What Causes an Itchy Scalp? 9 Common Reasons
If you suffer from an itchy scalp you will know that it can cause a lot of discomfort.
These are some of the different causes:
Dandruff - This condition appears when the skin is dry and itchy with visible flakes on your hair and clothing. Tea Tree Oil has been used to care for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. This oil may also help support scalp care for dandruff-prone skin.
As Tea Tree Oil may irritate sensitive skin, it is best to dilute it by adding a few drops of a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.
Reaction to a hair care product - Yet another reason for an itchy, dry and flaky scalp. It may be as simple as making sure you rinse your hair really well after shampooing or you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis. This is common among people who dye their hair with the ingredient in the dye (called para-phenylenediamine or PPD) often being the culprit. Another reason could be having an allergy to a particular shampoo, conditioner or other product that touches your scalp. You may notice improvement after stopping using the product.
Hives - These are red, raised, and very itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. They may well come back again and if they do come and go for longer than 6 weeks, they’re called chronic (long-lasting) hives. Support for hives can include natural care options or medication. There are also various triggers for this skin condition.
Head lice - An itchy scalp is the most common symptom of head lice. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs. Find out more about the sign, symptoms and care options for head lice. Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms & Care | Healing Natural Oils (amoils.com)
Scabies - This is caused by a tiny bug called the human itch mite. If these mites burrow into your scalp, your scalp can become quite itchy which is the most common symptom of scabies, and it can be so intense that it keeps you awake at night. Care for scabies often includes medication which has to be applied extensively over the body. It is also possible to support the skin condition in a more natural way.
Scalp ringworm - Ringworm isn’t caused by worms but is an infection caused by a fungus. If you get ringworm on your scalp, you’ll likely have a red and intensely itchy rash. For support, you need an accurate diagnosis and care plan for ringworm. Scalp ringworm usually requires prescription medication, so you’ll need to see a doctor or dermatologist.
Scalp psoriasis - About 50% of the people who have plaque psoriasis experience a flare-up on the scalp at some point. On the scalp, you may have reddish patches, dandruff-like flaking, silvery-white scale, and a dry scalp. Scalp psoriasis is often itchy, with the itch ranging from mild to intense. Find out more about this skin condition here. Scalp psoriasis can extend beyond the scalp to the back of the neck or behind the ears.
You can support psoriasis-prone skin with our specially formulated H-Psoriasis Formula which is made for symptoms associated with psoriasis including the most common - Plaque psoriasis - with raised red patches and build-up of dead skin or scales known as plaques and usually appearing on the knees, elbows and scalp with itchy and painful symptoms that can crack and bleed. A natural product can be a gentler option to use, helping to support and care for the skin.
Atopic dermatitis - If you have a type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis (AD), it can develop on your scalp. When this happens, you can have redness and scale on your scalp with some sufferers even feeling a burning sensation as well as itchiness. One way to care for eczema-prone skin is with H-Eczema Formula which helps support the appearance and comfort of eczema-prone skin. The Formula is made for signs associated with eczema such as itching and dryness, while helping to re-moisturize the skin.
Nerve issue - An intensely itchy scalp without signs of a rash or another skin reaction can be a sign of a nerve issue or neuropathy where there is a problem along a nerve due to damage, disease or an abnormality in the way the nerve works. Diseases that can affect your nerves include shingles and diabetes. Scarring can also damage nerves. If you have hair loss that has caused scars that run deep, those scars could have damaged your nerves, leading to itching. If there is scarring on the scalp due to hair loss, this can cause an intensely itchy scalp. Obviously, it is important to get to the root cause of any nerve problem and finding a solution by seeking medical advice.
SOURCES:
- 5 best uses of coconut oil for hair. (n.d.)
draxe.com/coconut-oil-for-hair/. (Accessed, August 8, 2021). - Do you have an itchy scalp? 5 common problems and fixes. (2016, April 13)
health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/04/itchy-scalp-5-common-problems-and-fixes/. (Accessed, August 8, 2021). - FAQ: Does stress cause dandruff? (n.d.)
headandshoulders.com/en-us/about/faq/does-stress-cause-dandruff. (Accessed, August 8, 2021). - Itchy, dry & sensitive scalp. (n.d.)
headandshoulders.com/en-us/healthy-hair-and-scalp/itchy-dry-sensitive-scalp/itchy-dry-and-sensitive-scalp. (Accessed, August 8, 2021).