so much? An itchy scalp is a common problem that can cause frustrating symptoms, such as frequent scratching and discomfort. A variety of medical and skin conditions, as well as other factors, can cause your scalp to itch. These causes can be divided into the broad categories of scalp skin diseases, allergies to hair care products, and our own actions and hair care practices. The best dermatologists know that the most common cause of an itchy scalp is dandruff, and a more severe form with redness and flaking is called seborrheic dermatitis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is on a spectrum with scalp psoriasis which can also cause itching and flaking. In fact, with both conditions, we see inflamed areas where the skin flakes and peels. Itching can be a very prominent symptom of this condition. Although the condition is slightly more common in men, seborrheic dermatitis can affect anyone, including young children. Even babies can get seborrheic dermatitis.
Why Do My Hair Itch So Bad
Many other scalp diseases can cause any itching. However, diseases of the scalp are less common. Scalp diseases that can cause an itchy scalp include folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair follicles — essentially a type of scalp acne.
Common Scalp Issues: Pictures, Causes And Treatments
In addition, some autoimmune conditions such as discoid lupus and lichen planopilaris can cause itching. Both these problems are accompanied by hair loss (alopecia).
Contact dermatitis that is either caused by irritation or an allergic reaction to chemicals applied to the scalp can also cause itching.
Head lice infestation and ringworm (tinea capitis) can also cause an itchy scalp. Symptoms of ringworm include itchy scalp, alopecia, and hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile, symptoms of head lice include itching and blisters on the scalp.
Any hair care practice or product that irritates the scalp can cause an itchy scalp. This is especially the case with leave-in hair conditioners and other hair care products such as hair spray and hair gel. Applying hair dye for a long time can also cause itching in the scalp.
How Do I Know If I Have A Dry Scalp, Sensitive Skin, Dandruff Or Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Many of these hair care products are alcohol-based, which can irritate the skin cells and result in a dry scalp. Using blow dryers, especially on the hot cycle, curling irons, tight braids, and braids as well as using any type of heat treatment or heat treatments on the head can cause scalp irritation associated with itching.
There are over-the-counter products that are best for treating itchy scalp. Antihistamine medicines taken by mouth can also sometimes help. There are two main categories of antihistamines that relieve an itchy scalp. The original first-generation sedative antihistamines (which usually last only 4 to 6 hours) and the newer non-sedating second-generation antihistamines. The classic drug in the first generation category is Benadryl (diphenhydramine). Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the most common newer antihistamine recommended for itching.
Be careful when using antihistamine medications because they can sometimes interact with other medications you take, especially sedative medications. Because antihistamines make you sleepy, we always recommend taking them during the day until you know how they affect you.
Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery while under the influence of an antihistamine. These types of drugs can be especially dangerous for patients over the age of 60 or for children under the age of 12.
Scalp Psoriasis: Treatment Options
While some causes of itchy scalp may require professional medical treatment, others can be treated with itchy scalp home remedies.
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar may help itchy scalp sufferers find relief by reducing itching that results from dry skin. To relieve itchy scalp, try adding apple cider vinegar to warm water and rinsing your hair after shampooing.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a saturated fat with antimicrobial properties. Itchy scalp sufferers describe using coconut oil to relieve an itchy scalp as a soothing treatment. Coconut oil is one of the best home remedies for people suffering from itchy scalp due to eczema and head lice.
This option of home remedies for itchy scalp is best to reduce dandruff and give relief. Dilute peppermint oil by mixing it with olive oil before shampooing. Massage this mixture on your scalp and wash your hair thoroughly.
Apple Cider Vinegar Saved My Flaky Scalp When Nothing Else Could
Tea tree oil can be found at most local health food stores. The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may help reduce or eliminate itching caused by dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. For relief, mix 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil into your shampoo or olive oil and apply it directly to your scalp.
This medicine can be applied to the hair and scalp to relieve the symptoms of dandruff as well as other scaly and itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. The active ingredient in this medicine is coal tar, which is classified as a keratoplasty medicine. By stimulating the shedding of dead cells from the top layer of the skin and slowing down the growth of skin cells, coal tar helps reduce peeling and dryness. Additionally, coal tar may also help relieve itching associated with these skin conditions.
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient that can also be found in anti-dandruff (OTC) shampoos. It can be useful in providing moisture to a dry scalp as well as eliminating dandruff flakes. This shampoo can be used to treat seasonal dandruff or to keep your scalp well hydrated with regular use.
If your itchy scalp symptoms persist after trying any of the itchy scalp home remedies listed above, contact your local dermatologist to discuss the underlying cause of your itchy scalp, as well as There are also medical treatment options available for itchy scalp.
Embracing My Curly Hair And Why I Don’t Use The Curly Girl Method
Whatever you do, if you don’t find relief from some home remedies, consider seeking medical advice by consulting a dermatologist. The best dermatologists evaluate and treat scalp problems every day. All of our dermatology providers at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands have extensive experience in diagnosing scalp conditions and helping patients successfully treat them. If we can be of further assistance, please contact us to schedule a consultation at 402-933-3770 or click here to fill out our contact form. Scalp massager. Whether your favorite method is one or all of these, we’ve all been there at one point or another.
Itchiness of the scalp, known medically as ‘pruritus’, refers to the (often irresistible) sensation that results from irritation of peripheral sensory nerves.
Pruritus is more accurately recognized as a symptom of conditions affecting the skin. A good number of scalp conditions list itching as a clinical feature, but at the same time, all healthy scalps also itch from time to time. In this blog post, we’ll cover some of the more common conditions and associated causes for an itchy scalp, and also outline the best ways to keep your scalp healthy and itchy-free.
Scalp itching can either result from a local condition in the skin or be caused by other internal conditions. When itching is a symptom of an internal medical condition, it will typically affect the entire scalp as opposed to just one area. This usually occurs in the case of conditions such as diabetes, liver and/or kidney disease, iron deficiency anemia, and thyroid imbalance, but is quite rare.
Why Is My Scalp So Itchy? 8 Possible Explanations
In general, the most common itchy scalp conditions can usually be seen due to a reaction, infection or infection.
Itchy scalp is often in response to excessively oily hair and/or a dirty scalp. The scalp is constantly secreting a waxy oil-like substance called sebum, which, among other things, helps regulate the pH of the scalp, conditions the hair and scalp, and protects the scalp from drying out. With each passing day, sebum mixes with everything from styling products, dirt from the environment, and even your sweat and dead skin cells. When left for long periods of time, this build-up on the scalp can clog hair follicles, inflame the scalp and result in unpleasant itching that is usually relieved only by cleansing the scalp.
Research has shown that people of African descent (who typically have curly or frizzy hair) produce less sebum than people of European and/or Asian descent. This explains why itching caused by natural lube is less of a concern among this demographic. However, common practices in the textured hair community such as scalp oiling often lead to the very symptoms (such as itching) that the oiling was intended to prevent or remedy.
The best practice to keep reactions under control is to limit how often you wash your hair. The ideal schedule is to cleanse your scalp every 2-10 days. The more frequent side of the scale would be those who naturally produce more sebum, and/or use heavy hair products or exercise frequently, and the less frequent side would be those who do not.
Causes Of An Itchy Scalp, According To Dermatologists
It is worth noting that for people with sensitive skin, some hair products can also cause allergies that result in itching. The shift away from sulfate shampoos is largely due to this reason.
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