Dry, itchy scalps can be quite irritating to deal with, and not to mention very embarrassing. And while it’s a very common skin condition, it’s still important that you understand the various causes and treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about how we can help you properly treat your itchy scalp.
Possible Itchy Scalp Causes
There are several internal and external causes of dry, itchy scalps. However, the cause of your own condition may depend on the weather, your lifestyle, or your general health. Trying to determine the actual cause of an itchy scalp isn’t always an easy task; however, we’ve listed some of the common causes below.
Dandruff
If your scalp is flaky, you may be dealing with dandruff. Though this may be annoying, it isn’t a serious condition. Your doctor may prescribe you a specialty shampoo as treatment or an oral medication.
Psoriasis
Though Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, it can often be found on the scalp. It may appear as rough, raised patches on your scalp that itch, crack, or possibly burn.
Lice
While most people associate lice with younger children, adults can get it too. It often comes from sharing hairbrushes, hats, and other infected items. Lice can often be treated with over-the-counter medications or prescription-strength hair products.
Allergic Reaction or Hives
If the hair care products you’re using are too harsh for your skin or contain an allergen, your scalp may react by becoming itchy and burning.
Dry Scalp
A dry scalp may also be the cause of all the itching. Particularly in winter, your skin dries out much quicker which can lead to a dry scalp. Your skin needs moisture in order to avoid flaking and itching, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur on the outer layer of your scalp and in your hair. It appears as circular patches with red, raised edges. If you find a rash on your scalp that resembles this, be sure to contact your dermatologist.
Nerve Problem
Surprisingly, another common cause of an itchy scalp could be that you have a nerve problem. If there is a disconnection between the nerves in your skin, you may not be getting the moisture you need to avoid those dry, itching patches on your scalp.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can often appear in different ways; while some may appear as dark, abnormal patches, others may simply appear as dry, flaky patches on the scalp. If you’re constantly in the sunlight and are concerned that you may be at risk of having skin cancer, contact a skin care specialist immediately.
Scabies
This skin condition is caused by a tiny bug that burrows deep into your scalp. Once burrowed, these little bugs can cause quite a bit of flakiness and can cause your skin to become irritated and itchy.
Atopic Dermatitis
If you have a special kind of eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, it’s possible that it may develop on your scalp. Common signs of this skin condition are red, burning patches that can also flake and itch as they become more irritated.
Remedies for an Itchy Scalp
While you can find most any home remedy for a skin condition on the internet nowadays, you may need to see a dermatologist depending on its severity. We’ve listed a few of the common remedies for dry, itchy scalps below.
- Eliminate Using Harsh Products – If the symptoms you’re experiencing are from an allergen, then you may want to consider looking into the hair products you’re using. By starting to slowly eliminate these products, you can possibly determine what is causing your issues.
- Try Dandruff or Specialty Shampoos – If you’re suffering from dandruff, trying a new specialty shampoo may help. There are several over-the-counter hair products you can use to try and ease your dandruff.
- See a Board-Certified Dermatologist – If you’ve tried using new products or medications to ease your symptoms and nothing seems to work, you may need to see a dermatologist. Depending on the severity of your condition, your dermatologist may prescribe an oral medication or medicated shampoo.
Learn More About Your Options at Winston Salem Dermatology
No matter how severe your condition may be, we can help you here at Winston Salem Dermatology. Our team of professional skin care specialists are not only here to help you find the perfect solution to your issue, but to teach you about how you can better take care of your skin. Just give us a call today at +1 (336) 774-8636 to learn more about what we can do for you.