An itchy scalp will likely be distracting, disruptive, and even embarrassing. To start down the path to help, it helps to understand what may probably be inflicting your itchy scalp.
Widespread causes of an itchy scalp
There are a number of varied causes your scalp could also be itchy, from simple dry pores and pores and skin to an an infection, irritation, or infestation.
Dry scalp
An itchy scalp normally outcomes from one factor benign, like dry pores and pores and skin. That’s significantly frequent throughout the winter and in chilly, dry climates. Dry scalp treatment can include taking a break from positive shampoos or totally different hair merchandise, which can be irritating your scalp by stripping away an extreme quantity of of the pure oils your scalp typically produces. Seek for shampoos labeled “moisturizing” or “gentle,” which can be a lot much less irritating.
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
An itchy scalp that moreover feels dry and produces white flakes in your hair or garments may probably be dandruff, which is taken under consideration a mild kind of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory state of affairs that will occur wherever on the physique that produces oil, such as a result of the scalp.
Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos may help relieve the itchiness in case you have got a mild case. If that doesn’t clear up your indicators, your doctor could give you a prescription-strength dandruff treatment shampoo, antifungal lotions or foams, or topical corticosteroids to make use of to your scalp.
Allergic reactions and sensitivities
Shampoo or totally different hair merchandise can comprise irritants or allergens that set off itchiness and a rash. That’s additional frequent in people who dye their hair. The one decision within the occasion you are allergic or delicate to 1 factor in your scalp is stop using the product triggering your indicators.
Do you have to’re having problem narrowing down the problem product, maintain a symptom journal and communicate to your essential care provider or a dermatologist. They could allow you to decide which hair merchandise you will have to stay away from.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that will find yourself in crimson, itchy, scaly pores and pores and skin, along with in your scalp. Washing your hair too normally in scorching water may make your indicators worse, as can scrubbing your hair and scalp too aggressively. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a corticosteroid cream or totally different topical treatment to make use of immediately in your scalp.
Fungal an an infection (tinea capitis)
In case your scalp is itchy and likewise you moreover uncover pus-filled bumps and hair loss, you probably can have a type of fungal an an infection referred to as tinea capitis, typically referred to as scalp ringworm. This an an infection is known for its intense itch. The fungi that set off scalp ringworm thrive in warmth, damp areas like a sweaty scalp, significantly within the occasion you don’t wash your hair normally. You’ll have to take prescription oral treatment for as a lot as two months to clear the an an infection, so see your doctor as rapidly as attainable. Medicated shampoo may help deal with indicators while you look forward to the oral meds to kick in.
Head lice
Head lice are tiny bugs that reside in human hair. The most common sign you should have a head lice infestation is an itchy scalp, introduced on by the bites of the lice. Whatever the stigma surrounding lice, non-public hygiene is to not blame. Lice unfold merely from particular person to particular person. Eliminating head lice is a course of that requires using medicated shampoos or lotions, and totally, repeatedly combing the lice and eggs out of your hair for at least two weeks.
Hives
Uncover a crimson, itchy rash in your scalp that comes on quickly and disappears shortly after? It’s possible you’ll want hives, a response to meals, medicine, allergens, stress, sweat, or one different set off. In case your hives don’t disappear on their very personal, you’ll attempt taking an oral antihistamine to calm the itchiness. In case your hives closing a really very long time, your doctor could prescribe an oral treatment to take care of your indicators.
Scalp psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune sickness that causes painful, itchy, and customarily silvery, scaly patches of pores and pores and skin known as plaques. About half of people with psoriasis develop plaques on their scalp, which will likely be confused with dandruff. Your doctor could recommend treatment with over-the-counter salicylic acid, psoriasis shampoos, steroid lotions, mild treatment, or some combination of these therapies.
When to see a well being care supplier for an itchy scalp
With so many attainable causes, it’s not always simple to seek out out what’s inflicting your itchy scalp. Focus in your indicators collectively along with your essential care doctor or a dermatologist within the occasion you are having problem determining what’s making you scratch.
Moreover communicate to a well being care supplier if over-the-counter therapies or home cures don’t help, or if the itch will worsen or turns into painful.