Itchy scalp or Scalp pruritus is a common condition that people may experience at least once in their life. It could be due to dandruff or may be an indication of an underlying condition like hormonal changes. Seborrheic dermatitis, growth of yeast on skin, and some other skin conditions also lead to itchy scalp. Itchy scalp can also be due to seasonal changes. Itchy scalp is hard to handle and when accompanied with hair loss, the struggle is real. When people keep scratching to handle the itchy feeling, hair fall happens and sometimes it is the inverse. The scar tissue left after hair fall causes itchiness.
The blog presents the causes of itchy scalp and hair loss and offers remedies to treat the underlying conditions and causes.
What causes itchy scalp and hair loss?
- Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin disorder and produces yellow flakes on the infected area. When it affects the scalp, it results in hair loss and itchy scalp
- Dandruff or P.Capitis Simplex
- Studies suggest that more than 50% of people infected with psoriasis develop dryness.
- Folliculitis is a condition that develops as a result of fungal or bacterial infection. This produces inflammation and itchiness on the scalp.
- Tinea capitis is also called ringworm and this develops mostly in young children. This condition produces black bumps on the scalp.
- Head lice may also cause itch and lead to hair loss.
Medical treatments for itchy scalp
Based on the intensity of the condition, a person may decide if he or she requires a medical condition. The doctor may recommend any of the following after a diagnosis. The diagnosis procedure may be as simple as physical examination and medical history observation. It might also be about scratching the scalp and sending it to the laboratory for analysis.
- Administering topical steroid injections to handle itchiness and inflammation
- Medicines to treat fungal or yeast infections
- Other immunotherapies.
- Keratolytics including salicylic acid, coal tar
Home remedies to treat itchy scalp and hair loss
1. Consume a healthy, balanced diet
Make sure that your intake includes food rich in Iron, zinc, protein, amino acids, eggs, vitamins - D and E, fish, niacin, etc. Such nutrients are important to maintain the health of your scalp. Never take supplements unless you take laboratory tests and confirm that there is a deficiency, and more importantly intake of such supplements should be confirmed with your medical practitioner.
2. Essential oils
Studies indicate that tea tree oil, rosemary oil, coconut oil, olive oil, etc. slow down hair loss and itchiness. They are also known for promoting the growth of new hair strands. An important thing to keep in mind is that you should not use such oils directly without diluting. You may also choose hair care products that have the aforementioned oils in their composition or dilute them with carrier oils.
3. Periodic scalp massages
Research evidence for the fact that scalp massages increase the blood circulation and push more blood to flow to the hair. This strengthens the hair strands and also promotes hair growth to compensate for the lost hair.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond, it also fights bacterial and fungal infections reducing itchiness and also hair fall.
5. Meditation to handle stress
Stress is also a common reason for hair loss. Studies indicate that meditation and other practices to stress anxiety and stress may help handle eczema and itchiness on the scalp.
6. Use specific - purpose shampoos
Shampoos are exclusively curated to treat conditions including dandruff, itchy scalp or head lice. Use shampoos based on the underlying condition.
7. Avoid using hair care products with chemicals
Refrain yourself from using dyes, shampoos, oils and conditioners that have excessive chemicals in their composition. Try our organic hair care products from BlushU cosmetics. More importantly, do not over shampoo your hair.
8. Treat the underlying condition
In case the itchy scalp and hair loss is due to underlying conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or dandruff, get that treated first.
9. Treat you hair with care
Do not scratch your hair so vigorously. Handle it with care. Never use toxic chemicals or expose your hair to heat and high-temperature styling procedures. Always use gentle products and do not tie your hair tight like a ponytail.
10. Onion is an excellent anti-dandruff agent
Onion has anti-inflammatory properties and applying it soothes your scalp. Chop onion into pieces and blend them. Extract the juice using a muslin cloth. Apply to your scalp and leave it for 25-30 minutes. This would soothe your itchy scalp as well as promote hair growth. If you find it hard to chop and blend amidst your busy schedules, you may choose to buy onion- based hair products from BlushU cosmetics, a one-shop store for skin care and hair care products. Our combo pack includes BlushU onion hair oil, BlushU onion hair serum, BlushU red onion shampoo, and BlushU onion hair oil conditioner.