Itching of the scalp, the causes of appearance, treatment

Itching of the scalp is a permanent or temporary sensation of irritation of the skin area, which gives us a lot of inconvenience. In most cases, itching manifests itself as a response to the stimulus of the body, but in some situations, this phenomenon can indicate the presence of any disease. Pronounced itching of the scalp in a permanent form can lead to thinning of the skin, against the background of combing to its damage in the form of cracks, as well as inflammation if infection takes place.



It should be noted that skin itching can not be ignored, especially in cases when it is accompanied by a strong hair loss or the appearance of sores or red spots on the skin. It is important to identify the cause of this phenomenon, for which you should seek advice from a dermatologist and trichologist, who, after diagnosis, will prescribe the best therapy. In most cases, the itch of the scalp is successfully treated at home. As a rule, after eliminating the source of irritation (stimulus), the itching itself also passes.

Causes of skin itching.

In medical practice, the following causes of itching of the scalp are most often encountered:

Parasites (lice, mites, etc.).
To exclude the possibility of parasitic infection (for example, pediculosis (lice) or demodicosis (acne), you must visit a dermatologist. At home, just in case, you can ask your relatives to see the skin and hair at the roots with a magnifying glass.

Dandruff.
The appearance of dandruff often leads to the appearance of a strong and exhausting skin itch. To eliminate it, often start using any improvised methods and methods, which often do not facilitate the condition, while the main disease (dandruff) in most cases is not taken into account, which is completely unacceptable, since the source of its appearance is a violation of the process of fat formation. This, in turn, without proper treatment can lead to the development of a more serious disease - seborrheic eczema. Therefore, when dandruff, accompanied by skin itching, it is necessary to consult a trichologist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment, including a diet, immunomodulators, therapeutic shampoos, medicines.

Seborrhea (seborrheic dermatitis).
This skin disease is caused by a violation of the sebaceous glands: dry seborrhea is a consequence of a decrease in the activity of the sebaceous glands, oily seborrhea occurs against the background of excessive sebum secretion with an impaired chemical composition. Dry seborrhea is accompanied by dandruff, severe itching of the scalp, acne on the skin.

Allergic reactions to shampoo and other hair care products.
Often, the skin begins to itch strongly when changing the means or means for hair care (mask, conditioner, shampoo, balm, styling or staining). In case of the appearance of pruritus immediately after the use of a new caregiver, it is recommended to return to the old one checked earlier, or to try another drug that does not contain substances such as laureth or sodium lauryl sulfate (usually on the packages of such products it is written "hypoallergenic"). . This is often the source of the itch. If the itching does not disappear after changing the shampoo, it is necessary to consult a trichologist who will diagnose the scalp and tests for allergic reactions.

Allergy to hair dye is also a common phenomenon that can cause itchy skin. Normally, paints containing ammonia and hydrogen peroxide cause a skin allergic reaction. Therefore, to prevent this phenomenon, it is recommended to give preference to shade shampoos and without ammonia paints. But in this case, no one is immune from allergies. From myself I will add that before any procedure, whether it be hair coloring or cosmetology procedure, always conduct an allergy test. If the scalp after the staining is still itch and itches, you can use special dye neutralizing shampoos, they are applied after flushing the paint. They recommend washing your hair after rinsing the paint.

Allergy to detergent (washing powder) or a conditioner for washing bed linen can also cause irritation and, accordingly, itching of the scalp.

Frequent washing and application of devices for drying and styling hair.
Many women, without knowing it, provoke the appearance of itching. And frequent washing of the head is no exception. In addition, the regular use of hair dryers for hair drying, straighteners and many other hair devices not only drain the skin, but also negatively affect the condition of the hair itself.

In such cases it is necessary to refrain from frequent changes in brands of hair care products, use proven means, while keeping an eye on the condition of the scalp. At the slightest hint of itching and burning, you should immediately stop using them.

Dryness of the skin.
With insufficient amount of sebum, the hair becomes dry and brittle , begins to be highly electrified, caked, poorly laid and quickly absorbed by moisture. It happens that overly dry scalp suddenly starts to produce more fat. This is just a protective reaction of the skin from possible negative impact from the outside, however, it is often taken as an excessive fat content of the roots, as a result of which they start using oily hair care products. All this makes the hair and skin even drier. In this situation, experts insist on the use of special moisturizing shampoos, balms, masks and creams of intense moisturizing action.

Also, the itching of the skin can occur against the background of a lack of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, microelements in the body.

Fungal diseases of the scalp.
Fungal infections also cause severe itching. In this situation, experts recommend the planting of fungi, according to which a course of treatment is prescribed, including the use of therapeutic shampoos and lotions, as well as antifungal medicines (Clotrimazole, Griseofulvin, Miconazole). In addition, patients are advised to use a special shampoo Ketoconazal, which contains selenium sulphide, when washing hair. In some cases, funds are also being allocated to strengthen immunity. If you visit a specialist you do not have the opportunity to cope with a fungal disease of the scalp will help pharmacies antifungal drugs, which contain components such as: pyrotonolamine, zinc pyrithione, klimbazol and others.

Different stress factors.
Stressful situations (psychological pressure, mental or physical overstrain, emotional instability, illness or death of loved ones) have already been proven, can also be a source of itch of the scalp. Against the background of stress in the body, excessive production of adrenaline is observed. To remove from the body of the latter, physical exertion is necessary. If there are none, adrenaline begins to accumulate in the blood, which leads to the appearance of exhausting itching of the skin.

Dermatophytosis (lichen).
Lishay is a contagious fungal skin lesion. This problem is common among children in contact with children's groups or infectious animals. The main signs of lichen are the appearance on the scalp of very itchy lesions, in the area of ​​which the hair is broken off or completely dropped out.

Muscle tension.
Itching of the skin can also result from excessive muscular overexertion. Most often, the itching is provoked by the tension of the muscles of the back, shoulders, the back of the head, against which the microcirculation of blood also worsens. In addition, the constant tension of the head muscles can provoke microtraumas of the muscle fibers, which can result in an inflammatory process, which is also accompanied by intense and incessant skin pruritus.

In especially severe cases, itching occurs due to intense hair loss. In this version, the doctor will be able to help with special intensive therapy aimed at relaxing the muscle fibers of the head.

Itching of the scalp.

Because itching is only a consequence or symptom, then for its treatment it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause that caused it. In this case, it is necessary to help a specialist who, after complete diagnosis (various studies taking into account clinical manifestations and a specific case), will prescribe the optimal treatment.

If elementary parasites (for example, lice) were the cause of the itch, then modern effective remedies for such parasites (Nittifor (solution or cream), Para Plus spray, Pediculene lotion) should be purchased at the pharmacy. After removing lice, you should get rid of nits by applying a scallop. It is also recommended to check the rest of the family for the presence of pediculosis, and the things and bed linen of the patient should be boiled and ironed with a hot iron. In this case, to resort to folk methods (use, for example, kerosene), I would not recommend, they not only will not help, but can also hurt. Unlike lice, to determine the presence of demodicosis is somewhat more difficult, but the doctor will do it in a matter of seconds. To treat demodicosis, you need to see a doctor, only he can prescribe medications.

Treatment of seborrhea is a long and complex process. Important in the treatment of the disease are proper nutrition, avoidance of stress, hormonal balance (the disorder can provoke seborrhea), compliance with sleep and rest. In addition, it is important for patients to monitor the cleanliness of the scalp.

If the skin is dry, nutritious masks will be useful, they will have a softening effect and improve microcirculation. It is also very important to comply with the drinking regime (minimum one and a half liters of water per day), which will prevent dehydration.

If the itching is caused by a lack of vitamins and trace elements, you should drink a course of vitamins (Vitrum, Complivit, Alphabet, Centrum, etc.).

Treating itch with folk remedies.
To treat the scalp, phytotherapy and massage are especially effective. Herbs of medicinal herbs have long been used to normalize the work of the sebaceous glands. Especially useful for the skin are decoctions and extracts of nettle, oak bark, chamomile. Massage activates the circulation, which, in turn, improves skin nutrition.

Onion and garlic juice, due to the content of sulfur and acid in them, effectively eliminate dandruff and relieve the pruritus caused by staining the hair. In the freshly squeezed juice of onions or garlic add lemon juice and vegetable oil (preferably olive ), all in equal proportions. On wet hair and skin, you should apply the resulting composition and leave for half an hour, then rinse with warm water with the addition of a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar.

For the same purpose, it is effective to use an apple mask. Grind on a large grater is one apple of medium size. A large apple grate on a grater, the resulting mass is applied to the hair and scalp before washing. Top with cotton hat. Mask withstand half an hour and rinse. Recommended for use twice a week.

A dandelion flower lotion also effectively helps to remove the itch of the scalp. Handful of fresh dandelion flowers to grind and place in a glass bowl. This herbal mass pour 50 ml of vodka, juice of one freshly squeezed lemon and a teaspoon of honey, preferably in liquid form. Mix thoroughly and leave for infusion for two weeks. After the specified period, the obtained tincture must be filtered. Half an hour before washing, apply infusion to the skin and hair, from above put on a cotton cap or kerchief. After the time, wash your hair with a shampoo.

Onion husks are also good for this purpose. Peel off the four bulbs and put them in enameled dishes, fill with a liter of boiling water. Put the mixture on a fire and boil for an hour over low heat. This broth is used as a conditioner after washing your head. The broth helps after two to three times of use.

If these simple methods do not remove the itching, it is recommended to consult a doctor to exclude more serious problems and skin diseases.