Friday, May 3, 2024

Dry Itchy Scalp: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

scratching scalp and hair loss

Usually, once the allergen or irritant is removed the symptoms of contact dermatitis will clear up on their own. The main treatment is just avoiding the trigger that caused the irritation. Scarring alopecia tends to affect the scalp, but it can happen anywhere you have hair. People who lose all the hair on their scalp and body (alopecia universalis) often develop brittle, crumbling nails like those shown here. Finally, keep in mind that the same healthy habits recommended for maintaining your physical health will also help your hair. Try to find ways to manage stress, and strive for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

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Over the course of 4–6 weeks, 44 adults with seborrheic dermatitis applied one of two treatments to their scalp twice per day. One group applied an aloe vera ointment, while the other applied a placebo. A person who experiences frequent or severe flare-ups may require prescription treatments from their doctor. In infants, seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up by itself without treatment.

How to Treat Hair Loss and Scalp Itching

Infections like scalp ringworm and scabies should be treated by a medical professional who can prescribe topical and/or oral medications. This article will discuss the causes, confirmation, and treatment of itchy scalp, hair loss, and ways to minimize itching and shedding. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes dry, red patches with a covering of silvery scales to form. Psoriasis scales can also develop on the scalp, and often, they can be itchy. Although scientists are not sure exactly why alopecia areata occurs, they believe it develops because a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.

Allergic Reaction

And if your hair is thinning, breaking or feeling brittle here are 8 other things your hair is trying to tell you about your health. An itchy scalp is a common problem causing frequent scratching. Although it doesn’t typically indicate anything severe, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition like head lice or an allergy.

Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp—What's the Difference? - Real Simple

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How do you properly oil your hair?

Sometimes, it’s as simple as using a shampoo that’s irritating or having a mild infection like ringworm. However, an itchy scalp can also be a sign of a chronic condition like psoriasis that you’ll want to see a healthcare provider for. A hair transplant is surgery to move hair from one part of your scalp to an area with little or no hair. It’s usually not a good treatment for people with scarring alopecia. The scar tissue under the skin’s surface can prevent transferred hair from growing. But you may be a candidate for hair restoration if you haven’t lost new hair for a few years.

While it’s more prevalent in older adults, anyone can experience it, including children. “People can have a reaction to anything they put on their scalp—from shampoo to hair dye to Rogaine,” points out Dr. Haley. “And don’t forget about those hair-smoothing keratin treatments, adds Dr. Klein. An itch is also a symptom of neurodermatitis, which causes dry, itchy patches that can be found anywhere on the body, per Cleveland Clinic.

If you have atopic dermatitis, your healthcare provider may also recommend keeping a journal to be able to identify and then avoid anything that triggers an eczema flare-up (Kolb, 2022). For example, hair loss can lead scar tissue to develop on the scalp, which can cause itchiness. Using OTC antidandruff or medicated shampoos can help treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. People with severe or persistent seborrheic dermatitis should see their doctor to discuss other treatment options. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that often affects the scalp.

The inflammation of seborrheic dermatitis can cause it to spread to your face, neck, and behind the ears. If you can’t identify the cause of your scabs and sores, or if they’re spreading or appear infected, talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional. It's "a process of infusing your hair with natural oils to restore luster and hydrate hair," says dermatologist Candace Spann, MD. Read on to learn about tips for preventing dandruff-related hair loss.

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UAE doctors warn dandruff leads to hair loss.

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It’s usually the result of infections, chemicals, burns or autoimmune disorders. Hair loss due to scarring alopecia can be permanent because your hair can’t grow back without healthy hair follicles. Besides causing scalp itchiness and tingling, alopecia areata can cause tufts of hair to fall out. The condition is thought to arise when the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles.

scratching scalp and hair loss

When it comes to psoriasis and hair loss, it’s easy to confuse scalp psoriasis with dandruff or a mild rash. Unfortunately, in most cases, psoriasis is a lifelong condition that can flare up at any time. But medicated shampoos can dry out your hair, so it’s important to use a conditioner after you use them. Anytime your hair becomes drier, it’s going to be more brittle, which is why it’s important to be gentle and follow up with a conditioner. If your skin tends to get dry when the seasons change, you might notice that your scalp is getting itchy and even flaky. Ringworm on the scalp has to be treated with special shampoo and antifungal medication (either over-the-counter or prescription).

Prescription hydrocortisone, fluocinolone (Synalar, Capex), desonide (Desonate, DesOwen), and clobetasol (Clobex, Cormax) can all help to reduce inflammation. While they’re generally effective, you should only use them for a week or two at a time to avoid side effects, such as skin thinning. However, excessive scratching can injure your hair follicles, resulting in some hair loss. Dr. Piliang says it’s always a good idea to see a dermatologist when you have a persistent itchy scalp — even if you think it’s just common dandruff.

If a person wants to prevent or treat hair loss or other hair-related issues, they should seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes a red rash and itchiness. Although it is not a direct cause of hair loss, atopic dermatitis can lead to excessive scratching, which may cause temporary hair loss.

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