Scalp itchiness and irritation is a common problem. Virtually all of us has suffered from it at one time or another. Fortunately, both the causes and cures to itchy scalps are well understood, diagnosed and treated. A few of them are outlined below.
One simple cause of an itchy scalp is infrequent washing. This can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells that, by themselves, can cause irritation. The obvious solution is frequent washing, at least once or twice a week, with a good quality shampoo.
Secondly, washing too often can dry the scalp and promote itchiness. This might also be caused by overly hot water, hair dryers and poor quality shampoo. During winter, cold wind can exacerbate the problem, as can overly dry air from home heating without adequate humidification. Using shampoo for dry hair and scalp can assist.
As previously mentioned, build-up of dead skin can stimulate fungus as well as bacteria, parasites and viruses. Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia furfur is a yeast fungus normally present on a human body. It causes dandruff and itch if it becomes overly prolific on a body. Regular exposure to direct sunlight can be helpful; sun baking is not necessary. Tea tree oil has natural anti-fungal properties and often used to control Pityrosporum ovale. Shampoo with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole can also be beneficial, particularly if allowed to rest on the skin for a prolonged period of five minutes or more. It is also important to apply this remedy persistently for several weeks to ensure the fungus does not reaccelerate its colonization in the interim.
Scalp itch can also be prompted by excessive secretions from skin oil gland, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. The groin, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and nose might all be affected. The causes of overactive oil glands are not well understood. In the case of males, the production of sex hormones by the body may be a contributing factor. Diet changes may help improve the condition. Lowering saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids helps to lower oil gland secretion. Trans-fatty acids are mostly found in pre-prepared or packaged foods that contain shortening as well as hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Scalp psoriasis is another source of intense itching. It is autoimmune disease meaning the immune system is overactive and responds inappropriately against substances existing on or within the body. This malady also produces minute scales and flakes like dandruff. In extreme cases, the scales can become thick, yellow pieces of dead skin that separate from the scalp in large slabs. Treatments include ointments and creams as well as shampoos with coal tar and salicylic acid.
Stress can also cause of itchy scalp, as well as skin irritations elsewhere on the body particularly on the neck and face. Stress-related dysfunctions are often difficult to diagnose and remedy. Advice from health professionals is almost always required.
In conclusion, the above five causes and cures to itchy scalps are widely encountered in the community. In addition to the treatments already mentioned, general dietary factors that may also assist. First, ensure adequate levels of the entire vitamin B group as well as vitamins A and E. Second ensure adequate intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. Third, decrease intake of sugars such as glucose and fructose since they tend to lower the level of vitamin B6. Fourth, avoid saturated fatty acids (meat, milk and dairy products) since they increase oil gland secretion.
One simple cause of an itchy scalp is infrequent washing. This can lead to a build-up of dead skin cells that, by themselves, can cause irritation. The obvious solution is frequent washing, at least once or twice a week, with a good quality shampoo.
Secondly, washing too often can dry the scalp and promote itchiness. This might also be caused by overly hot water, hair dryers and poor quality shampoo. During winter, cold wind can exacerbate the problem, as can overly dry air from home heating without adequate humidification. Using shampoo for dry hair and scalp can assist.
As previously mentioned, build-up of dead skin can stimulate fungus as well as bacteria, parasites and viruses. Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia furfur is a yeast fungus normally present on a human body. It causes dandruff and itch if it becomes overly prolific on a body. Regular exposure to direct sunlight can be helpful; sun baking is not necessary. Tea tree oil has natural anti-fungal properties and often used to control Pityrosporum ovale. Shampoo with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole can also be beneficial, particularly if allowed to rest on the skin for a prolonged period of five minutes or more. It is also important to apply this remedy persistently for several weeks to ensure the fungus does not reaccelerate its colonization in the interim.
Scalp itch can also be prompted by excessive secretions from skin oil gland, a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. The groin, eyebrows, eyelids, ears and nose might all be affected. The causes of overactive oil glands are not well understood. In the case of males, the production of sex hormones by the body may be a contributing factor. Diet changes may help improve the condition. Lowering saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids helps to lower oil gland secretion. Trans-fatty acids are mostly found in pre-prepared or packaged foods that contain shortening as well as hydrogenated or partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Scalp psoriasis is another source of intense itching. It is autoimmune disease meaning the immune system is overactive and responds inappropriately against substances existing on or within the body. This malady also produces minute scales and flakes like dandruff. In extreme cases, the scales can become thick, yellow pieces of dead skin that separate from the scalp in large slabs. Treatments include ointments and creams as well as shampoos with coal tar and salicylic acid.
Stress can also cause of itchy scalp, as well as skin irritations elsewhere on the body particularly on the neck and face. Stress-related dysfunctions are often difficult to diagnose and remedy. Advice from health professionals is almost always required.
In conclusion, the above five causes and cures to itchy scalps are widely encountered in the community. In addition to the treatments already mentioned, general dietary factors that may also assist. First, ensure adequate levels of the entire vitamin B group as well as vitamins A and E. Second ensure adequate intake of Omega-3 and Omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. Third, decrease intake of sugars such as glucose and fructose since they tend to lower the level of vitamin B6. Fourth, avoid saturated fatty acids (meat, milk and dairy products) since they increase oil gland secretion.
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