Itchy Scalp

This is very common in adults and can be easily passed off as a mild case of dandruff with a flaky skin on the scalp causing constant itching. This might not be due to any particular disease. It can be found in children as well. Losing dead cells from your scalp is normal, but if it aggravates to such a situation that the lost cells cluster together to form white flakes termed as dandruff then it leads to an itchy scalp which can be really irritating and embarrassing.

Itchy scalp causes (with pictures)

There are a number of causes itchy flaky scalp; some of these are as follows;

Not washing Hair

If you do not wash your hair on regular basis then chances of deposition of dry skin cells is increased on the scalp. The problem is even more worsened if you have oily hair. Wash your hair at least 2 times in a week to stop itching and dandruff. Rosemary and Peppermint both promote hair growth and are effective against dandruff treatment.

Dry Itchy Scalp

Well, having some amount of protective oil layer on the scalp is also necessary. Otherwise excessive dry scalp skin will promote the growth of flakes and will eventually lead to dandruff. A flaky dry scalp skin results from, excessive shampooing, and frequent use of hair driers close to the skin and arid cold whether conditions can promote dryness of the scalp skin.

Dry Scalp Skin can be prevented by using – “shampoos for dry hair”.

Neurodermatitis

It is a chronic itching problem which starts with a patch of dry flaky skin which only worsens on continuous scratching often as a habit. Also referred as lichen simplex is not that serious and can be treated with over the counter creams and ointments.

Dandruff or Seborrheic dermatitis

Dandruffs are defined as the dead skin in the scalps and cause of concern as they are itchy.

It is a result of either a dry itchy scalp or excessive oily scalp. If the oil secreting glands present in the skin secretes abnormally high oil or sebum, then the growth of a fungus called Pityrosporum Ovale is promoted. This fungus is supposed to reside on the scalp skin and its growth is powered by the sebum secreted. The hormonal changes during puberty aids the secretion of oil and thus during that time one is likely to suffer. In worse case it can even spread out to affect the area of your eyebrows, sides of nose and behind the ears and even the armpits.

Dandruff treatment

Treatment of dandruff can be done after knowing the exact cause.

Mild dandruff can be cured and controlled by regular washing of hair with shampoos that are gentle and containing less chemicals in order to avoid greasiness. Hot water must be avoided and also hair should be rinsed well after head bath to prevent the irritation on scalp.

Note: When shampoos (regular) do not work well, you can go for medical shampoos :

• In malassezia fungal infection – shampoos which contain zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole or selenium sulfide are effective. Also Tea tree oil, a main component in almost all shampoos (natural) has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties.
• In seborrheic dermatitis, shampoos which contain salicylic acid or coal tar may help in treating the dandruff.
• If you have a mild dandruff then it is advisable to shampoo your hair at least twice a week with some mild shampoo and don’t forget to rinse your hair properly to avoid any scalp irritation.
• Tea Tree oil has got good anti dandruff properties and it advisable to mix Tea Tree oil with some hot water and massage your scalp with it and leave it over night. Shampoo off your hair in the morning. Do this frequently till your hair is dandruff free.
• One of the best home remedy to treat dandruff is to take equal quantity of lime juice and vinegar and massage your scalp with it. Keep it on your scalp for 30 minutes and then shampoo your hair.
• You can even make a paste of Fenugreek seeds and apply them on your scalp and then shampoo after 30 minutes or so. Fenugreek has antifungal properties.
• Leaves of Neem have got some good antifungal properties. You can use water of boiled neem leaves to rinse your hair after shampoo.
• Oiling your hair with warm coconut oil twice a week helps in removing dandruff.

Dandruff Prevention

• First thing which you need to follow to prevent dandruff is to avoid eating too much of fried food items.
• Shampoo off your hair at least twice a week and keep your hair clean.
• Avoid stress and do proper exercises and yoga to keep you stress free.
• Don’t use styling gels and spray on your scalp
• Sun exposure (not sunbathing) regularly may help in treating and preventing  fungal infection.

Diet for Dandruff

Nutrients to be avoided :

• Give up drinking coffee and tea as they dry your scalp
• Simple sugars like glucose, fructose, since they lower vitamin B6 level
• Fatty acids (Saturated)  in  milk and meat, as they play a major in increasing the secretion of  oil glands

Nutrients to be considered ( for healthy scalp skin):

• Eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits.
• Omega-6 and Omega-3  fatty acids (unsaturated)
• Vitamins A (carrots), B (cabbage) and also Vitamin E

Scalp Psoriasis

It is supposed to be due to some inexplicable heredity cause, though quite similar to Seborrheic dermatitis. Often a thick silvery scaling with or without red patches are present on the scalp skin. The skin of elbows and knees can also be affected. Dependency on nicotine, alcohol and exposure to sun can cause this.

Head Lice (Pediculosis capitis)

Mostly children are affected from it due to close contacts or lack of proper hygiene. Results in itchy dry scalp, which is covered with visible white lice and red marks. And usually spreads out to neck area and skin behind the ears. Lice are small parasitic insects those feeds on your blood.

Head Lice treatment

• Head lice is infectious in nature so it is a must that you wash all the clothings worn by the infected person including his/her bedding, towels and combs in hot water for about 15 minutes.
• First treatment should begin with shampoos and lotions constituting of pyrethrins available OTC. If these are not of much of help then try ointments containing malathion or lindane.
• Neem oil can be mixed with eucalyptus or lavender oil which is highly effective for treating head lice.
• Apply olive oil on your hair as a home based treatment to remove head lice.
• Other treatments include the use of  Permethrin which is used to apply as a cream on your hair and is very effective one.
• Septra is an oral antibiotic treatment for head lice
• Malathion is a lotion applied to hair and left for few hours before shampoo.

Picture 1. Head lice – Pediculosis capitis

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Stress

Though this might sound as unusual but yes stress can even cause an itchy scalp. Tensions due to family or job matters, lifestyle changes and lack of proper diet can potentially lead to this condition. Reduce stress from your life, be it personal or professional! Massaging your head for a few minutes with lavender or valerian oil will help you de-stress yourself.

Contact dermatitis

Whenever you use a new shampoo, hair color or some other latest hair product, chances are there that you may have an allergic reaction to it. Particularly if the product has alcohol in it, it can give rise to contact dermatitis.

Folliculitis

It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, results in red itchy scaly bumps on the scalp skin which eventually can be filled with pus. The bumps are due to the inflammation of hair follicle and can even lead to permanent itchy scalp hair loss and scarring.

Folliculitis pictures

Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm)

It is a fungal contagion caused by scalp ringworm and affects young children. Tinea capitis resides on the dermatophytes or the scalp skin and has a tendency to multiply in certain cases. Generally black dots, keroins (inflamed area) and hair loss is incurred due to it. Oral antifungals like terbinafine are recommended for 1.5 months.

Picture 2 : Scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis)

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Picture 3 : Scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis)

In this picture the  infection caused by Tinea capitis is mild and widespread. There are Inflamed areas which are are seen on the front,  the back of neck and behind the ear.

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Picture 4 : Scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis)

Here there is hair loss in multiple areas; bumps are due to skin  inflammation.

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Cradle Cap in infants

Usually infants below the age on one year suffer from it but the symptoms are over by the time they are a year’s age. This happens when excessive oil is secreted from the newborn’s oil glands which lead to the formation of scales. Try to brush the infant’s scalp with a soft brush in light stokes. Apply baby or mineral oil upon shampooing.

Picture: Cradle Cap on scalp of an infant

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Acne

Acne vulgaris is pretty common on the border of hair and can cause occasional itching. Anti-acne ointments are of great relief.

Sunburn on Scalp

Sun can cause damage to the hair and scalp as well.  The skin will be tender and red and itching tendency will be present. Avoid going out in sun with an exposed head. Try to cover your hair with a scarf or a light hat; this will reduce damage caused to hair by sun’s rays. Anesthetics lotions are to be avoided as they might lead to an allergic reaction. Instead, try applying after sun lotions or take a cool shower to ease the burns and itching. In order to alleviate the pain, take aspirin or ibuprofen.

Tinea Amiantacea

Is rare fungi causing silvery crusts at the base of the hair and gluing them together.

Picture : Tinea Amiantacea

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Herpes Zoster (Chickenpox and Shingles)

This is chicken pox affecting children particularly their scalp, shoulder and neck area usually on a single side. Painful crusty and itchy rashes appear.  Healing can be sped by using antiviral’s and steroids but it generally heals on its own.

Picture : Shingles – Herpes zoster, affecting the scalp, neck and shoulder.

{image source: atlasdermatologico.com.br}

Epidermal Cyst

A dome shaped cyst or a firm nodule appears on the scalp and causes itching. If the oil gland has restricted secretion of oil then the follicle gets inflamed into a bump. In severe cases surgical removal of the cyst or drainage is carried out. Injecting steroids is another option.

Allergic dermatitis

This is caused due the use of hair dyes or products containing PPD. Sudden swelling will take place with redness and itching. It is always better if you consult your dermatologist or conduct a home based patch test before using any new shampoo for itchy scalp or some hair product to check your sensitivity towards it.

Lichen planopilaris

Lichen planus is a plant growing on tree trunks and lichen planopilaris is a variety of lichen planus. Its origin is unknown and affects are rare as well. However, if it is present then it can cause partial hair loss and permanent scarring.

Picture: Lichen planopilaris ( lichen planus)

{image source: aocd.org}

Treatment and Remedies for Itchy Scalp

Dandruff which is mild can be controlled with periodic washing of hair with gentle shampoo. Ensure that you do not use hot water to wash your scalp and also pat yourself dry soon after washing. If the condition persists and the mild shampoos are of no benefit, try medicated shampoo for itchy scalp like;

• Shampoos containing zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide are recommended for fungal infections due to malassezia. Even tea tree oil is good as it is an amalgam of natural ingredients having anti-fungal properties.
• For Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos consisting of salicylic acid or coal tar are very beneficial. Try to keep the shampoo for at least 5 minutes upon application and then rinse away thoroughly.
• Try massaging the scalp with a natural mixture of 7 drops of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil each with 15-20 ml of carrier oil prior to washing your hair. This will definitely soothe the skin and cease the itching to an extent.
• Ensure brushing your hair daily to prevent formation of dry scalp flakes and promote blood circulation. The best possible way of brushing is right from the root till the tip. For longer hair this can be done by bending from the waist and keeping the head down facing the floor. Then start brushing from the back of the neck till the top of head.
• Short hair can be brushed in one stroke only from the root till tip.

References

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/itchy_scalp.htm

healthhype.com

Also Read:

• Prevent an itchy act on it before it is too late
• Natural Home Remedies for Dandruff
• What causes Itchy Rash and how to treat itchy rashes?
• Natural Home Remedies for treating Dandruff
• Home Remedies for Dry Hair

by Dr John on 12. Aug, 2010 in Diseases and Conditions