Other causes of itchy scalp
In neurodermatitis, the structure of the skin is disturbed from birth on, which results in a defect of the skin barrier from the beginning. Children are particularly affected. Foreign substances can penetrate the skin and lead to an inflammatory reaction with antibody formation.
The skin is therefore very sensitive and quickly flakes off. The children experience severe itching. Scratching additionally damages the skin barrier and makes it more susceptible to possible allergens, which further intensifies the symptoms.
Another genetic cause of scalp itching is psoriasis. Typical for this disease are circular, reddish skin irritations that cause severe dandruff. The severe scaling is due to a defect in the skin renewal process, which happens much too fast in the affected persons.
A seborrhoeic eczema (Morbus Unna), on the other hand, is a skin rash that occurs almost exclusively on the face and scalp. Usually infants younger than 3 months are affected. In their case, eczema is often mistakenly confused with milk crust.
A second peak of the disease occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Those affected suffer from a yellowish scaly skin rash, which is mainly found on the scalp and in the skin areas around the nose, chin, eyebrows and ears. Often accompanied by severe itching of the affected areas.
The cause is still not completely understood. It has been found that the majority of people are genetically predisposed, but only a fraction of them fall ill. It is believed that the condition of the immune and central nervous systems play an important role, as the disease often occurs in AIDS and Parkinson’s patients, especially in adulthood.
A connection with the excessive proliferation of the otherwise harmless yeast fungus Malassezia furfur, which has no disease value in healthy people, is also discussed. Oily skin creams are not suitable for treatment, as they visibly worsen the symptoms. More suitable are externally applied immune modulators like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus as well as the short-term application of creams containing cortisone.However, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and extensive consultation.
Probably the best known parasites that can infest the scalp are head lice. These are mainly found in children who are in small groups, as is the case in kindergartens and schools. Statistically, it is the most common parasitic infection in childhood.
They are transmitted through close head contact between a sick person and a healthy person. Infections via contaminated combs, caps or pillows are very rare, as the lice would only survive for a very short time outside the head. The infestation does not depend on the personal hygiene of the child, nor on how often the child washes its hair.
The lice feed on human blood, which they obtain by scratching the scalp. The injected saliva of the louse prevents the blood from clotting, so it can absorb more blood during a blood meal. The infected person’s body reacts with an inflammatory reaction to the foreign lice saliva and reacts with severe itching.
The parasites prefer places with dense hair, such as the temples, the neck and behind the ears, as these are the best places to lay their eggs. With longer affection, above all also these places stand out through bloody scratch marks. The parasitic scalp infestation is usually diagnosed by chance, when a louse is noticed while combing the scalp or during a closer inspection of a child, which often scratches itself.
Also the searching of the hairline for eggs can be a good idea. The best way to do this is to use a so-called nits comb, with which the eggs or empty egg shells of already hatched lice can be fought out of the wet hair. When wet combing out, lice can get caught in the comb and can be seen when the comb is spread out on a white cloth.
The treatment consists of applying a local substance, usually in the form of a shampoo, which kills the lice. This may have to be repeated several times. On the other hand, the hair should be combed out with the nit comb after washing to remove eggs and lice.
Another parasite that can cause itching of the scalp is the mite. Often a skin rash with reddish elevations of the skin appears, which is usually not limited to the scalp. The itching typically occurs more frequently during the night.
The mites are also transmitted through close physical contact. Psychogenic complaints such as stress can lead to itching of the scalp, although no other tangible cause can be found. It is assumed that the itching is caused by sensory disturbances of the skin.
The psychological and/or physical stress leads to a reflex tension of the scalp. The affected persons perceive this from a slight tingling to a strong burning sensation. This is often accompanied by headaches and hair loss.
The best therapy is to learn relaxation exercises so that muscle tensions are released. Muscle-relaxing substances can provide short-term relief, but in the long term they can contribute to a relaxed posture by reducing the symptoms. The treatment of itchy scalp depends on the cause of the symptoms.
For any itching of the scalp, it is best not to give in to it. The symptoms can become immensely worse if the skin is injured by scratching. In addition, the healing process of the already damaged and irritated skin is prolonged.
Salt water provides relief of the itching. Subsequently, positive effects were achieved by applying St. John’s wort oil or evening primrose seed oil. Perfumed shampoos should not be used, as they can cause and aggravate the skin irritations.
