Itchy scalp: causes, remedies and advice

Itchy scalp is a common and annoying problem that is difficult to manage. Irritation can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as dermatitis, dandruff, or allergic reactions, which lead to uncontrolled scratching of the skin. Fortunately, there are several remedies to calm the skin and stop scratching while relieving itchy scalp.

Causes of itchy scalp

Itching on the head can be caused by several factors, both internal and external.

Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition caused by an excessive proliferation of the fungus Malassezia Furfur, naturally present on the skin, to which the skin reacts with redness, flaking and intense itching.

Dandruff makes the scalp very sensitive and is the main responsible for the itching. It is characterized by white flakes of dead skin resulting from the natural desquamation of epidermal cells.

The use of shampoos and other products with overly aggressive formulas, such as dyes colors or bleaches, can cause itching, redness and allergic reactions.

Excessive sebum production can lead to an oily scalp, which is often the cause of itching.

Other common causes can be food allergies, allergies to certain drugs, lice or autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis.

Itching head and hair loss

Itching of the scalp may be accompanied by hair loss, further aggravating the discomfort. This can be due to inflammatory conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, which damages hair follicles, leading to hair loss; frequent scratching can also cause damage to the follicles, weakening the hair and causing it to fall out.

Stress not only causes itching, but can also trigger hair loss. Anxiety and high stress can reduce the supply of essential nutrients to hair follicles, and cause inflammation, thus contributing to hair loss.

Itchy scalp remedies and tips

To treat itchy scalp, it is important to wash the hair regularly and use products with gentle formulas that do not attack the scalp. Treating your hair gently when washing and drying is also important to prevent scalp discomfort. If you have oily and itchy hair, it is essential to use specific products to reduce excess sebum and keep the scalp clean.

Natural oils such as coconut or tea tree oil can also relieve itching.

It is important to avoid scratching as much as possible so as not to create lesions that can become infected, but if the itching persists and is severe, it is a good idea to consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

By following these tips, you can relieve itchy scalp, prevent hair loss and maintain a healthy, clean skin.