Itchy scalp is very unpleasant for those affected. The reasons for this can be many and depending on the cause, it is a temporary or chronic phenomenon.
What is itchy scalp?
An itchy scalp is one of extremely annoying symptoms. It affects the quality of life and causes concern for many sufferers. An itchy scalp is among extremely bothersome symptoms. It affects the quality of life and causes concern for many sufferers. The cause is not always found quickly, but sometimes numerous possible reasons have to be ruled out until the true cause can be identified. If it is only a brief occurrence, a trip to the pharmacy is usually sufficient. However, if it is a persistent symptom, a clarification with a doctor is necessary. He or she can find out what is behind it through numerous examinations and tests. Rarely hides a more serious disease behind the itchy scalp, which must be treated intensively over a long period of time.
Causes
Among the causes of an itchy scalp are psychological problems and allergies to certain foods or preservatives. They can cause this bothersome symptom. Even mechanical irritation can cause irritation. More likely, however, is a dry scalp, which can be caused, for example, by the wrong shampoo or an overdose of hairspray. Frequent washing as well as constant use of anti-dandruff shampoos can also lead to dry skin on the head and thus an itchy scalp. The resulting flakes of skin then indicate dehydration and are not conventional dandruff at all. Another possibility for the development of an itchy scalp are fungal diseases or a skin disease such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis. Children in particular complain about lice, although adults can also be affected. Sporadically, the itchy scalp is due to an excess of histamine, which is increased by certain foods such as red wine or ripe cheese enters the body.
Diseases with this symptom
- Allergy
- Lice infestation
- Neurodermatitis
- Cradle cap
- Psoriasis
- Histamine intolerance
Diagnosis and course
In what the itchy scalp is based, can be partially identified by the affected person himself or a doctor clarifies the symptom. Especially in the case of persistent itching, medical advice should be sought. The first step is for the doctor to take a look at the scalp to examine the skin. Lice, for example, can be detected very well under a magnifying glass. Rashes and eczema can also be determined by visual diagnosis. In some cases, the physician will notice additional accompanying symptoms, including hair loss. An allergy test can also be helpful, as can a questioning of the eating habits of the person affected. If no physical cause is found, possible psychological factors are clarified. For example, there may be a hidden depression that has manifested itself in an itchy scalp. Correct diagnosis is important, otherwise the symptom may intensify and spread to other areas of the body. In addition, scratched up areas can lead to inflammation as well as infectious diseases.
Complications
An itchy scalp has various causes and complications have such as frequent washing. As a complication results exactly the opposite, desired effect namely a drying of the scalp, which can be accompanied by flaking. Another cause could be psoriasis on the head. Complications mainly concern the psychological nature, since the heavily scaling skin areas can be a great burden for the affected person. Furthermore, the area is more susceptible to superinfections, i.e. an additional infection with a pathogen. Thus, bacterial or fungal diseases develop more easily. Fungal diseases can also be the root cause of an itchy scalp. Normally, a fungal disease on the head heals without any complications. The disease itself is also characterized mainly by hair loss in the affected area and usually a scar develops.If the fungus penetrates deep into the tissue, it can also damage surrounding tissue and bones, but this happens only in the rarest cases. Lice are also a typical reason for a constantly itchy scalp. Superinfections with bacteria such as staphylococci also occur here as a possible complication. In addition, social exclusion and a development of a sense of shame usually occur with head lice, and the affected person usually isolates himself from the social environment. This may also be accompanied by sleep disturbances.
When should one go to the doctor?
Itchy scalp indicates a skin disease or lice infestation and should therefore be clarified immediately by a doctor. A visit to the doctor is particularly recommended if the symptoms occur quite suddenly and the itching increases sharply within a short time. If the cause of the itchy scalp is not clear beyond doubt, medical advice should be sought in any case. This also applies if the itching occurs after washing the hair or using an unknown care product. If an allergic reaction or intolerance is suspected, the family doctor can recommend suitable countermeasures. If there is a conspicuous reddening of the skin, pustules or other changes in the scalp, it is possible that neurodermatitis requires treatment. If the symptoms spread to other areas of the body, a sensory disorder may be present. Here, too, the rule is: consult a doctor as soon as possible and have the symptoms clarified. Those who generally suffer from a dry scalp should seek medical advice as soon as the complaints affect their well-being. Patients with a diagnosed skin disease should discuss deviating symptoms with the treating family doctor or dermatologist to avoid a severe course and further complications.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of an itchy scalp can aim to combat the cause and/or minimize the itching. Exactly how it is designed depends, of course, on the reason for the symptom. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo or advise a change in diet. There are tinctures for eczema just as there are for lice. If the itchy scalp is caused by a serious underlying disease such as AIDS or Parkinson’s disease, this can also be treated with immunological agents. Anyone suffering from psoriasis or psoriasis is dependent on long-term treatment. This is the only way to prevent the scalp from becoming chronically scabbed over and renewing itself only sluggishly. Targeted medication is used to combat the causes, and antihistamines and cortisone are often given to alleviate the symptom. Occasionally, however, treatment for this cause is very difficult because the cause cannot always be adequately addressed. If the itchy scalp is due to an allergy to certain chemical ingredients in some cosmetics, these can be avoided or the doctor can start a desensitization treatment. Whether this is advisable for the affected person should be thoroughly clarified in advance by the medical professional. If trichodynia is the cause, i.e. insensitivity of the scalp due to anxiety or depression, a visit to a psychotherapist for talk therapy may be helpful. This is occasionally accompanied with homeopathics or naturopathic therapies to soothe the itchy scalp.
Outlook and prognosis
An itchy scalp is a common condition. The further course of the disease and the prognosis depend on the causes. If the problem is due to too frequent washing of the hair or the use of a too aggressive detergent, a change in these habits is usually sufficient to resolve the disorder within a short time. In children, parasites, especially head lice, are often the cause of itching. After killing the parasites and removing the eggs (nits) with the help of special shampoos and special combs, the condition quickly subsides. Patients with very thick hair often have to temporarily wear a short hairstyle in cases of severe infestation, otherwise the parasites cannot be completely removed. Rasta braids must be unbraided in any case for the same reason. If an allergy is the trigger for the itchy scalp, the irritant must be found and avoided in the future. In the case of food intolerance, an adjustment of dietary habits is usually unavoidable.However, the symptoms subside quickly afterwards. Skin fungi or eczema can be successfully treated with special preparations that not only relieve the itching but also combat the causes. In contrast, patients whose scalp itching is caused by psoriasis must be prepared for a protracted course of the disease. The symptoms are usually treated with cortisone and antihistamines. The itching then often subsides quickly, but it can take weeks for the affected scalp to recover completely.
Prevention
Preventing an itchy scalp is not easy, as the reasons for it can be so varied. However, the risk on it can be minimized, for example, by using the appropriate hair care that is appropriate for the type. In case of existing allergies, the respective allergens should be avoided. From lice as a cause, on the other hand, can not be protected. They jump to the scalp hair, regardless of whether daily showering is carried out or not.
This is what you can do yourself
An itchy scalp can be ideally treated with home remedies. Worth mentioning here is peppermint. In pure, essential form or as a tea, it works against an itchy scalp. The tea contains the same essential oil. It soothes the skin and stops itching. In addition, it is antiseptic. Thus, the inflammation of the irritated scalp can be treated as well. Furthermore, rosemary is suitable to counteract an itchy scalp. Rosemary has an essential oil that soothes as well as equalizes the scalp. In addition, rosemary cares for cracked skin. Furthermore, shea butter helps with itchy scalp. It is known not only for its nourishing effect, but equally for the relief of skin irritation. Shea butter ensures that formed pimples heal quickly. Another option for treating itchy scalp is coconut oil. The oil not only moisturizes, but also nourishes the hair. The same effect can be achieved with lavender oil. The oil soothes the itching of the scalp and heals minor wounds. Furthermore, the oil contributes to cell renewal. It is also worth mentioning cypress oil. If the itchy scalp is based on high sebum production, the oil is ideal for treatment. It counteracts oily skin as well as dandruff. In addition, an itchy scalp can be treated with bergamot oil.
