A Guide to the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Itchy Scalp

Possible and common causes of Itchy Scalp  Contact dermatitis is one of the common causes of scalp problems. The use of soaps, shampoos or hair products containing alcohol often causes itchy scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis another common cause of itchy scalp is known as cradle cap in infants and dandruff in adults. It often leads to dry scalp problems. Cradle cap affects many babies during the first three months of life. Dandruff is much common in adolescents.   Psoriasis a common skin condition is a cause of red rashes on the scalp. The affected skin usually thickens with a layer of silvery scaling. It is common to 4% of the total population. It also affects the skin of the elbows, the knees and genitals. Head louse is a significant cause of itchy scalp problems in children. It spreads from one to another through close contact. Lice cause an itching sensation at the back of the head and behind the ears.  Sunburn, poor hair care, hair dye allergy, reaction to hair products, tinea, eczema and lupus are some of the scalp problems that can bother you always.

Symptoms of Itchy Scalp Problems Psoriasis of the scalp manifests some symptoms like shedding of dead cells as dandruff. White flakes are larger and more distinct when the scalp is affected with psoriasis. Plaques with itching or scratching sensation behind the ears or at the back of the head are common symptoms of psoriasis on the neck.   Inflammation is the most common symptom of psoriasis when it affects the earlobes with itchy scalp. The skin on the back of the earlobe becomes delicate. There are also some symptoms of scalp problems caused by psoriasis at the hair parting line and on the hairline. Inflammation of the hair follicles is much common. Symptoms of scalp problems when caused by lice include itchy scalp with red bite marks.               Treatment for Dry and Itchy Scalp Problems Using herbal oils is a natural treatment for itchy scalp. Natural treatment with herbal remedies alters the pictures of scalp problems by providing nourishment to the affected scalp. Here are some natural and herbal oils for the effective treatment of itchy scalp.

Neem – The oil made from the extract of neem leaves is the most effective and efficient of natural oils for itchy scalp. Neem is an excellent insecticide and fungicide. It removes the symptoms of scalp problems at a blow. It not only soothes the scalp but also promotes hair growth.     Zinc Pyrithione – It is rich in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Such scalp disorders as dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic, dermatitis and eczema are treated with this natural product.    Tea Tree – Tea tree herbal oil provides a natural treatment for itchy scalp caused by lice, sebaceous and dandruff. It enlivens the scalp cells and nourishes hair follicles to work against itchy scalp.   Basil – It is meant for itchy scalp with oily hair. It also promotes hair growth.   Clary sage – All sorts of hair dandruffs are treated with this natural oil.

Chamomile – It makes the hair shine in addition to removing itchy scalp.   Lemon – It is good for oily hair. It is a natural scalp treatment against lice, sebaceous glands and dandruff.   Lavender – It removes itchiness a symptom of itchy scalp that is caused by dandruff and lice.   Jojoba - It works as a natural scalp moisturizer. It helps keep sebum in balance.   Rose – The oil made from the extract of rose is soothing in case of scalp problems.   Other natural oils with a content rich in herbal properties are Myrrh, Peppermint, Patchouli, Rosemary and Ylang-ylang.

Besides aforementioned natural oils, many non-toxic shampoos are there. Non-toxic shampoos are low in chemicals but high in nourishing properties. Frequent application of these herbal shampoos nourishes the scalp and condition the hair to keep away scalp problems. You can also use the“Soothing Scalp Remedy”liquid, which is enriched with the natural extracts of lavender, rosemary, jojoba oil, neem oil and tea tree oil. This is a perfect natural treatment for itchy scalp problems.  Diagnostic Tests for Itchy scalp   In severe cases of scalp problems, diagnostic tests become necessary. Diagnostic tests are a medical inspection to determine the severity of itchy scalp and the treatment it requires. Go through a skin examination that carefully checks if eggs of Pediculus humanus Capitus or head lice are glued to the hair shafts. Itchy skin rash has some characteristics like macular, pustular, popular, bullous, vesicular and scaly. A notice of these characteristics through a diagnostic test helps you find out the cause of scalp problems. A popular or macular rash suggests exfoliative dermatitis and eczema, a pustular rash denotes to fungal skin infection or staphylococcus, a bullous or vesicular rash suggests dermatitis herpetiformis and chicken pox and a scaly rash denotes to psoriasis, dandruff, seborrhoiec dermatitis and pityriasis capitis.

Itchy scalp is a common skin infection. It is an infection of the scalp. Scalp problems may be itchy and dry. They are not a matter of concern, if they are properly taken care of with some herbal oil or medicinal ointment. If left untreated, scalp problems may grow severe. To do away with them is in your hand. Some precautionary measures like cleaning the hair properly, rubbing the scalp gently, using a soft shampoo and avoiding using chemically rich hair products can help you keep away itchy scalp problems.