Sometimes scratching your head is really annoying, isn't it? You can't get work done, you can't sleep well at night, and it's annoying to scratch your head all the time. Maybe your scalp is dry and flaky. Or it's red and has scaly patches. It's not normal to scratch your scalp like this. There must be a reason for it. So, today we'll talk about what causes it, what to do, and what kind of shampoo to use.
What are the main causes of itching?
There can be several reasons for itching of the scalp. The main reason is dandruff, or as we call it, lice. Apart from that, there are other causes such as skin diseases, allergies, and lice. The most important thing is to find out exactly what is the real reason for your itching of the scalp . Only then can you choose the right treatment for it.
1. Dandruff
This is a problem that many people in our country have. If you see small white powdery things on your clothes, in your hair, or on your eyelashes, it is most likely thrush. This is not contagious.
Simply put, it is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives on our scalp. Our body's immune system then starts to react to it, resulting in itchy, flaky scalp. This condition can be exacerbated during periods of high stress and cold, dry weather .
Types of shampoos that can be used for dandruff
If you have dandruff, you can use a special shampoo for dandruff once or twice a week instead of your regular shampoo. But you need to read the instructions on the bottle carefully and do it exactly as it says . Some shampoos should be applied to the scalp, lathered, and left on for about 5 minutes before rinsing. Others should not be left on the scalp for long and should be rinsed off immediately.
If one shampoo doesn't work, try a different one. Some people find that one shampoo works for a while and then stops working. It's best to alternate between two or three shampoos at that time.
| Shampoo type ingredient | How it works |
|---|---|
| Ketoconazole | This is an antifungal. It kills the fungus that causes ringworm. |
| Selenium Sulfide | This is also an antifungal. However, you need to rinse it well after using this shampoo to avoid leaving stains on your hair and scalp. |
| Zinc Pyrithione (Pyrithione Zinc) | This not only kills fungi, but also bacteria. |
| Salicylic Acid | It reduces flaking and flaky scalp. It also helps moisturize dry scalp. |
| Coal Tar Shampoo | It controls the rate at which skin cells on the scalp die and fall off. This reduces flaking. However, if you have light-colored hair, it can cause spots. |
| Fluocinolone shampoo | This contains a type of medication called a corticosteroid. This reduces itching and peeling. These should usually be taken on a doctor's prescription. |
Itching caused by psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when our immune system attacks our own skin cells. This causes the body to produce new skin cells at a rapid rate. These cells clump together and form silvery, red plaques. These can appear as small patches on the scalp or cover the entire scalp.
Itchy scalp is a very common symptom of dandruff. In addition, things like dry scalp, hair loss, bleeding, and inflammation can also occur. If you have these symptoms, you should definitely see your doctor and discuss treatment.
If you have mild symptoms, you can get relief with some shampoos that you can buy at a pharmacy. However, in severe cases, it is important to use these shampoos to soften and remove the scales on your scalp so that the topical medications prescribed by your doctor can be properly absorbed by your scalp.
- Coal Tar Shampoo: Controls the overgrowth of skin cells.
- Shampoos containing Salicylic Acid, Urea, or Lactic Acid: These help soften and remove thick scales.
- Shampoo containing hydrocortisone: Helps reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Other causes and solutions
Ringworm
Although it is called Ringworm, it has nothing to do with worms. This is actually a fungal infection. Medically speaking, it is called Tinea capitis. It is especially common among young children. It can look like a swollen red spot on the scalp, or a bald spot with hair falling out. This also makes the scalp itch a lot. For eczema on the scalp, a doctor usually prescribes oral medication for about 1-3 months. In the meantime, using an antifungal shampoo like Ketoconazole can help control the symptoms.
Head Lice
Another major cause of scalp itching is lice. There is no connection between lice and cleanliness. In fact, lice prefer clean hair to dirty hair . You can confirm the presence of lice if you see a lice crawling on your hair or if you see nits attached to the hair shaft. There are shampoos that contain a chemical called ``Pediculicide'' for this. These kill the lice. But they do not get rid of the nits. Therefore, you have to repeat the treatment in a week or two.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, and flaky. Atopic dermatitis can cause the scalp to become dry and itchy. The best way to treat this is to choose a gentle shampoo that is fragrance-free and free of harsh chemicals . Avoid shampoos that contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). These can make your skin lather better, but they can also make your eczema worse.
Allergies
The shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, or hair dye you use can cause an allergic reaction ( contact dermatitis ) and make your scalp itchy.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove any shampoo residue from your hair.
- If you dye your hair, avoid dyes that contain a chemical called ``(PPD - para-phenylenediamine)``. These are known to cause allergies.
- Choose gentle products without added fragrances and dyes .
If, despite all these efforts, the itching does not subside even with an over-the-counter shampoo, or if the condition worsens day by day, see a dermatologist without delay . He or she can examine your scalp, find the real cause, and prescribe the right treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Your scalp can become itchy, dry, and flaky for a variety of reasons, including psoriasis, eczema, and allergies.
- The first step in choosing the right treatment is to identify the exact cause of the itching .
- Different shampoos contain different active ingredients, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your condition.
- Always read the instructions on the shampoo bottle carefully and follow them exactly. Some shampoos need to be left on for a while, while others need to be rinsed out quickly.
- If over-the-counter shampoos do not help or if symptoms are severe, it is essential to see a doctor immediately.
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