So the itchy head has come calling again and you’re restarting your frantic search for a new possible reason this time around. That’s usually how things go, especially when the climate changes.
And you could be forgiven for doing that, because there are so many causes of itchy scalp. It’s a problem that people have been facing for centuries and millennia. Let’s explore some of the common causes of itchy scalp.
- Dry scalp
A usual occurrence, dry scalpis invariably linked to that itchy feeling. It happens when the oil layer on your scalp is disrupted, where your skin cannot retain any moisture. Harsh products, changes in weather, medical conditions and even stress can cause a dry itchy scalp. This is usually associated with flaking and can lead to inflammation.
- Dandruff
Affecting almost 1 in 2 people across the world, dandruff is an itchy scalp condition caused by excessive oil build-up and a naturally occurring fungus. The fungus breaks down oil on your scalp into fatty acids that you might react to, leaving you with redness, flaking and an itchy scalp. Using an anti-dandruff shampoo like Head and Shoulders Neem can help you get rid of those dandruff causing germs.
- Psoriasis
This is a rare auto-immune disease which is caused by an over-active immune system. Your body believes it’s under attack and starts building up dead skin cellsin the form of thick crusty scales. Itching can be quite severe and unfortunately there are no cures. But you can learn to manage your symptoms and reduce the triggers.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
Itchy scalp, redness and flaking are all symptoms of this ailment, putting it in a similar family as dandruff. This is often considered to be a more severe version of dandruff as it is also affected by fungus, and people sometimes use anti dandruff shampoos to take care of it.
- Contact Dermatitis
Allergic reactions are more common than you think and often get ignored because the severity can vary. It’s simply a reaction by your body to a new product, a new medication, or even a new environment. And a dry itchy scalp is often the outcome. Getting rid of the instigator and taking anti-allergy medication should help.
- Sunburn
If you’re living in a tropical climate, this affects you more than you realise. When you’re walking in the sun without any hat or covering, your scalp is getting baked beneath that hair. Sunburn can crack your skin and break the oil layer, leaving you vulnerable to infections and inflammations. An itchy scalp is what normally follows.
- Over-use of product
We don’t realise how many products we’re using on our head, which can start to interact with each other and build-up. Hair gels, waxes, serums, sprays, dye, shampoos, conditioners, etc. all can dry out your scalp and hair. Some of these might contain harsh chemicals that can further damage your scalp and leave you with an itchy head.
- Hard water
You might not think of water as one of the causes of itchy scalp, but hard water contains minerals that can accumulate on your head and disrupt the sensitive ecosystem. It can clog your hair follicles, cause inflammation, redness and severe itching.
Whatever be the reason for your itch, always know that there is some solution available to manage the condition. If you’re unsure about the symptoms, visit a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and find a way to live your life without that itch.