Connection Between Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss?

An itchy scalp can be a common problem with many different causes. It can be difficult to determine what the origin of the itching is but it’s important to confirm the root of the problem as remedies can differ. We’re here to walk you through the causes and treatments of an itchy scalp.

Summary

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1. What Are The Causes of an Itchy Scalp?
2. Can an Itchy Scalp be Something More Serious?
3. What Are The Treatments for an Itchy Scalp?
4. Have You Tried Our Hair Serum?

What Are The Causes of an Itchy Scalp?

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1. Dandruff

Common causes for an itchy scalp and hair loss include dandruff, also referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff has a noticeable visual signifier which can make it easier to spot than other kinds of itchy scalp conditions. There are flakes that fall from the scalp which can appear in your hair or on your clothing. This is due to an overproduction of yeast. Along with this you can experience an itchy and dry scalp.

2. Psoriasis

If you have psoriasis you’ll notice a bumpy and scaly patch where the itching has localised. The American Academy of Dermatology has classified it as being genetic and is a chronic autoimmune condition. Statistics show that roughly 50% of people who have the generalised plaque psoriasis will have some issue with scalp psoriasis. There are other types of scalp conditions such as scalp pruritus, lichen planopilaris, scalp ringworm and tinea capitis which can cause itching and issues leading to hair loss.

3. Allergic Reactions

As part of an allergic reaction you may experience itching that affects the scalp. This can be known to be caused by hair dyes (particularly black dye) and skin conditions such as atopic eczema/atopic dermatitis. This can be a less common cause and it can be hard to ascertain what chemical you are allergic to in order to avoid it.

4. Hair Transplant

You may experience an itchy scalp after hair transplantation. During the hair restoration, hair follicles are taken from the donor area and transplanted into the affected balding area. As part of the healing process following a hair transplant surgery, one of the side effects often experienced is an itchy scalp with red patches. It’s important not to disturb the transplanted hairs directly following a hair transplant procedure as it can negatively impact the final result and lead to permanent hair loss of the new follicles.

Can an Itchy Scalp be Something More Serious?

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Skin Cancer

There are certain symptoms which should be monitored and presented to a doctor if detected. Skin cancer can often be as a result of overexposure to the sun and precancerous lesions can form. The itchy skin will be accompanied by a crusty spot a quarter of an inch in size. It’s been reported that roughly 10% of these can become cancerous so it’s important to seek medical advice if discovered.

Hair Loss

After the scalp has been damaged by itching, microinflammations can occur. This happens as the protective layer of the scalp is exposed and damaging substances can pierce the skin. The inflammation of the hair follicles can start a cycle of irritation which can develop into hair thinning affecting your hair growth or even significant hair loss depending on the severity. This can be difficult to diagnose in clinical tests as it can only be detected when studying the skin tissue.

What Are The Treatments for an Itchy Scalp?

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Home Remedies

If you’ve been doing any research on the internet about treatments for an itchy scalp and hair loss you may have read about home remedies. These can range from apple cider vinegar and natural oils to athlete’s foot spray. While there may be some success stories from these treatments there is no solid research confirming the effectiveness of these solutions and may even make the issue worse.

Have you tried the 98% Aloe Vera Gel by Dr. Balwi?

This aloe vera gel for hair, face and skincare, has been developed under the supervision of Dr. Balwi our chef medical officer. Aloe vera has many benefits due to its moisturising, cooling and soothing properties. With 98% aloe vera content, this product is ideal for use on irritated skin, itchy scalps, razor burn and sunburn.

Hair Products

Depending on the cause your doctor may recommend different products to treat the irritation. Some of these can only be prescribed due to their strength and specificity in treatment such as medical shampoos for scabies or a fungal infection like ringworm. Other products are available more readily over the counter for more common causes of an itchy scalp like head lice.

• For dandruff it’s usually recommended to go with a dandruff shampoo which has selenium or zinc pyrithione. This is due to their properties that control your body’s production of yeast. Attention needs to be paid not only to the hair but also the scalp in order to lift the flaky buildup.
• With psoriasis, washing your hair with a shampoo containing coal tar has been advised or one with salicylic acid to control the irritation. Corticosteroids may also be prescribed in more severe cases in order to provide relief. It works to diminish the redness, itching, swelling and size of the affected area.
• In terms of allergies, if you have contact dermatitis it may be the case that you will require an allergy test from your doctor to identify what the aggravating factor is. Once it’s identified you will need to stop using the product in order to clear the scalp itching. In the meantime it can be difficult to suppress the annoying urge to itch the area.

Have You Tried Our Hair Serum?

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In order to alleviate discomfort from having an itchy scalp and treat the affected area Elithair have created our own hair serum. Developed by Dr. Balwi, the serum contains zinc and selenium making it ideal in the treatment of dandruff. 

As it is a serum that is left to set on the scalp rather than be washed off it can be used in combination with other products to provide relief. Not only that but the highly concentrated, natural biotin in the hair serum can help to combat hair loss and keep hair strong as it tackles itchy scalp problems.