Most of us will experience itchy scalp at one point. Some scalps are simply more susceptible to feeling itchy, such as those that are excessively oily and extremely dry. But then there are also cases of scalp itchiness that have completely nothing to do with oiliness or dryness.
If you are constantly bugged by itchy scalp, continue reading. Below you will come across some of the most common reasons behind having scalp that’s enticing you to scratch it.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
This may be the culprit behind the itchiness you are experiencing if your scalp seems awfully greasy. According to doctors, it’s due to the proliferation of yeast that thrives in oily scalp. Actually, it’s a form of dandruff that does not produce white flakes — that’s a form of dandruff due to scalp dryness, and it’s the one discussed next.
Instead of white flakes commonly associated with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis produces yellowish and moist flakes that tend to get stuck under your nails each time you scratch your scalp. Scratching is a no-no because it will only worsen scalp irritation and redness already taking place.
Excessive Scalp Dryness
Having lots of oils on your scalp can also cause dandruff. Just like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff caused by scalp dryness can leave you feeling itchy all day long. And it’s also something that can greatly diminish your self-confidence because it tends to pepper your hair and clothes with white flakes.
Sometimes excessive dryness of the scalp is inborn — you’re destined to have scalp that’s dryer than someone else’s. There are instances in which too much scalp dryness is brought about by excessive shampooing and styling, and the use of hair products that contain drying and irritating ingredients such as alcohol and fragrances.
Contact Dermatitis
Speaking of harsh ingredients, there is a form of scalp itchiness that is due to contact dermatitis. Just like what the name says, contact dermatitis is dermatitis that is caused by contact with irritants or allergens. Just about any part of the body can suffer from contact dermatitis, and that includes your scalp.
Needless to say, the reason behind contact dermatitis of the scalp is the use of hair products that can cause irritation and inflammation. Shampoos, hairspray, mousse, wax, gels, volumizers, dyes — these and others can trigger contact dermatitis of the scalp. You are at higher risk of it especially if you have sensitive skin.
Tinea Capitis
Ringworm of the scalp — this is the less-fancy name for tinea capitis. Just like ringworm found somewhere else on the body, ringworm of the scalp is due to a fungus that can proliferate on your skin and cause an infection. By the way, tinea capitis is another thing that can leave you with a bout of dandruff.
But unlike some other forms of dandruff, tinea capitis is highly contagious. It doesn’t come as a surprise because it’s caused by a fungus that can easily spread from person to person. Sharing towels, pillows, combs and hair accessories with someone who has tinea capitis may put you at risk of having itchy scalp.
Head Lice
No matter if your scalp and hair are clean or dirty, it’s possible for you to end up with head lice. Just the thought of having tiny insects setting up camp on your scalp can make your skin crawl. Well, actually sometimes your skin can really crawl due to the severe itchiness that having head lice brings.
What’s even terrifying is the fact that head lice feed on your blood for sustenance. According to experts, this is exactly the reason why having head lice can cause itchy scalp — they bite of your scalp with their tiny fangs to have access to your blood, and the reaction of your scalp to their saliva is what causes itchiness.
