Your itchy scalp condition may soon become worse if you cave in and start scratching at it. Many problems can trigger the impulse to scratch, but most causes of a constantly itchy scalp aren't serious or difficult to tame. Identifying potential causes can help you soothe the itch without ever needing to step into a doctor's office.
Common Causes
Dandruff is the most common cause of an itchy scalp, but psoriasis is also a source of constant itching, according to SkinSight.com. Other possible causes are scalp inflammation, irritation from substances such as wool and soaps, allergies to the ingredients in hair care products, and conditions such as head lice and ringworm.
Signs and Symptoms
Many causes of constant itching come with other signs and symptoms. For example, dandruff and psoriasis cause redness, flaking and scaling of the scalp, but dandruff tends to have an oilier texture and psoriasis tends to affect more than just the scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic. A head lice infestation is distinct, because tiny insects live on the scalp. Lice eggs, called nits, are often stuck to hair shafts around the ears and the back of the neck. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can show up as round bald patches of broken off scalp hairs and, in some cases, scaly patches, pus and swelling, according to SkinSight.com.
Complications
Constantly scratching your scalp may lead to permanent scarring and bacterial infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Seek medical help if the itch is severe, if it persists despite your best attempts to reduce it, if you can't easily explain the cause or if the itch occurs with other symptoms you can't explain, recommends MedlinePlus.
Treatment
A treatment for constant scalp itch depends on the cause. If you have a condition like head lice, you will need to use an over-the-counter or prescription medicated shampoo and manually remove the nits from your hair. If you have ringworm, a topical antifungal should do the trick. Other potential medications include antihistamines for allergic reactions, corticosteroid creams for skin inflammation and over-the-counter medicated shampoos for dandruff and psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, simply refraining from exposing your scalp to an irritant or allergen is the best course of action.
Home Care
Your scalp may continue to itch even after you have taken steps to treat the cause. While you're waiting for relief from the treatment to kick in, follow some home care tips to minimize your discomfort. Keep your nails trimmed, and wear gloves when you sleep to prevent scratching. Use a cool, wet compress on your scalp, and sprinkle some baking soda or dry oatmeal into a tub before you soak your head, recommends Health Services at Columbia University.
