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related to: what is the meaning of scalp itch causes and treatments over the counterReasons Your Scalp Is So Itchy And What To Do About Them. Tips and Tricks for your itch relief.
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- Reactions to a hair product. You could have an itchy scalp because you’re having a bad reaction to something you’re putting in your hair, like dye. Contact dermatitis is a rash that happens when your skin comes into contact with something that irritates it or that you’re allergic to.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. The most common cause of an itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes dandruff. It’s your body’s inflammatory response to an overgrowth of yeast.
- Hives. If you’ve ever broken out in hives — say, on your face, chest or arms — you know how itchy and unpleasant they can be. They can occur on your scalp, too.
- Psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on your scalp. These are called plaques. Advertisement.
- Dandruff. If your scalp is dry and itchy and you see flakes on your hair or clothing, you may have dandruff. How to get relief: If you have dandruff, using a dandruff shampoo and scalp treatments can help.
- Reaction to a hair care product. An itchy, dry, and flaky scalp could be telling you that you need to do a better job of rinsing the shampoo from your hair.
- Hives. These are red, raised, and very itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to come and go within a few hours.
- Head lice. An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs.
- Overview
- What causes an itchy scalp?
- What are the symptoms of an itchy scalp?
- When should you seek medical help?
- How’s an itchy scalp treated?
- How can I prevent an itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp is a common problem causing frequent scratching. Although it doesn’t typically indicate anything severe, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition like head lice or an allergy.
Sometimes, an itchy scalp (scalp pruritus) is accompanied by visible signs, such as scabbed or flaking skin. Other times, your scalp can itch without any skin changes.
Dandruff
The most common cause of an itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, better known as dandruff. In infants, the condition is called cradle cap or crib cap. This type of dermatitis often occurs in areas of sebaceous or oil-secreting glands, including the scalp and face. If the glands become inflamed, you can experience: •itching •flaking •reddened skin •yellow or white scales While doctors don’t know the exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis, some potential causes include: •a yeast overgrowth on the skin •seasonal changes •hormonal fluctuations or stress
Other causes
Scalp itchiness may simply be the result of a sensitive scalp. However, it can also indicate an underlying medical condition. Potential causes of an itchy scalp include: •diabetes •shingles (herpes zoster) •allergic reactions to medications •an anxiety disorder •contact dermatitis, or irritation due to something your scalp came in contact with, such as a new shampoo •discoid lupus •head lice •hot comb hair loss, due to frequent heat styling •migraine headaches •scalp psoriasis •scarring alopecia •ringworm, or tinea capitis
An itchy scalp can feel tingly or painful. Scratching or itching your scalp may help you feel better, or it could cause pain.
Symptoms that can accompany scalp itching include:
•bald patches
•dry skin
•irritated skin
•low-grade fever
If the itchiness doesn’t go away in a few days and is accompanied by hair loss, pain, sores, or intense itching, see your doctor.
An itchy scalp due to a fungal infection, lice, and some other conditions won’t go away without medical treatment.
Treatment for your itchy scalp depends on its cause. For example, dandruff is treated through frequent hair washing with special topical agents. Each scalp medication works in a unique way, such as reducing oil on the scalp or killing fungus.
Some medications that might be used to treat dandruff include:
•antifungal creams
•keratolytics, such as salicylic acid or coal tar
•pyrithione zinc
•topical steroids
Reduce your risk for an itchy scalp by washing your hair regularly to remove built-up oils. Wash your hair in warm — but not excessively hot — water to avoid irritating and drying out the scalp.
To reduce allergic reactions, try to avoid using products that contain:
•dyes
•fragrances
Avoid physical contact with people with head lice to prevent spreading lice. This includes refraining from sharing:
•combs
- Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA
The best treatment for an itchy scalp depends on the cause: Seborrheic dermatitis: Antifungal shampoos and anti-inflammatory medications can ease symptoms. Allergies and dermatitis: A person can ...
- Jaime Osnato
- You Have Dandruff. If your itchy scalp is accompanied by snowy white flecks flaking onto your shoulders, you're probably dealing with dandruff. "Dandruff, also known medically as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition that affects up to half the adult population and involves an itchy, flaky and scaly scalp," Dr. Chang says.
- It's an Allergic Reaction. An itchy scalp can indicate an allergic reaction to something like a hair product. "Allergic contact dermatitis can affect any part of the skin, including the scalp," Dr. Chang says.
- You've Got Hives. If your scalp is covered in red, itchy welts, you may have hives. Advertisement. "Hives, also known as urticaria, are pale red and white swollen bumps that appear suddenly on the skin and can be caused by allergic reactions to a wide variety of triggers, including foods, medications, stings, pressure, heat and even stress," Dr. Chang says.
- You Have Lice. Creepy crawlies like lice (also known as Pediculus humanus capitis) could be the culprit behind your itchy scalp. Usually spread by direct contact with another infected person, head lice are insects that feed on human blood and live on the human scalp, Dr. Chang says.
Jan 27, 2023 · 5. Hives. What it looks and feels like: Red, itchy spots where the skin is raised. What causes it: It’s usually linked to an allergic reaction to something, like your shampoo or a product you ...
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Feb 7, 2019 · Seborrhoeic dermatitis causes an itchy and sore rash on the scalp. The rash is usually red in colour, but can also appear as white scales. The scales have a tendency to flake off, so many people assume it is just dandruff. The exact cause of this condition is unclear but it is thought to be due to an overgrowth of a common yeast skin organism.
