Why Do You Have an Itchy Scalp? Causes & Solutions Explained

Discover the causes, symptoms and treatment for itchy scalp with our experts’ guide with tips and tricks to help you eliminate itching

Scalp pruritus is a common problem encountered in dermatology clinics. This disorder is caused by various underlying diseases and can sometimes pose a diagnostic challenge. Scalp pruritus may be localized to the scalp or extended to other body areas. It is sometimes not only associated with skin diseases or specific skin changes, but also associated with lesions secondary to rubbing or scratching. Moreover, scalp pruritus may be difficult to diagnose and manage and may have a great impact on the quality of life of patients. It can be classified as dermatologic, neuropathic, systemic, and psychogenic scalp pruritus based on the potential underlying disease.

A thorough evaluation of patients presenting with scalp pruritus is important. Common causes of scalp itching include scalp conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, scarring alopecia, head lice, fungal infections, and contact dermatitis. Dandruff and Flaky scalp are most common causes of itchy scalp and very common among a lot of people. Taking history and performing physical examination and further investigations are essential for diagnosis. Therapeutic strategy comprises removal of the aggravating factors and appropriate treatment of the underlying condition. All treatments should be performed considering an individual approach.

Treating itchy scalp is not big a task but taking the right measures is extremely important. Understanding the causes of itchy scalp can help to keep your scalp fit and hygienic.

What causes an itchy scalp?

Symptoms of an itchy scalp

How to treat scalp itch?

Knowing the cause of itchy scalp is important to manage it. Itchy scalp is often caused by dandruff. The high number of Malassezia species on the scalp is believed to be the cause of itching in dandruff by increasing interleukin- 8 production level. Moreover, the organisms contain lipase, which hydrolyzes human sebum triglycerides into free fatty acids resulting in scalp irritation and inflammation. The scalp gets irritated which leads to itching as the skin sheds its outer layer in a bid to relieve the irritation. Dryness and lack of moisture on scalp also makes it flaky. Having a layer of dead skin on the scalp causes irritability and an urge to scratch the head leading to increased. Itchy scalp can also be caused by the presence of head lice, fungal and bacterial infections. A proper history and clinical examination of scalp and hair is important to find the cause of scalp itching. Dandruff, on the other hand is also affected by other factors like air pollutants, chemicals and hair styling products, and excess heat.

To know more about the causes of itchy scalp, click on these links -

• More about what causes dandruff
• Itchy head – is it dandruff?

Itchy scalp shows a lot of symptoms. One of the main symptoms of itchy scalp is dry skin seen around your head. Redness of scalp also gives a clue to existence of itchy scalp. Slight rise in temperature and localised warmth may accompany an itchy scalp. But an important to note that an itchy scalp can be treated at home without always visiting a doctor. Itchy skin due to lice, fungal or bacterial infection needs medical attention.

The best way to treat itchy scalp is to bring a few changes to your lifestyle. You can treat your scalp itching at home with lot of options which includes lot of remedies and hair masks for itchy scalp.

1. Use Neem to treat scalp itch

It is found to be the best ingredient to deal with itchy scalp. Consuming neem or using it as oil or hair mask with curd can giving you positive results while trying to get rid of itchy scalp. It happens to be the ultimate solution for itchy scalp and easily accessible to be used.

2. Lemon is important to treat scalp itch

Pouring little bit of lemon juice on your scalp can help you get rid of itchy scalp. You can also try diluting the lemon juice with water and apply if the problem is lesser serious. It helps to reduce dandruff in your hair and scalp and gives your hair a dandruff-free boost. If you find the whole process of squeezing, mixing and applying tedious then you can simply resort to Head and Shoulders lemon variant. The power of anti-dandruff fused with the goodness of lemon, what could be better than this!

3. Aloe vera is an important ingredient to treat scalp itch

Applying aloe vera gel for 30 minutes and rinsing it off with a mild shampoo can help you get rid of the dandruff present in your hair and scalp. It is said to be the boon to reduce scalp itching and flaking.

4. Vitamins are important to treat scalp itch

Having vitamin-rich food can help you with itchy scalp. Vitamin defeciency can cause your hair to become prone to dandruff and scalp to become itchy. To stay clear of it, it is always better to consume vitamin-rich healthy food.

5. Moisture can help you treat scalp itch

Drink plenty of water and keep your hair and scalp hydrated. Dehydration can cause your hair to become dry and dandruff-prone.

6. Massage your scalp to treat scalp itch

Massage your hair properly to evenly distribute the essential hair oil present in the scalp to protect your hair from drying.

7. Consuming less sugar can help you treat scalp itch

Consuming too much sugar can cause flaky scalp which again leads to dandruff and to our bigger problem of itchy scalp. It also damages your scalp and hair which affects hair growth.

8. Smoking and consumption of alcohol

Consumption of alcohol and smoking can r the educe response to treatment. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption can act as a positive measure for your hair care. It reduces the zinc content in your body and also dehydrates you which has a negative impact on your hair growth and causes damage to hair and scalp.

9. Meditation can be useful to treat itchy scalp

As meditation helps you reduce stress and anxiety, it also proven to be effective for treating itchy scalp that may have caused due to stress or anxiety.

10. Use the right products to treat itchy scalp

Using correct products like anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner are proven to be the best remedy for dandruff. Head and Shoulders provides you with a wide-range of anti-dandruff shampoo that can be a promising solution for your hair. Some of the products are mentioned below with the effects. A good shampoo for itchy scalp - Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo is an ultimate dandruff remedy.

Understanding the root cause of the itchy scalp and to treat it accordingly is quite important. Concluding the right problem and causes can help you fasten the process of getting rid of the flaky and itchy scalp. To take right measures and use the right products can be a good-to-go initial solution for your hair. Being patient and figuring out the main cause - right products, diet, lifestyle can help you the best with itchy scalp. With Head and Shoulders, don't forget to shine brighter with your gorgeous dandruff-free hair!

More Tips And Advice On Itchy Scalp:

• Itchy scalp in summer – what causes it?
• Itchy patches on your scalp – could it be dandruff
• Can diet help to reduce itchy scalp?