Treating Your Itchy Scalp

When it comes to treating your itchy scalp, you may first want to understand the cause of why you’re suffering from an itchy scalp.  Finding the exact cause of your itchy scalp is important as this will help with the treatment.

The most common cause of an itchy scalp is dandfuff, scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, ring worm of the scalp, head lice infestation, lichen planus, tinea amiantacea, hair follicle inflammation, neurogenic excoriation and pyogenic infection of the scalp.  Therefore, it’s important to get the correct diagnosis of the condition before you can effectively start treating your itchy scalp and also get rid of the itchy scalp problem.

Dry Scalp Causing Itchy Scalp Problems

One othe most overlooked causes of having a dry itchy scalp is dry scalp.  This can sometimes be caused by harsh shampoos, hair lotions or tinctures which are alcohol based, and frequent washing.  Some people may also find themselves more effected by a dry itchy scalp in the Winter months.

Dandruff and Itchy Scalp

Having mild dandruff may not be much of a cause  for having an itchy scalp, but if you’ve got a yeast infection, this may cause you to have mild to moderate form of dandruff.  Normal dandruff is mostly generalized over the scalp, but when severe, the scaling may even extend to the eyebrows, ear canal, front and back of chest etc.

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Itchy Scalp

Seborrheic Dermatitis will show up as greasy scales throughout the scalp and may even appear reddish.  In very severe cases, red scaly rashes by also be present on the sides of the nose, chest and even back area.  This type of scalp itching can be from moderate to severe.  Seborrheic dermatitis can be considered an inflammatory type of dandruff.

Scalp Psoriasis and Itchy Scalp

Having scalp psoriasis will show up as thick scales throughout the scalp.   When scraping off the scales, you may find some bleeding points, the Auspitz’ sign.  Most suffering from scalp psoriasis may find themselves with an itchy scalp or in some cases, other areas of their body may also be infected.

Contact Dermatitis and Itchy Scalp

Contact Dermatitis can be caused by certain scalp or hair products (such as creams, gels, lotions, shampoos, hair dye’s etc) which can result in severe forms of itchy scalp, resulting in crusting, scaling and even oozing.  If you find you have a history of itchy scalp on using a certain product, then this is normally an indicator of the itching being caused by an allergy.

Head Lice Infestation

For many who are suffering from an itchy scalp, head lice can sometimes be the common cause, especially in young girls and women who tend to tie their wet hair in a knot before it has fully dried.  This creates the perfect environment for lice to flourish.  Severe head lice infestation can also cause secondary bacterial infection, resulting in crusting, oozing and other inflammatory changes to the scalp, forehead and neck. Checking the head for lice or eggs is enough to confirm this infestation of lice.

Ring Worm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)

This type of scalp problem is normally found in young children, and rarely in adults. Scalp ringworm can cause severe itching of the scalp resulting in patchy loss of hair.  Upon closer inspection, the skin shows mild to moderate scaling, with crusting and even oozing.  Inflammatory reaction of the tinea capitis can result in swelling, known as kerion.

Pityriasis Amiantacea (Tinea Amiantacea)

This is thought to be caused due to the hypersensitivity to a number of scalp diseases, such as scalp psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or even lichen simplex chronicus.  This type of symptom is normally the result of a fungal infection where a thick yellow crusty flaking of the scalp is noticed, along with matted hairs in the affected area.  Scaling seems to be more prominent then itching with Pityriasis Amiantacea.

Lichen Planus and Itchy Scalp

Lichen planus can affect the scalp at any time, and is better known as lichen plano pilaris.  The symptoms associated with this are itching, redness, hair loss and even scarring.

Hair Follicle Inflammation and Itchy Scalp

Hair follicles and inflammation or infection,  are  commonly known as folliculitis can occur on the scalp due to yeast or bacteria infection. Itchy scalp, along with painful and infected bumps are the main features of having scalp folliculitis.

Neurogenic Excoriation and Itchy Scalp

Neurogenic excoriation or lichen simplex is yet another cause for itchy scalp and is more related to stress and anxiety. Habitual scratching leads to thickening and hair loss to a localized area of the scalp, usually on the sides.

Pyogenic Infection of Scalp and Itchy Scalp

Bacterial infection of the scalp is a common affliction in malnourished children. Itchy, flaky crusts with yellowish discharge mat the hairs together in pyogenic infection of the scalp.

Treating your itchy scalp can be a easy process if you have the right information and tools at your disposal. Check out the natural treatment below that offers a simple, yet effective solution on treating your itchy scalp.