We’ve all had an itch that takes a while to go way and our scalps are no different. After noticing your fingers constantly making their way to your head, your mother, an aunt, or grandmother may have commented, “Oh, that means your hair is growing!”
Well, it’s true that your hair was growing, but an itchy scalp is not a sign of hair growth. Itchiness can actually signify that your scalp is not at its healthiest, which can negatively impact hair growth. Whether it lasts days or weeks, the cause of an itchy scalp can usually be tracked down. You just have to put on your detective hat to figure it out.
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Causes of an itchy scalp
A common cause of itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, aka, dandruff, says Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University.
“Often, people complain that their scalp is dry, when in reality, it is actually inflamed,” Schwarzenberger says.
Other culprits for itchy scalp include psoriasis, allergy to hair dyes or products, fungal infections, and even head lice.
“Scalp itch can also be a cause of an underlying condition, including diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney disease, as well as some types of cancer,” Schwarzenberger adds.
First line of defense
If you don’t already have a skin condition diagnosed by a dermatologist or trichologist, trying different hair products and natural remedies is a good starting point.
One of the most effective initial treatments for itchy scalp is a thorough shampoo scrub to remove loose and scaly skin says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C, founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com. After trying that, a popular natural remedy to try is tea tree oil.
“What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungus,” Axe says.
When the itch doesn’t go away
If experimenting with different products and natural remedies don’t solve the issue, you can try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.
“There are many good products available, with active ingredients that include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole,” Schwarzenberger says. “Tar shampoos may treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, but some dislike the smell. But people with white hair should avoid using tar shampoos, as it can cause hair to yellow.”
If you’ve found that allergy is the problem, particularly if is there is an associated rash around the neck and or face, Schwarzenberger says to try fragrance-free or “low allergen” hair products. Topical steroids are also an option, but require a prescription.
“You should see your dermatologist if your scalp does not improve with use of medication shampoo or if it is associated with hair loss or skin lesions in the scalp or surrounding skin,” Schwarzenberger says.
Well, it’s true that your hair was growing, but an itchy scalp is not a sign of hair growth. Itchiness can actually signify that your scalp is not at its healthiest, which can negatively impact hair growth. Whether it lasts days or weeks, the cause of an itchy scalp can usually be tracked down. You just have to put on your detective hat to figure it out.
Continue!>>>
Causes of an itchy scalp
A common cause of itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, aka, dandruff, says Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University.
“Often, people complain that their scalp is dry, when in reality, it is actually inflamed,” Schwarzenberger says.
Other culprits for itchy scalp include psoriasis, allergy to hair dyes or products, fungal infections, and even head lice.
“Scalp itch can also be a cause of an underlying condition, including diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney disease, as well as some types of cancer,” Schwarzenberger adds.
First line of defense
If you don’t already have a skin condition diagnosed by a dermatologist or trichologist, trying different hair products and natural remedies is a good starting point.
One of the most effective initial treatments for itchy scalp is a thorough shampoo scrub to remove loose and scaly skin says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C, founder of Ancient Nutrition and DrAxe.com. After trying that, a popular natural remedy to try is tea tree oil.
“What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses and fungus,” Axe says.
When the itch doesn’t go away
If experimenting with different products and natural remedies don’t solve the issue, you can try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.
“There are many good products available, with active ingredients that include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole,” Schwarzenberger says. “Tar shampoos may treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, but some dislike the smell. But people with white hair should avoid using tar shampoos, as it can cause hair to yellow.”
If you’ve found that allergy is the problem, particularly if is there is an associated rash around the neck and or face, Schwarzenberger says to try fragrance-free or “low allergen” hair products. Topical steroids are also an option, but require a prescription.
“You should see your dermatologist if your scalp does not improve with use of medication shampoo or if it is associated with hair loss or skin lesions in the scalp or surrounding skin,” Schwarzenberger says.
Have you dealt with an itchy scalp?
from Natural Hair Care | Curly Nikki https://ift.tt/2Aprf0m
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