In medical terms, an itchy scalp is called pruritus of the scalp. A number of reasons might bring it on, and it can also be a sign of something more serious in the body.
Sometimes hair loss, flakiness, scaliness, and lumps appear alongside itching. Excessive scratching or a disease that weakens the hair follicles in the scalp can also lead to hair loss. When the underlying problem of the scalp is addressed, hair typically begins to grow again.
Many people also suffer from hair loss and itchy scalp, which raises the possibility that the two conditions are linked.
Hair loss and itchy scalp are both discussed in this article, along with their potential causes and solutions.
Where’s the Connection?
Hair loss and itchy scalp can occur separately, although there may be a connection between the two in some cases.
Hair follicle inflammation, fungal infections, and allergic reactions are all potential causes of scalp itching and hair loss.
Scar tissue on the scalp can irritate the skin’s nerve fibres and make some people extremely itchy. Itching can be caused by scar tissue that has grown as a result of hair loss.
Damage to the epidermis and hair follicles can result from scratching an itchy scalp frequently or aggressively. Hair loss, minor bleeding, and scabbing are all possible side effects of a severe scratching session. Scratched scalps typically heal once the itching ceases.
However, hair loss can occur in other contexts, such as that caused by heredity or the male or female pattern of hair loss, without any symptoms of an itchy scalp. Scratching the scalp can be harmful, but in many circumstances, the irritation is not the underlying cause of hair loss. Scratching does not affect the likelihood that a person may experience hair loss due to genetic factors.
Hair Loss and Itchy Scalp: What Causes Them
Itchy scalp and hair loss can be caused by a number of different medical illnesses and environmental causes.
Yeast Infection of the Scalp
The itchy, round rash characteristic of ringworm is the result of a fungal infection. Hair loss may occur after a fungal illness such as ringworm.
Hair loss on the scalp is a common symptom of ringworm.
Treatment for ringworm of the scalp can be accomplished with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal treatments, and healthy hair growth will resume.
Reactions in People Who Are Allergic
The itchy, round rash characteristic of ringworm is the result of a fungal infection. Hair loss may occur after a fungal illness such as ringworm.
Hair loss on the scalp is a common symptom of ringworm.
You can cure ringworm of the scalp with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medications, and your hair will grow back afterward.
shampoos
conditioners
colouring products for hair
products for styling hair with gels
mousses for hair
Paraphenylenediamine, a chemical found in many black hair colours, is a typical trigger of allergic responses in the scalp.
Itching is commonly treated with anti-histamines or other anti-allergic drugs. The consumer should cease using the product and look for an alternative if it triggers an allergic response.
Folliculitis
The infection of the hair follicles is known as folliculitis. Typically, bacterial and fungal infections are the root of folliculitis.
Infections frequently cause itching and temporary hair loss.
Antibiotics and antifungal medicines can be used to treat folliculitis and reduce the itching that occurs as a side effect.
To be specific, Lichen Planopilaris
As an inflammatory scalp ailment, lichen planopilaris is a real pain. Experts agree that a compromised immune system is at the root of lichen planopilaris.
This condition can lead to:
itchiness
rough, scale-like skin
Inadequate Hair GrowthAreata Alopecia
Hair loss due to alopecia areata can affect one’s entire scalp or just a small area. The scalp may get itchy as a result.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which hair follicles are wrongly attacked by the body’s immune system.
Alopecia areata is more common in people who have a preexisting autoimmune condition or a family history of autoimmune disease.
The following are some of the most frequently prescribed therapies for various ailments:
immunotherapy
topical and oral antifungal medicines
Steroids
Hereditary hair loss sufferers may get relief from one of the following therapies:
Transplanting Hair
minoxidil
finasteride (Propecia) (Propecia)
Atopic eczema
Redness and itching are hallmarks of atopic dermatitis, a kind of eczema. Atopic dermatitis can not directly cause hair loss, however it might lead to temporary hair loss due to frequent scratching.
Atopic dermatitis can be treated with topical creams and ointments. A medical expert can provide insight into available treatment options.
Psoriasis
With psorias, dry, red patches covered in silvery scales appear on the skin due to an autoimmune disorder. Psoriasis, when present, can cause scaling on the scalp, which can be very irritating.
Scratching the psoriasis scabs on one’s scalp can cause the scabs to break off, which in turn can lead to hair loss.
Patients with psoriasis and their doctors can collaborate on a treatment strategy.
Dandruff
Dandruff is characterised by a dry, itchy scalp. There is constant flaking of skin, and itching only makes it worse.
Although hair loss due to dandruff is possible, it is highly unusual. If dandruff is ignored for a long time and the scalp is scratched too much, hair loss might occur.
Dandruff can be treated with a variety of OTC shampoos, ointments, and lotions. Applying an oil to the scalp before shampooing might help remove dead skin and flakes from the scalp.
Cure Options for Hair Loss and Itchy Scalp
The underlying cause of the itchiness and hair loss will dictate the treatment options available. It’s possible that your physician will suggest…
Steroids are used to reduce inflammation (taken orally, applied topically, or injected)
Prescription drugs that inhibit yeast growth (topically or orally)
Medication used in immunotherapy that can either stimulate or suppress the immune system
Therapies commonly used to address hair loss include:
The effectiveness of minoxidil in reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth (Rogaine)
Finasteride therapy for male-pattern baldness (Propecia)
The procedure of implanting artificial hair follicles
Solutions for Hair Loss and Itchy Scalp You Can Make at Home
All cases of hair loss and itching scalp require medical care. Here are some self-care measures you may do to maintain a healthy scalp and head of hair.
The first rule of eating well is to eat healthily.
Some essential nutrients for healthy hair and scalp are:
iron
zinc
niacin
selenium
Antioxidants A, D, and E
biotin
Protein building blocks called amino acids
protein
However, unless you know you’re deficient, you shouldn’t take these minerals in supplement form. Research published in Dermatology Practical and Conceptual found no convincing evidence that these supplements stop hair loss if your body already has sufficient levels. In addition, taking too many supplements has been linked to hair loss.
Apply shampoos designed for certain hair types.
Dandruff can be treated with a shampoo containing selenium or zinc, which kills yeast.
Try some pure essential oils,
Animal studies suggest that essential oils like rosemary and peppermint help prevent further hair loss and stimulate the growth of new hair, but this has not been confirmed in human trials. When applying an essential oil to the scalp, it is best to first dilute it with a carrier oil.
Try using some rosemary or peppermint oil in a diluted form.
Relax with a soothing head rub
Eplasty reports that massaging the scalp can make hair thicker by either boosting blood flow to the scalp or stimulating hair cells.
Be gentle when caring for hair
To lessen hair loss:
Make sure you don’t scratch too much.
When trying to protect your scalp and hair from damage, avoid wearing your hair in a tight ponytail and exposing them to excessive heat and styling chemicals.
While you try to figure out what’s making your scalp itchy and causing your hair to fall out, wash it with a mild shampoo and let it air dry.
Avoiding Hair Loss Due to an Itchy Scalp
Having an itchy scalp or experiencing hair loss as a result of any of the following conditions warrants a trip to the doctor:
Scratching so bad that it prevents one from sleeping or engaging in daily tasks
symptoms such as flaky scalp, thinning hair, or patches of baldness
Know When to See a Doctor
If a person experiences any of the following, they should seek medical attention:
sudden baldness
hair starts falling out in bunches and bald spots start to emerge.
Severe itching and burning of the scalp, especially in the presence of hair loss.
Before attempting any at-home remedy for hair loss or itchy scalp, people should consult a doctor.
Brief Discussion of Hair Loss and Itchy Scalp
When hair loss and itchy scalp are linked, addressing the irritation usually results in the hair growing back.
Using mild hair products, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and controlling underlying health concerns can help prevent hair loss and itchy scalp, but these things are not always enough.
