Itchy Scalp

What Causes An Itchy Scalp?

The cause of your itchy scalp may be more serious than you realize. Possible culprits range from a new shampoo to serious diseases like lupus. Determining the cause of your frustrating itch is the biggest step in finding a treatment that can bring you much-needed relief.

It may just be that your scalp is too dry from harsh winter weather or from too much blow drying. Or you may have dandruff, one of the most common itchy scalp causes. Neither of these cases is serious or permanent. A few changes in products and hair treatments can often easily solve the problem.

Another instance in which an itchy head is nothing to worry about is sunburn. If you notice that the itchiness began when the rest of your sunburn began to peel, this is probably the cause. Fortunately, it should go away as your sunburn heals. In the future you can avoid an aggravating itchy scalp by wearing a hat or using a non-greasy spray-on sunscreen.

Head lice and other parasites are sometimes the cause of an itchy scalp. These nasty creatures can be acquired in any public place where they could have been deposited by another person. Check your scalp for small white specks at your hair roots or watch for moving parasites on your scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. These insects and parasites feed off your blood and while they are not a serious medical condition they can introduce bacteria that can cause infection.

Other serious symptoms

One indicator that your itchy scalp may be associated with something more serious is if you have noticed other symptoms with it. Any other skin issues, such as itchy skin in other areas, blisters, rashes, redness, burning, or hair loss can point to other diseases or a malfunction in a body system. The most common conditions that cause these symptoms include autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and allergies.

If you are experiencing other symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, problems with your nails, itchy eyes, runny nose, flu-like symptoms, decreased appetite, or depression, you should see a doctor immediately. These symptoms could point to health problems like hypothyroidism, lupus, a fungal infection, psoriasis, or folliculitis. Seeing a doctor with the means and expertise to accurately diagnose your various symptoms is the only way you can begin the correct itchy scalp treatment that can help the issue.

If your itchy scalp has become excessive you need to visit your doctor. He can inform you as to whether or not your symptoms are linked to a more serious condition and how to proceed. Even if the cause of your itchy scalp is less serious – such as sunburn – he can write a prescription that will help take care of the problem.