Itchy scalps can cause hair loss. Medically known as scalp pruritus, the condition can cause sufficient irritation to the individual. Heated, stuffy rooms and a cold weather may well aggravate the situation. When hair loss is apparent along with the pruritus, then it is definitely a cause of concern.
There is a certain difference between scratching your head when you are in a deep, serious thought and when there is a persistent genuine itch specifically in the scalp.
Causes and symptoms of an itchy scalp
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Dandruff: A very common and obvious cause, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause itching and flaking of the scalp. Inflammation and over-growth of yeast is typically formed in the areas of the scalp where hair is most dense. Where yeast is generally present in the hair and scalp, it can cause problems when there is too much.
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Allergic reactions to shampoos and foods: There are numerous sources from which allergic reactions could occur. Foodstuffs containing peanuts, sugar and soy can cause fungal infections and inflammations, while shampoos contain chemicals that can have harmful and allergic effects such as contact dermatitis. Try to observe and avoid food and shampoos that can cause reactions.
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Ringworm: Also known as Tinea Capitis, ringworm is a fungal infection affecting the scalp area. The fungus extends itself into the hair follicle and round patches develop, resulting in hair loss. The infected area has a raised appearance and contains black dots.
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Autoimmune diseases: Psoriasis appears on the scalp in the form of raised, red, scaly patches. It is a chronic autoimmune disease with no clear and known causes, though findings deem it to be hereditary. While inheritance causes actual development of the disease in about 2% to 3% of the individuals, about 10% inherit it but may remain unaffected.
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Head lice: Head lice just doesn’t occur with kids at school, it can invade the heads of the adults too. Itching on the scalp, neck and back of the ears are common symptoms of head lice. It takes at least two to six weeks of infestation during which tiny eggs or nits attach themselves to individual hair strands and appear much like dandruff. These cannot be shaken off easily, though.
Some precautionary measures
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Do not share combs and brushes
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Avoid foods and shampoos that cause allergic reactions
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Treat all and any fungal infections that might affect you
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Use natural hair care remedies instead of chemicals
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Do not style your hair tightly
