Haircare woes are many, but perhaps the most bothersome of them all is an itchy scalp. For healthy hair, your scalp has to be healthy as well. So, if your scalp feels itchy constantly, it implies that there’s something wrong with it, and this affects your hair health as well. An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, is a common condition that is characterised by frequent scratching and discomfort. While the need to itch is in itself a symptom of the condition, it is often accompanied by visible signs, such as scabbing or flaking skin.
Instead of giving in to the urge to itch your scalp, let’s look at what causes an itchy scalp and how to prevent it from causing discomfort.
Causes of an itchy scalp
One of the most common causes of an itchy scalp is dandruff, which is also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis. This condition affects the sebaceous areas (where oil-producing glands are located), and this includes the scalp and face. You might experience itching, reddened skin, flaking, and yellow or white scales. While there’s no known reason for this condition, the potential causes have been narrowed down to:
- Seasonal changes
- A yeast overgrowth on the skin
- Stress or hormonal fluctuations.
Other causes of an itchy scalp include:
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Shingles
- Lice
- Diabetes
- Contact dermatitis
- Scalp psoriasis
While an itchy scalp can appear worrisome, there are some effective ways to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Let’s take a look.
How to prevent an itchy scalp?
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why you need to follow these preventive measures that can help you keep this condition at bay.
- Keep your hair clean
If you are prone to an itchy scalp, the best way to prevent it is by keeping your hair clean. Your hair tends to accumulate sweat and grime throughout the day. If left unchecked, this can cause an itchy scalp, which eventually leads to dandruff. So, instead of letting the condition escalate, all you have to do is keep your scalp and hair clean. You can use a zinc pyrithione-containing shampoo to keep itchiness at bay. Try Head & Shoulders Anti-dandruff shampoos that are formulated with this dandruff-fighting ingredient to control scalp itchiness and dandruff-related issues.
- Reduce stress
Stress is known to impact your immune system, and this makes you vulnerable to infections and other health issues. Also, stress makes you more susceptible to dandruff. So, to avoid an itchy scalp and dandruff, you need to manage stress better. Learn some effective stress management techniques like yoga or choose a physical activity that helps you relieve the pent-up stress.
- Avoid using certain hair products
One of the major causes of an itchy scalp is using certain hair care products that your scalp reacts to negatively. Ensure that you don’t use hair products that contain dyes or fragrances as this can trigger an allergic reaction. If you have a sensitive scalp, it makes you more vulnerable to an itchy scalp if you use any of these hair products.
- Don’t use hot water to wash your hair
While keeping your hair clean is imperative, do not use hot water to wash your scalp and hair. It strips your scalp of its natural oils and it becomes more vulnerable to irritation.
While treating an itchy scalp doesn’t have to be a tedious task, why not avoid the condition altogether. Follow these easy tips to prevent an itchy scalp and flaunt clean, healthy hair.
