Have an Itchy Scalp? Here are the Top Causes & Preventive Measures for Itchy Scalp

Itchy scalp can be quite embarrassing when you are out in public. When you scratch that itch, at first it feels pleasing but after some time it starts to hurt. When you constantly scratch your scalp it causes your hair to become weak from the roots that leads to the problem of hair fall. To free you from the vicious circle of itchiness and hair fall, read ahead.

Symptoms of itchy scalp

Scalp itch arises because of scalp inflammation caused by fungus. Its symptoms include:

• Instant strong urge to scratch the scalp itch
• Cluster of dead skin cells that can be felt while scratching
• Appearance of dry flakes on the scalp
• Moderate amount of pain while scratching the itch

Causes of itchy scalp

Moderate scalp itch can be caused by stress, anxiety, sunburn, skin disease etc. Severe scalp itch is the cause of scalp fungus, bacterial infection, scalp inflammation and parasite attack etc. among others. Following are the causes of itchy scalp:

a) Mild itchy scalp

1. Scalp dryness

Scalp dryness contributes a fair share in scalp itch. Make sure that your scalp is not dry. For healthy scalp, it is necessary to maintain the natural balance of your scalp through proper nourishment and care.

2. Seasonal factor

Seasonal factor is one of many itchy scalp reasons. Winter season is rough on your scalp as the cold snatches the moisture from the scalp and makes it dull, dry and lifeless. When your scalp becomes dry it gets itchy.

3. Not maintaining a proper hair care regime

If you do not wash your hair twice in a week, it becomes greasy. The excess oil contributes to flaking and itching.

4. Skipping your massage routine

If you skip massaging your hair with oil it can result in dandruff and dullness of hair. Regular massages using quality hair oil strengthens and nourishes the hair from root to tip and encourages fresh growth of healthy and damage free hair.

5. Allergic reaction

Did you try out a new hair product and experienced itchy scalp immediately or after few days? Put the blame on allergic reaction to the new product. If the problem persists even after one or two uses, stop the use of that product immediately and switch to natural or home remedies.

6. Improper diet

Improper diet can lead to the deficiency of Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Zinc and good fats that can dry out your scalp.

Severe causes of itchy scalp

1) Inflammatory disorders

a) Scalp Psoriasis:

Scalp psoriasis is a condition when the scalp gets covered with thick patches. It causes scalp inflammation that often results in itching on head. It can be very mild, with slight fine scaling or it can also be very severe with thick, crusted plaques covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the neck and around the ears and has a powdery, silver sheen like appearance.

b) Lichen Planus:

An inflammatory disorder like Lichen Planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can lead to the condition of an itchy scalp and hair loss among people. It is a skin rash condition that is triggered when your body attacks your skin or mucous membrane cells by mistake. Though a very common skin condition its potential contributory factors include viral infections, allergens, stress and genetics.

2. Viral & Bacterial infections :

Viral infection like chicken pox can cause formation of blisters on the scalp while bacterial infections can cause inflamed scalp condition called Folliculitis, which not only results in scalp itching but also causes severe pain and itching on head.

3. Fungal infections :

a) Tinea Capitis :

Tinea Capitis, also called the ringworm of the scalp, is a disease caused by superficial fungal infection of the skin with the propensity to affect the hair shaft and follicles. It forms ring like patches on your scalp that cause itching in scalp. Its symptoms include formation of pus-filled sores on the scalp; & red, scaly and swollen patches; and in most cases lead to the problem of hair loss.

b) Cradle Cap :

It is a skin condition that most commonly affect newborns and children due to the dominance of maternal hormones that cause increased production of sebaceous glands. It makes greasy, yellow scaly patches to appear on the scalp and cause discomfort due to constant itching of the scalp that it ultimately leads to.

4) Psychological factors :

Stress and anxiety can lead you to the problem of itchy scalp as these factors have the ability to harm your physical health in a big way. Psychological factors give rise to the problem of:

a) Lice :

Lice are blood sucking parasite insects that attack your scalp. This parasitic attack is common in school going children and women with long hair. It transfers easily from one person to another and cause itch on the scalp which in turn grows into a bacterial infection caused due to incessant scratching and may lead to further damage on the scalp.

b) Hypothyroidism :

Also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid, is a condition in which the body lacks the ability to produce sufficient thyroid hormone thus causing to the problems of poor scalp health, dry and itchy scalp and brittle and damaged hair among others.

Itchy scalp preventative measure

1. Coconut oil massage

Massage your scalp with coconut oil to get rid of itching on head as it nourishes and soothes your scalp. You can use Dabur Vatika Enriched Coconut Oil for complete scalp nourishment and care.

2. Try the magic of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is rich in anti-oxidants and anti-microbial properties that kill fungus, bacteria and other viruses that cause itching in scalp.

3. No sharing please

Just like your tooth brush, your comb, hair brush & towel etc. are also personal. Refrain from sharing them with anyone as it can be one of the many itchy scalp reasons.

4. Eat healthy

Include anti-fungal foods like garlic, avocado, flaxseed, banana, apple cider vinegar, etc. in your diet to keep itching in scalp at bay.

5. Replace chemicals with natural products

Hair products are loaded with chemicals that are one of the major reasons for itchy scalp. Opt for natural products like curd, honey, henna, & aloe vera etc. to restore the natural oils of the scalp.

6. Try lemon

Lemon juice has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that fight dandruff causing fungus.

7. Use Baking soda

Baking soda works wonder on the itchy scalp as it soothes the itch. Mix it in your shampoo to wash that itch away.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Yeast and virus are prominent itchy scalp causes. Rinse your hair with apple cider as it kills yeast and virus and soothes itchy scalp.

Also read about how to treat dandruff at home and tips on healthy hair

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