In simple terms, an itchy scalp is when you continuously feel the need to itch and scratch your head. Fortunately, life’s not an itch, it doesn’t have to be and there’s probably something wrong if you’re wanting to scratch your head so much so that you might just injure yourself, or if you’re just feeling itchy on your scalp all the time.
By the way, allow me to say that there is nothing wrong with an occasional itch on your head here and there, but if it’s more than that, you got a problem.
This article will answer the following questions:
- Possible reasons you are having an itchy scalp.
- How to prevent itchy scalp situations.
- Curing your itchy scalp the best possible way.
First, we’ll cover less severe problems that are easily treatable at home without any or much help from your doctor.
- Dry Scalp Conditions: This generally means that your scalp is getting too dry and you’re not keeping it moisturized enough. So that’s what you need to do, moisturize it. Switch your shampoo for the time being and start using a mild shampoo, characteristics of a mild shampoo are that it is free from SLS and SLES. I would recommend going for a natural, more organic shampoo (available easily at Amazon) if you can which has citrus in it but it’s totally optional. A shampoo that doesn’t lather well and is free from parabens would be a good choice. Now that shampoo is taken care of, you will need to regularly start oiling your scalp. If you’re one of those people who can’t tolerate oil on your scalp and it makes you feel gross then maybe just try putting it only on your scalp. The reason I’m suggesting oiling is that it’s a proven practice. It’s ancient and it ensures that your hair and scalp are moisturized enough. If oiling is something you can’t do at all then invest in a good deep conditioning mask for hair and scalp. Lastly, Dry and Itchy Scalp can also be triggered due to improper diet, not getting enough water in your body. Being aware of these little things should help you sort out your itchy scalp problem in just some weeks.
- Unclean Scalp: This one is really simple and it just means you’re not washing your hair enough. We all know that washing hair everyday is not a good habit but washing it too less isn’t likely to do much good to you either. In fact an a scalp that isn’t clean can lead to other problems as well as an itchy scalp. Everyone’s hair needs are different, for some people washing their hair twice a week is not enough, some others may need to wash every alternate day. So try finding out what suits you best (for me it’s washing my hair every alternate day).
- Sebum Build-Up OnYour Scalp: Sebum is an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands. Sebum is what protects your hair from drying out but, excess of it starts to give a bad smell due to bacteria outside the body break it down. Excess or build up of sebum may cause your scalp to itch. However, this can easily be taken care of by washing your hair frequently and with a mild shampoo that does not dry out your scalp or hair. Proper diet and drinking, enough water is also very important to have good skin and hair.
- Lice: These are tiny parasites suck— they suck your blood and live in your head. You know how your dog or cat gets scratchy when he/she has fleas? Yup, you’re under a similar condition. You can check yourself for a lice infestation on your head, they lay white eggs (called nits) in your head and they are quite easily visible. Even if you have found one of the eggs (nits), you have a problem. It can be taken care of easily at home with the proper tools. You can switch to an Anti-Lice Shampoo, which I really recommend and get one of those lice combs, they really help. I know that these shampoos are often very chemically loaded, but you need to take care of the infestation first. When I was little and had a lice infestation from someone in school, then my mother bought this comb and a Mediker shampoo (Both the comb and the shampoo can be easily bought online at amazon) and she washed my hair with the Shampoo regularly and combed out all the lice after she washed my hair, and in 4 days I had no lice in my hair at all. Thankfully, ever since, they have never been a problem again.
- Sun Exposure: Exercise sun exposure can cause sun burns on your head, and when that starts healing you are in for an itch. You can avoid sunburn by using an umbrella whenever you are out in the sun or use a trendy hat or a scarf to cover your scalp and hair.
- Dandruff: Yes, dandruff can definitely be the culprit behind an itchy scalp. There are many factors that can trigger dandruff. They can range from having a dry skin, not shampooing enough, malassezia (yeast like fungus), an ingredient in a hair product, oily scalp skin, other skin diseases or conditions to not having enough water every day and improper diet. All the above though, are easily treatable with anti-dandruff shampoos and some home remedies. Or if you’d like you can also speak to your doctor about it.
For the next and the final part of this article, some more serious issues that could be causing an itchy scalp for you.
If you are diagnosed with any of the following diseases, then you will have to seek medical attention and get proper treatment.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Is a common skin disease. Its causes aren’t clear but scientists believe that it could be genetic, develop due to weather conditions (dry or cold). Its symptoms are red patches with scales that might look yellow and greasy. It would be best to visit your doctor at this point and get a proper treatment. Shampoos with ingredients like Salicylic Acid, Zinc Pyrithione, Coal Tar, Ketoconazole, Selenium Sulfide might help.
- Ringworms: This condition is caused by fungi and not by worms. This fungus is called dermatophytes and it grows on the skin and spreads out in rings. Symptoms are hair loss in patches and severe itching. At this point visit to your doctor is a must, as he/she will prescribe the best medications for your case. It is a contagious disease and can spread from humans to humans or from pet to humans and vice-versa. Bottom line is, do not share your personal belongings. Maintaining proper hygiene and taking good care of your skin and scalp can help prevent this disease. Anti-fungal shampoos also help in this case.
- Psoriasis: It is a chronic skin problem and is not contagious. Symptoms are thick, white, red, patches on the skin. It’s causes are genetic and it happens when the immune system overreacts. There is no definite cure for psoriasis, but it can be checked and kept under control with the help of regular treatment that your doctor prescribes. Treatment is given generally by looking at the severity of the condition, age and health. Factors like, stress, anxiety, drinking alcohol, smoking, and skin injuries increases the risk of getting psoriasis.
- Eczema: Symptoms of eczema include redness, dry and itchy skin. Rashes can be apparent. Usually visiting the doctor and getting prescribed medication shall take care of this problem for you. Also asking your doctor the best way to avoid having it come back will do you good too.
- Allergy: You might be experiencing an itchy scalp due to an allergy. Really, it could be from anything, something in the water, or the ingredient of a styling product, dust etc. etc. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is the best at this time as he/she will put on on oral medicine as well as give you some ointments etc. if need be.
I really hope it’s not one of the serious issues that require a visit to a doctor. In most cases, the doctor is your best option if you notice symptoms of any disease. But even if you or someone you know is ever diagnosed with the diseases, don’t panic since most of these diseases are treatable and can be cured. As soon as your disease, or whatever was causing you to have an itchy scalp is cured, so will the problem of an itchy scalp.
Letting your doctor help you out in more severe conditions is the best option. Best of luck!
