Scalp itchiness and irritation is a common problem. Virtually all of us has suffered from it at one time or another. Fortunately, both the causes and cures to itchy scalps are well understood, diagnosed and treated. A few of them are outlined below.
A basic cause of itchy scalp is irregular washing. Infrequent cleaning of our skin allows the accumulation of dead cells. These deposits can, by themselves, cause itching and other irritations. The solution is regular washing, at least once a week.
Second, washing hair too frequently can dry the scalp and cause itch. This same result can also be caused by excessively hot water, hot hair dryer air and overly aggressive, drying shampoos. Similarly, during the winter months, dry scalp can result from cold windy weather and overly dry air from indoor heating without enough sources of humidification. Correcting these factors can allow the scalp to rehydrate and restore itself back to health.
Third, the build-up of dead skin cells can trigger excessive growth of fungi, as well as other microbes or pathogens such as bacterium, virus and parasitic organisms. A common cause of scalp itch and dandruff is the fungus known as Malassezia furfur (or Pityrosporum ovale). It is normally resident on human skin; its overgrowth is the problem. Some people find shampoo and conditioners with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide as active ingredients can be helpful. It is recommended these agents be left on the skin for at least five minutes and that it be used every day for several weeks.
Fourth, scalp itch and dandruff may also be caused by overactive or irritated oil glands, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Skin forming the eyebrows, eyelids, nose, ears and groin may also be affected. It is not entirely clear what causes oil glands to become overactive; for males, one reason is believed to be stimulation by sexual hormones. Several dietary modifications may help improve seborrheic dermatitis. First, avoiding saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty oils may decrease oil gland secretions. Second, increasing intake of the vitamin B group, zinc and essential fatty acids may assist by generally promoting healthy skin. Finally, using shampoo containing coal tar or salicylic acid might also helpful.
Scalp psoriasis is another source of intense itching. It is autoimmune disease meaning the immune system is overactive and responds inappropriately against substances existing on or within the body. This malady also produces minute scales and flakes like dandruff. In extreme cases, the scales can become thick, yellow pieces of dead skin that separate from the scalp in large slabs. Treatments include ointments and creams as well as shampoos with coal tar and salicylic acid.
Six, stress is a common cause of skin irritations and itch. Skin on the neck, face and scalp are particularly prone to stress-related maladies. These situations can be difficult to diagnose and correct. Professional advice is almost always necessary.
The six causes and cures to itchy scalps mentioned above are all common in the community. In addition to the remedies already discussed, diet factors can assist. To begin, adequate amounts of vitamin B, A and E are important. Next, regular intake of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids is also important. Simple sugars like fructose and glucose should be limited since they neutralize vitamin B6. Finally, decreasing saturated fat acids is a good idea when controlling oil gland secretions is important.
A basic cause of itchy scalp is irregular washing. Infrequent cleaning of our skin allows the accumulation of dead cells. These deposits can, by themselves, cause itching and other irritations. The solution is regular washing, at least once a week.
Second, washing hair too frequently can dry the scalp and cause itch. This same result can also be caused by excessively hot water, hot hair dryer air and overly aggressive, drying shampoos. Similarly, during the winter months, dry scalp can result from cold windy weather and overly dry air from indoor heating without enough sources of humidification. Correcting these factors can allow the scalp to rehydrate and restore itself back to health.
Third, the build-up of dead skin cells can trigger excessive growth of fungi, as well as other microbes or pathogens such as bacterium, virus and parasitic organisms. A common cause of scalp itch and dandruff is the fungus known as Malassezia furfur (or Pityrosporum ovale). It is normally resident on human skin; its overgrowth is the problem. Some people find shampoo and conditioners with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide as active ingredients can be helpful. It is recommended these agents be left on the skin for at least five minutes and that it be used every day for several weeks.
Fourth, scalp itch and dandruff may also be caused by overactive or irritated oil glands, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Skin forming the eyebrows, eyelids, nose, ears and groin may also be affected. It is not entirely clear what causes oil glands to become overactive; for males, one reason is believed to be stimulation by sexual hormones. Several dietary modifications may help improve seborrheic dermatitis. First, avoiding saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty oils may decrease oil gland secretions. Second, increasing intake of the vitamin B group, zinc and essential fatty acids may assist by generally promoting healthy skin. Finally, using shampoo containing coal tar or salicylic acid might also helpful.
Scalp psoriasis is another source of intense itching. It is autoimmune disease meaning the immune system is overactive and responds inappropriately against substances existing on or within the body. This malady also produces minute scales and flakes like dandruff. In extreme cases, the scales can become thick, yellow pieces of dead skin that separate from the scalp in large slabs. Treatments include ointments and creams as well as shampoos with coal tar and salicylic acid.
Six, stress is a common cause of skin irritations and itch. Skin on the neck, face and scalp are particularly prone to stress-related maladies. These situations can be difficult to diagnose and correct. Professional advice is almost always necessary.
The six causes and cures to itchy scalps mentioned above are all common in the community. In addition to the remedies already discussed, diet factors can assist. To begin, adequate amounts of vitamin B, A and E are important. Next, regular intake of both Omega-3 and Omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids is also important. Simple sugars like fructose and glucose should be limited since they neutralize vitamin B6. Finally, decreasing saturated fat acids is a good idea when controlling oil gland secretions is important.
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