In this article, we analyse the causes and symptoms of an itchy scalp. We’ll look at what you can do to prevent this problem from occurring. We will also look at treatment methods, including folk methods.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of the problem
If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Intermittent itching in the back of the head;
- Scalp itching during and after washing;
- Constant itching accompanied by burning.
You should see a specialist because it could be caused by a serious illness. Let’s talk about this in more detail.
Types of itchy scalp
Classification of itchy scalp:
- dermatological or pruritogenic (caused by skin diseases);
- systemic (due to internal diseases);
- neurological/neuropathic (due to psychological illness);
- psychogenic (due to depression or frequent stress);
- idiopathic (due to an etiology);
- somatoform (due to mental disorders);
- based on all factors.
Causes of itching
There are many reasons for this problem. It can be very difficult to know why you have this problem. You should familiarise yourself with each of the possible causes to make it easier to find and get rid of unnecessary scary thoughts.
Allergic reaction
Allergies are often accompanied by an itchy feeling all over the body. If your head itches, however, it is likely that you are allergic to certain foods that come into direct contact with it.
These products can be dyes, shampoos, conditioners or masks and any cosmetic products that come into contact with hair and skin.
If you’re suffering from an ailment after washing your hair, it’s probably the shampoo or conditioner that’s causing it.
Dry, sensitive skin
Dry epidermis is the result of an abnormal sebum production process, which causes hair breakage, slight dandruff and an overreaction in the skin (hypersensitivity). Water causes skin dryness and an itchy feeling after washing.
Improper care
Improperly chosen cosmetic products and poor hygiene are among the most common causes of this problem.
However, frequent nail polish can also cause itching, as it interferes with lipid-liquid metabolism.
Exposure to stress
During stress, an itchy scalp can occur because the person is in a state of tension and excitement, which has the potential to initiate hyperactivity.
Another common reason is the modification of hormonal levels during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Avitaminosis
A deficiency of fatty acids and vitamins is not uncommon in this type of disease. The lack of important nutrients leads to dry skin and, as a consequence, severe itching.
Seborrheic dermatitis
An abnormal skin condition characterized by an increase in sebum production and thickening of the dermis due to a malfunction in a specific body system.
Seborrhoea manifests itself clinically as a severely itchy, painful scalp, hair becomes greasy, white scales form and tend to stick directly to the skin, resulting in reddish or brown areas of inflammation
Pediculosis, parasites
When itching we immediately think of lice or mites. These parasites are often the source of itching, especially in children. If your head itches a lot, you should see a dermatologist or trichologist to rule out or confirm a diagnosis of head lice or demodex.
Even with good hygiene, regular medical check-ups, a proper diet and clean clothes, no one is safe from infection.
Skin diseases
This cause is one of the most unpleasant but, on the other hand, the easiest to pin down. The fact is that itching is not the only sign.
Closely examine your scalp, hair and shoulders. If scales ‘fall off’ or oily scales remain on your hair when you brush, it could be seborrhoeic breakdown. Reddish or snow-white patches and plaques on the head are also very itchy and are thought to be a sign of skin conditions such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis or fungal diseases (ringworm, dermatomyopathy).
Internal organ disorders
Internal organ disorders also cause itching. The problem may occur with many diseases as the body is warning us about internal disorders. A serious and comprehensive check-up is needed to determine this.
Diagnosis of itchy scalp
A clear diagnosis is considered a prerequisite for successful treatment. Only after undergoing some laboratory tests can the type of the disease and its cause be correctly identified. Since hair problems are usually caused by hormonal, endocrine, immune and digestive system disorders, you should consult a knowledgeable doctor who is also versed in other medical fields.
What doctor to contact
Doctors involved in the treatment of itchy scalp
- Dermatologist.
- Trichologist.
- Infectious disease doctor.
Initially, your doctor will refer you to a dermatologist, who may refer you to specialists (a trichologist and an infectious disease specialist).
Methods of treatment
Drugs
The modern market offers a variety of medications that can help you cope with an ailment caused by any cause.
Treatment with demodelecosis
A variety of drugs are available to cure demodex and they are all very versatile. For external use, they are used:
Keratolytics and lipid modulators: azelaic acid and substances based on it (Schinoren gel, Azelik gel). The inclusion of acidic gels in the regimen helps other products to penetrate deeper into the skin in the pathology given, and promotes the cleansing of sebaceous gland tubes.
With pediculosis
Shampoos for pediculosis:
Important: you can use tablets (Butadion) together with a shampoo.
Best remedies for lice:
Therapeutic treatments for this condition:
- Medication;
- Hygiene;
- Treating clothes, belongings, underwear;
- Prophylactic measures.
For fungus and seborrhea
Seborrheic dermatitis does not affect your general health. It is not contagious and is not considered an indicator of poor personal hygiene.
Ointments for seborrhoea:
- Apilac;
- Baneocin;
- Betnovate.
- Zinc ointment.
Important: Seborrhoeic dermatitis does not affect your general health. It is not contagious and is not considered an indicator of poor personal hygiene.
Antifungal medicines:
Allergy medicine
Excellent allergy medicines:
If these drugs cannot cope with the ailment, hormonal formulations are used, but only if prescribed by your doctor.
Hypovitaminosis
Depending on which vitamins are missing, a prescription or injection of the corresponding medication is given.
Folk recipes
Simple folk remedies to help relieve itching and, if it is not serious, to get rid of it altogether.
Gargle with vinegar
Dilute this with water at the ratio of one part vinegar to eight parts water. Rub the solution into the scalp, leave it for 10 minutes and then rinse off with water. For the treatment is best to use natural apple cider vinegar, but allowed to use and ordinary table vinegar. In addition, after conventional washing of the head such a solution is traditionally used as a rinse.
Onion Hulls
To make a broth, remove the upper dark leaves of onions and pour boiling water over them, steaming for 5 minutes. Once the decoction cools down, strain it and use as a gargle. Your head won’t itch and your hair will look healthier and silkier after this treatment.
Baking soda solution
This method is recommended only for those with naturally coloured hair. The fact is that the baking soda solution is unsurpassed in washing away almost any dye. To make a remedy for itching, take a litre of hot water and dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in it. For hair restoration and fragrance, you can add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary. The solution can be used as a wash and rinse solution. The rinse should be repeated every four days.
Therapeutic Shampoos
A handy and economical way to get rid of the condition.Let’s take a closer look at the best shampoos for itching.
Alerana
In addition to its therapeutic properties, Alerana is excellent for nourishing and repairing the structure of the hair.
Action:
- Eliminates dandruff.
- Prevents the growth of bacteria.
- Removes peeling of the skin.
- Promotes growth.
How to use: Apply a small amount to damp hair, massage intensely into the skin and leave for at least 3 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Nizoral
Applying shampoo Nizoral on a permanent basis, you can cure many skin diseases that arise from fungi.
Nizoral is used in treatment and prevention:
- Pseudomonas disease;
- Dandruff;
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
Sulsena
Sulcena is the best remedy for dandruff. It promotes improvement of scalp cells, giving hair a healthy and neat appearance. It restores the function of sebaceous glands of the scalp, prevents the occurrence of dandruff and unpleasant itching, eliminates exogenous toxins that destroy the root apparatus of the hair. It improves the important activity of hair follicles, increases hair tone and prevents destructive processes.
Sebozol
A powerful antifungal medicine, which has activity in the treatment of fungal skin diseases. Effectively destroys dermatophytes, staphylococci and streptococci, cleanses the scalp of affected cells.
Soothing Mask
A mask is an excellent way to soothe an itchy scalp. They’re easy to prepare and just as easy to apply.
Egg mask
A lot of recipes using eggs will surely help you forget about seborrhea forever. Combining eggs with other products not only promotes a renewed scalp, but also strengthens the texture of your hair.
One recipe: Separate egg yolks from the whites and beat both elements well. First the egg yolk is rubbed into the scalp. After 5 minutes, the yolks come next. The mixture has to be dried and then washed out with warm water.
Kefir
Kefir, approx. half a glass, at room temperature, is applied to the unwashed skin. Massage the product gently into the skin and cover your strands with plastic wrap. Keep it on for about an hour or an hour and a half and rinse off. The mixture should be dried and then washed off with warm water. Not only does it fight the condition, but it also helps to improve the structure of the hair.
Oil
Essential oils in hair care are used to fight dryness and dehydration of hair and skin, as well as to kill inflammation.
Recipe and use: Mix 10 ml. of olive oil, 5 drops of tea tree oil and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil. Massage the mixture onto your scalp and massage it in gently. Rinse out thoroughly after an hour.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an excellent way to get rid of various ailments using natural and artificial factors.
Electrophoresis
A method of treatment based on the presence of current and the resultant injection of an electrically-charged substance through the skin or mucous membrane. Compared to dermal applications in the form of masks, serum, etc., the action of electric current provides the necessary substances for deeper penetration into the tissue.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is extensively used in dermatology to treat the scalp and restore healthy hair.
Action:
- The cells are filled with active forms of oxygen;
- The flow of nutrients to the bulb is increased;
- The hair begins to receive more oxygen, vitamins and trace elements, which allows it to strengthen and naturally improve its appearance;
- All metabolic processes are accelerated, restoring quality blood circulation for a long time.
D’Arsonval
Thanks to the principle of alternating pulses of high frequency currents D’Arsonvalisation is considered a therapeutic method that enhances and improves the condition of the scalp and hair follicles.
Vitamins for the scalp
Lack of vitamins often causes the hair to become brittle and brittle. Vitamins strengthen the hair, help eliminate the problem of avitaminosis and improve the condition of the skin and hair.
Vitamins that will improve your scalp:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine).
- Vitamin B3, B6.
- Provitamin B5.
- Biotin.
- Vitamins A,E,C,F.
Choose products that contain these vitamins, such as Revalid tablets. With their help you can restore the condition of your skin and also recharge your vitamins in general.
Prevention of itching
It is very important to do periodic preventive care:
- Do masks at least once a month.
- Rinse out your hair with a vinegar or baking soda solution.
- Use a good quality shampoo.
- Use a special shampoo for the first symptoms.
- Take vitamins.
All this will help you prevent a recurrence of the disease.
How to get rid of an itchy scalp: tips from the experts
Use a therapeutic shampoo designed to fight dry or oily dandruff;
reconsider your diet.
Strengthen your immune system, get plenty of rest and recharge your batteries with positive emotions;
Use mild shampoos with hyaluronic acid or natural oils. After washing, moisturise your skin with a glycerine or aloe tonic. Massage your head at least once a week.
The most common causes of an itchy scalp include: poor hair care and cosmetics, stress, poor diet, scalp muscle tension, parasites, weather, hormonal changes, atheromas, viruses and fungal infections.
