An itchy, sore scalp is irritating and uncomfortable. Besides cold weather or allergies, a variety of medical conditions cause symptoms associated with an itchy scalp. A medical professional often needs to examine the scalp for proper diagnoses. Some conditions may require only simple home treatments, while prescription medications are necessary to treat more serious scalp illnesses.
Alopecia
Alopecia, the medical term for hair loss, causes occasional itching and soreness of the scalp. Temporary hair loss, known as alopecia areata, occurs in patches on the scalp. Bald areas form about the size of a quarter, states MayoClinic.com. Soreness and itching often occur before hair begins to fall out. The condition is temporary and hair often regrows. The condition may also affect other parts of the body besides the scalp. A more rare and permanent condition of hair loss is known as cicatricial alopecia. The condition is caused by inflammation to the hair follicle. Pain, itching and soreness are common symptoms. Hair loss may signal an underlying condition and a medical exam is recommended, advises MayoClinic.com.
Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis often affects the scalp causing itching, redness and flaking of the skin. Continued scratching and itching of the skin increase infection and soreness associated with the condition. Overproduction of oil and a yeast known as malessizia causes the skin condition, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. When the condition occurs on an infant's scalp, it is known as cradle cap. The condition often runs in families. Risk factors of the condition include obesity, stress, and poor hygiene. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos applied to the scalp treat the condition. Patients should look for shampoos containing salicylic acid, selenium or zinc, advises MedlinePlus. The condition is chronic and will have periods of inactivity as well as periods of flare-ups.
Ringworm
Ringworm of the scalp, or tinea capitis, is a fungal infection causing itching, soreness and hair loss. The condition is commonly diagnosed in school age children. Scalp ringworm spreads by sharing personal items such as combs and brushes as well as person-to-person contact. Petting an animal infected with ringworm may also transmit the infection to the scalp. Oral prescription medications, such as griseofulvin and terbinafine hydrochloride, are necessary to treat the infection. Mayoclinic.com advises that medications applied directly to the scalp are not as effective in treating the fungal infection.
