Itchy head: what are the causes and what to do

Contents

8 Causes of an Itchy Scalp
What to do if the head itches?
Can the head itch from dandruff?
Overview of cosmetics

Periodically scratching the back of the head, you can lead others to two thoughts: 1) this is a tendency to thoughtfulness; 2) something is wrong with the scalp. And if the second is true, read our article to find out why your head may itch and how to get rid of the problem.

8 Causes of an Itchy Scalp

It’s just that the head doesn’t itch. There is always a reason for discomfort. Well, if a single scratching is caused by an uncomfortable hairpin. But if you notice that itching is your constant companion, it’s time to sort out the problem.

However, not in all cases you will need the help of a specialist, since the causes of itching of the scalp can be the most commonplace.

But first, check how your hair feels – with our test.

Wrong care

This is the simplest and most obvious answer to the question of why the head itches. The fact is that hair and scalp care should be selected in the same way as a facial product – according to skin type.

Poor hygiene

In humans, itching of the scalp can be caused by these three factors.

Irregular hair washing. Dust, grease and sebum are a great environment for the development of microbes that provoke irritation.
Washing your hair too often. Here is the answer to the question of why the head itches, even when it is clean. Daily washing can degrease the skin (especially when using aggressive shampoos) and cause dehydration, which always provokes unpleasant sensations, in particular itching.
Poorly washed head. Owners of long and thick hair (however, not only they) sin by not washing their hair thoroughly enough. Sebum, dead cells, shampoo or balm particles left on the skin after shampooing become provocateurs of itching and even dandruff.

This hairstyle

If women have an itchy scalp without dandruff and dryness (that is, there are no signs of dehydration and violation of the barrier functions of the skin), it may be all about the hairstyle. A tightly tied tail or a twisted bun may well cause discomfort: the scalp (back of the head, top of the head) constantly itches, itches, sometimes there is a burning sensation.

It is unpleasant when the head begins to itch at the most crucial moment.

The negative impact of ultraviolet radiation

One of the common causes of itching and burning of the skin is sunburn or excessive tanning. Ultraviolet rays during prolonged exposure to the sun have a negative effect on the skin not only of the face and body, but also of the head. Under their action, the epidermis becomes dry, burns and itching may appear.

Excessive heat exposure

Washing your hair with very hot water, blow-drying with hot air, and using heat-styling tools can all contribute to dehydration of the scalp and worsen itching, tightness, and discomfort. Read about why water dries rather than moisturizes the skin.

Avitaminosis

We have come to the points in which we will touch not on external, but on internal causes of itching of the scalp. The lack of vitamins A, C and group B primarily affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails. The scalp becomes drier, more sensitive even to the usual combing of the hair with a brush. Dryness causes itching.

Stress

Here we hardly surprise anyone. The cause of any ailments, as you know, is in the head. Dryness and itching of the skin is the body’s reaction to stress.

Себорейный дерматит

Itchy scalp is a common symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. What happens: due to the excessive separation of the fatty secretion, the scalp becomes inflamed, resulting in peeling, itching, up to painful sensations. In this case, you can not do without the help of a trichologist and a dermatologist.

American scientists believe that dandruff is very often, but not always accompanied by seborrhea: if about 50% of the population is affected by dandruff, then seborrheic dermatitis is much less common.

What to do if the head itches?

So, we turn from theory to practice and tell you what to do if your head itches.

Take care of hygiene

Experts recommend washing your hair 2-3 times a week using shampoos according to your scalp type. If you do wash your hair every day, use mild sulfate-free shampoos. But they also need to be thoroughly washed off, just like the conditioner. If you color your hair, use special shampoos for colored hair.

Picking the Right Shampoo

To get rid of an itchy scalp, it may be enough just to change the shampoo. There is a good chance that the composition with which you usually wash your hair is too aggressive for you, causing dryness and dehydration, which is why the scalp itches.

“Oily scalps are not likely to benefit from a nourishing shampoo with a lot of oils. If the skin is sensitive, it is necessary to select hypoallergenic or special mild shampoos, for example, on a sulfate-free basis. Altana Bazyleva, dermatologist, cosmetologist

You can choose the right shampoo for you immediately – with the help of our test.

Study the composition of funds

In your routines, look for ingredients that hydrate the scalp and help restore its natural defenses.

Glycerin – its molecule is hygroscopic, that is, capable of attracting moisture from the environment and retaining it in the skin, preventing overdrying.
Allantoin – helps to restore the barrier functions of the skin, has antioxidant protection.
Panthenol, bisabolol and niacinamide are soothing ingredients.
Herbal extracts (e.g. wheat, oats, sage) are natural moisturizing ingredients.

To do a massage

Is your head itchy from your hair? This does not mean that it needs to be changed. It is enough to do as Marina Kamanina advises.

Avoid thermal exposure

Set your hair dryer to warm or cold.
Wash your hair with water at a comfortable warm temperature (slightly hotter than room temperature).

Protect your scalp from the sun

At the time of high solar activity, wear a hat (hat, panama, baseball cap, scarf), which will protect the scalp from ultraviolet radiation.

Eat right

As a rule, you can get rid of the itching of the scalp if you solve the problem “from the inside”, that is, include in the diet a sufficient amount of proteins and healthy fats, drink a course of vitamins (if the doctor recommended them based on the results of tests for vitamin and microelement deficiencies).

Learn to relax

There are several ways.

Comfortable physical activity, in which the breath does not go astray: a calm walk in the park, forest, field is ideal.
Breathing practices – there are simple techniques that calm the mind, relieve tension and anxiety in just minutes. Find the one that feels most comfortable to you and practice it regularly.
Meditation – the Internet is full of various, including the most elementary practices, the main thing is to find an opportunity to get away from the worldly bustle for at least 10 minutes.
Yoga – brings the body into excellent shape, teaches concentration and “puts in place” the head. Read more about facial yoga here.
Try practicing slow beauty.

See a doctor

If your head is constantly itching, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. Based on the results of the tests and after a systemic examination, the specialist will develop the necessary treatment regimen for you.

In any case, you should not take the itching of the scalp lightly, especially if it has been bothering you for a long time. As a result of constant scratching, micro abrasions and wounds can form on the skin, which are the entrance gate for infection.

Also, from regular scratching, barrier functions and the ability to self-heal the skin decrease over time – itching and other unpleasant sensations will only intensify.

Can the head itch from dandruff?

Dandruff (regardless of the reasons for its origin) does not in itself cause itching, but it is often accompanied by it. The reason is the active activity of the opportunistic fungus Malassezia, which is typical in violation of the skin microbiome. Imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors and should be identified individually. How to get rid of dandruff and itching?

Seek medical attention to resolve the issue. However, do not forget about regular care. With oily scalp, it is worth including exfoliating products (scrubs and peels for the scalp) in it to intensively cleanse the skin of impurities, sebum and adhering dandruff.

Overview of cosmetics

The review includes gentle and effective care products for different types and conditions of the scalp: shampoos, peels, balms, oils. They will help restore balance and return a feeling of comfort if the head itches.

Intensive soothing shampoo-care for normal and oily hair Dercos Technique, Vichy

It cleanses the hair, scalp and at the same time soothes it. The formula reduces discomfort, contains panthenol, as well as apricot oil and glycerin, which help prevent dehydration and dryness of the scalp.

Firming conditioner “Coconut balance” Fructis, Garnier

A silicone-free balm enriched with moisturizing and soothing care ingredients: coconut water, cucumber extract and niacinamide.

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo Kerium DS, La Roche-Posay

Lipohydroxy acid together with salicylic acid can eliminate persistent dandruff and flaking. Soothes the skin and relieves discomfort.

Soft physiological shampoo-gel Kerium, La Roche-Posay

Thanks to a mild, easy-to-rinse washing base, it gently cleanses the hair and maintains the physiological balance of the scalp.

Oil before shampooing, “Essence of moisturizing. Lavender, Botanicals Fresh Care, L’Oréal Paris

Soothes sensitive scalp, nourishes it, contains natural soy and coconut oils and lavender aromatic oil. Used as a scalp massage oil before washing.

Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo for dry hair Dercos Technique, Vichy

Eliminates the imbalance of the skin microbiome, prevents the recurrence of dandruff. Selenium DS inhibits the growth of the fungus Malassezia, ceramide increases the strength of the hair, salicylic acid exfoliates.