An itchy scalp, also called scalp pruritus, is a skin condition that occurs mainly due to other dermatological or non-dermatological skin conditions. An itchy scalp makes a person scratch their head repeatedly and causes extreme discomfort. Usually, it has visible symptoms such as scabbing or flaky skin, but other times, there’s no visible reason.
Generally, scalp pruritus isn’t a severe condition, but the amount of discomfort and uneasiness it causes the sufferer might be due to an underlying medical condition. If you can’t stop scratching your head, get in touch with an online doctor and get treatment for your scalp.
Continue reading to know what might be causing this itchiness.
Dandruff
Dandruff, medically known as seborrheic dermatitis, is the most common cause of a scalp that won’t stop itching. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in glands that secrete oil, usually around the face or scalp. Whenever the glands become inflamed, they cause itching, reddened skin and flaking. The potential reasons for dandruff includes skin that has an overgrowth of yeast on it, as well as hormonal or seasonal changes.
Reaction to a Hair Care Product
Another cause of scalp irritation could be contact dermatitis, and it occurs when your scalp comes in contact with a product that produces allergic reaction. It could also be because a hair product hasn’t been rinsed off well and is still stuck to the pores on your head. You’re specially susceptible to contact dermatitis if you dye your hair frequently or use other hair care or styling products.
Hives
Hives are itchy, red bumps that breakout on your skin. Chronic hives tend to come and go for more than six weeks. If hives happen to breakout on your scalp, they can become really distressing and cause the scalp to itch.
Head Lice
Head lice crawl between your hair and feed on the blood; this causes extreme itchiness and irritation on your scalp. Comb through your hair with a lice comb after shower, and don’t forget to use an anti-lice shampoo to get rid of the itch.
Scabies
It’s a condition caused by the bite of a human itch mite. An itchy scalp is the telltale sign of scabies, and it happens whenever the bugs burrow into the scalp.
Scalp Ringworm
Contrary to its name, ringworm isn’t caused by worms. Rather, it’s an infection that’s caused by a fungus and causes an intensely itchy scalp. Moreover, it causes a rash, itchiness, redness, and even bald patches on the head.
Scalp Psoriasis
People suffering from psoriasis are prone to suffer from scalp psoriasis. This condition causes the scalp to itch, obviously, but it also causes reddish patches and flaking that’s similar to dandruff. The itch is mild for some people, and intense for others.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that can develop on your scalp leading to redness and scales on it. Not only does it make the scalp itchy, but also makes the sufferer feels like the scalp is tingling and burning.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia completely ruins hair follicles and causes inflammation. The condition develops due to a burn or a serious infection. Not only is this condition responsible for an itchy scalp, but also makes the sufferer lose their hair over time.
Shingles (herpes zoster)
This is a type of rash that’s extremely painful, and can spread all over the body. However, the pain and uneasiness becomes excruciating when shingles spreads to the scalp. It makes the scalp burn and itch continuously.
Allergic Reactions To Medications
If you take medications for seasonal allergies or some other medical condition, they might develop side effects over time. Those side effects may include a dry mouth or an itchy scalp. Allergic reactions to medications don’t occur immediately after taking them, usually, so an itchy, scaly scalp could definitely be an allergic reaction.
Discoid Lupus
This condition causes round lesions to form on the face and the scalp. The thick, red and scaly lesions aren’t too painful or itchy, but in rare conditions, a scalp may become itchy due to it.
These conditions are just a few of the many reasons why your scalp might be itching and you might want to scratch it. To get relief from a painful scalp, seek help from a virtual doctor at TelMDCare. Healthcare professionals at TelMDCare also treat erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections and other sexual diseases.
Get in touch with them for an online doctorconsultation.
About the Author
Dr. Fayez Mekhael has extensive experience in emergency medicine and is certified by the Family Medicine American Board. He offers his professional services to patients at TelMDCare.
