Sometimes an itchy scalp is accompanied by flakes and scales, red patches or no visible sign at all. If you find yourself scratching your head throughout the day, you may need to see a doctor to get to the root of the cause.
Common Conditions
Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis are two of the most common conditions that cause an itchy scalp, according to the Mayo Clinic. They have similar symptoms, so you'll need a doctor to give you a diagnosis. Typically, psoriasis scales are drier and thicker, and you may have the condition on other parts of the body. Seborrheic dermatitis is likely to cause reddening of the skin with while or yellow flaky scales, and it generally doesn't go past the hairline. Other conditions that may cause an itchy scalp include contact dermatitis, head lice and stress.
Causes
The causes of an itchy scalp are as varied as the number of conditions. The Family Resource website says contact dermatitis may be caused by allergies or an irritant, often from soap, dye, shampoo or other hair products. Adult dandruff and infant cradle cap, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, may be a dry, itchy scalp caused by oily skin or an organism similar to yeast that causes the condition to come and go. According to the Family Resource website, psoriasis may be a genetically linked condition.
Medical Treatments
Before treating an itchy scalp, it's essential to determine the condition and find the cause. The American Academy of Dermatology website claims that there is no cure for seborrheic dermatitis, but gentle shampooing and an antifungal solution or a low-dose corticosteroid may reduce the symptoms. Mild psoriasis can be treated with skin ointments or creams that you would use on the rest of your skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. More severe cases may be combined with light therapy or oral medications.
Alternative Treatments
Some of the alternatives to itchy scalp include aloe vera, capsaicin cream and fish oil supplements. Wellsphere recommends using a fenugreek seed paste on an itchy scalp caused by dandruff. Leave the paste on the scalp for an hour, then shampoo and rinse your hair. For irritation or inflammation, a home remedy is olive oil mixed with crushed rosemary leaves massaged into the scalp. Apply apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water to an itchy scalp with sores. According to the Mayo Clinic website, most alternatives to psoriasis aren't proven to be effective. If you want to try an alternative therapy for itchy scalp, discuss it with your doctor.
Prevention
The best way to avoid an itchy scalp is to prevent it in the first place. Use good hygiene, avoid any known allergen, have balance in your diet, stay hydrated and learn to deal with stress. If possible, try to avoid extreme changes in climate. Before trying a new hair product on your entire scalp, test a small area to determine whether you may have a problem with it. This is important if you have a history of an itchy scalp.
