Infrequent shampooing or a buildup of hair products on the hair and scalp can cause your scalp to get itchy, but a number of other conditions can make you want to scratch, too. If you're having problems with an itchy scalp and are unsure of the cause, it's best to consult a doctor for advice. Depending on the cause, there are a number of treatment options.
Hair Products And Dandruff
If you don't keep your hair clean enough, the Cleveland Clinic reports you can develop seborrheic dermatitis, more commonly known as dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis causes white-to-yellow greasy scales on the scalp that result in flaky, itchy skin. Womenshealth.gov notes that if you develop dandruff, it can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription shampoos. It also recommends you avoid using hair styling products while you're treating the condition.
Allergies
It's also possible to develop allergies to certain hair products, even if you've used them before. Soaps and cosmetic products are common allergens that can cause itchiness. Some people may develop itchy skin from food allergies, too. Hives are red, itchy bumps that can appear on your skin if you come in contact with a substance to which you're allergic.
Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is another condition that can cause itching and soreness on the scalp. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that can cause thick, red, scaly patches to form most commonly on the head, elbows and knees. Like dandruff, psoriasis on the scalp can be treated with medicated shampoos. MayoClinic.com notes that special ointments, gels or foam preparations may be recommended for treatment, as well as oil treatments for the scalp.
Ringworm
Ringworm is another condition that can cause your scalp to feel itchy. MayoClinic.com describes ringworm of the scalp as a fungal infection that's most common in toddlers and school-age children. It can cause red, itchy bald-looking spots on the head. Oral medications are available to treat ringworm. MayoClinic.com notes that they tend to more effective than treatments applied to the head because the topical treatments don't penetrate the scalp and hair as well.
Lice
Head lice can cause an intense scalp itch, too. Children are the typical victims, but lice can spread to anyone who has close physical contact with a person infested with the bugs. MayoClnic.com describes lice as tiny, wingless parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They can be treated with over-the-counter products, but prescription treatments may be necessary for some stubborn cases. You can detect lice by a close inspection of the hair and scalp for the tiny insects, and for the eggs, or nits, they lay that cling to hair.
