Do you find that you have a lot of dandruff falling from your head? Dandruff in and of itself is harmless, but it points to a deeper problem. If your scalp is giving off dandruff, the skin on your head must be unhealthy—and if it’s unhealthy, there’s a decent chance that it’s also red and itchy.
An itchy scalp is no fun, but the good news is there are different ways to address the problem. The first step is figuring out exactly what has caused the problem.
What’s Causing Your Itchy Scalp?
There are a few common causes of scalp itchiness:
Seborrhea. This is a skin condition that can occur almost anywhere on the body, and it’s typically accompanied by redness, itching, and flaking skin. When it occurs on the scalp, it causes dandruff. The happy news is that this condition is treatable, and usually a medicated, over the counter shampoo will do the trick. If that doesn’t work, a prescription-strength shampoo or even a topical steroid may be in order.
Psoriasis. Another skin condition that can cause dandruff, psoriasis is caused by the immune system triggering the growth of too many skin cells. This is something to see a dermatologist about, though there are also some over the counter shampoos that specify psoriasis treatment, and they may be all you need.
Eczema. This skin condition can cause itching and flaking, too, and is most common among babies and kids but can sometimes occur among grownups. If you’re dealing with eczema, it’s important to avoid harsh soaps and scratching. Meanwhile, moisturizing creams and prescription-strength topical steroids can alleviate the problem.
Poor nutrition. In some cases, itchy skin and dandruff aren’t caused by any particular disease, but just by a generally unhealthy lifestyle. Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can be major culprits. A lack of Vitamin D is the most likely culprit here, especially during the winter months when you’re not getting as much sunlight.
Other factors. There are a few other factors that can lead to an itchy scalp, starting with infrequent washing. You don’t necessarily need to wash your hair every day, but washing it every couple of days may help your struggle with itchy skin. Stress, meanwhile, can exacerbate any number of bodily symptoms—and that includes an itchy scalp. Finally, the changing of the seasons—and especially the transition into cold weather—can sometimes wreak havoc on the skin, and that includes the scalp.
Taking the Right Steps
If you’re struggling with an itchy scalp, the first step is simply to think though different lifestyle factors and determine if there are any small changes you could make—taking Vitamin D supplements, maybe, or washing your hair a bit more often. Beyond that, seeing a dermatologist may be helpful. You can also come visit us at New Image Hair Clinic, where we can provide a trichological evaluation and potentially recommend topical treatments. You’re welcome to stop by for a consultation any time, or visit us on the Web to learn more!