Young woman grimacing, pulling hair, portrait.
WELLNESS
16 Potential Causes Of Your Itchy Scalp And How To Treat It
By CAILYN COX
1. Hair Products
Using the wrong hair products can sometimes cause an allergic reaction resulting in an itchy scalp, especially if you've been known to have sensitive skin.
You should stop using the products immediately if you notice an abnormal reaction. If the new products were the cause, you should notice a difference within a week.
2. Dandruff
Dandruff, caused by an oil buildup, can also result in an itchy scalp. You can tell you have it if you’ve noticed white flakes on your scalp or on your clothing.
The condition could be cleared with a shampoo that targets dandruff-causing yeast. If you don’t notice a difference, it may be best to visit the dermatologist to receive treatment.
3. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic condition that may often lead to dryness on the skin — including the scalp — discoloration,
and itchiness.
While there is no cure for eczema, a dermatologist can help you identify the triggers for your condition and manage the symptoms effectively.
4. Diabetes
You may not realize it, but one of the potential side effects of diabetes could be an itchy scalp, which is caused by increased blood sugar levels.
This type of itching is much more challenging to treat. You will need to contact a medical professional to be correctly diagnosed and medicated.
5. Lice
If you've been scratching your scalp more than usual because of discomfort associated with itching, it could be head lice, which are spread by close contact with other people.
You will need to use a special comb in combination with over-the-counter treatments to get rid of head lice. Make sure to follow the lice shampoo
instructions carefully.