Causes And Cures To Itchy Scalps Treated Using Medications

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.

Scalp itch can also be prompted by excessive secretions from skin oil gland, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. The groin, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and nose might all be affected. The causes of overactive oil glands are not well understood. In the case of males, the production of sex hormones by the body may be a contributing factor. Diet changes may help improve the condition. Lowering saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids helps to lower oil gland secretion. Trans-fatty acids are mostly found in pre-prepared or packaged foods that contain shortening as well as hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Fifthly, scalp psoriasis is accompanied by annoying itching. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease involving an overactive response by the immune system in reaction against substances normally present on or in the body. This complaint causes tiny scales or flakes like dandruff. In the worst of cases, thick yellow dead skin separates from the scalp as large patches. Treatment includes shampoo or creams with salicylic acid or coal tar.

Sixthly, stress is can produce irritable, itchy skin. The neck, scalp and face are all especially prone to stress-induced complaints. These situations are complicated to identify and rectify. Professional advice from a health professional is virtually always necessary.

The six causes and cures to itchy scalps discussed above affect many people. The treatments and remedies are relatively easy to implement and generally effective. Longer term diet changes can also assist. For example, it is important to monitor vitamin B, E and A levels to ensure they are at target level. Regular intake of Omega-6 and Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids is also helpful. Limiting intake of sugars in the form of fructose and glucose can be of benefit since they tend to reduce the effect of vitamin B6. Finally, lowering intake of saturated fatty acids can assist the control of oil gland secretion.

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