Many people experience an itchy scalp at some point during their lifetime. Often an itchy and irritated scalp is accompanied by thinning hair and hair loss for men and women, suggesting that there may be a link between the two conditions.
Symptoms and Causes Of An Itchy Scalp?
An itchy or irritated scalp can be more than just a minor annoyance. It can cause your scalp to feel tingly or painful, and while scratching may provide some momentary relief, it can also worsen the condition and the pain. Scratching and itching can exacerbate the situation leading to dry skin, redness, and patches of scaliness on the scalp. If the condition is left untreated, small sores may develop on the scalp, damaging the hair follicles and interfering with the hair's natural growth cycle.
One of the most common causes of an itchy scalp is a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, more commonly known as dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis typically occurs in areas with sebaceous or oil-secreting glands, including the scalp and face, and is caused by these glands becoming overactive. When the sebaceous glands become inflamed, you can experience itching, flaking, reddened skin, and yellow or white scales.
Some research suggests that a yeast infection of the scalp and hair follicles is the cause of dandruff. In addition to causing inflammation and an itchy scalp, yeast is known to weaken the hair root and possibly lead to hair loss. While hair loss from dandruff is rare, it may occur if the condition is severe and is left untreated for an extended period.
An itchy scalp can be caused by various things, including medical conditions, fungal infections, allergic reactions to hair products, and even seasonal weather changes. In some instances, an itchy scalp can lead to inflamed and damaged hair follicles and cause scar tissue to form on the scalp. Scar tissue can damage the skin's nerve fibers and cause severe itching, while also contributing to hair loss in the affected areas.
The Link Between An Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss
When a person scratches their scalp repeatedly or aggressively, they can damage their scalp and hair follicles and cause their hair to break. Excessive scratching can cause bleeding, scabbing, and temporary hair loss with hair usually growing back when the affected area of the scalp heals. In some cases, scratching an itchy scalp can permanently damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss, but the hair loss's primary cause is not the itchiness.
Let New Image Help Find a Solution
While an itchy scalp may not mean your hair is thinning, it can lead to thinning hair and even permanent hair loss if the situation is allowed to persist. The treatments for an itchy scalp vary depending on the cause of the condition.
Some skin conditions that cause itchiness require medical intervention such as oral or topical antifungals to combat yeast infections or immunotherapy medication to regulate the immune system's functions. Other situations are not as severe, and the solution may involve a change in hair products, grooming habits, or nutrition.
The first step in finding a solution is to recognize and determine the cause of the condition promptly. At New Image, we are experts in all areas of scalp and hair health. Our team of professionals can help you determine the cause of your itchy scalp, and develop a customized solution for men and women to effectively treat the condition, limit any hair loss, and help you with your hair. If an itchy scalp is an issue you are dealing with, and you are concerned about thinning hair and hair loss, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.