Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss: The Surprising Culprit + Cure

Table Of Content

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• What Kind of Treatment Helps With Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss?
• Causes of scalp conditions
• Pumpkin Seed Oil
• Scalp Ringworm
• Preventing scalp tenderness
• Aging Makeup Mistakes Pros Want Women Over 40 To Stop Making Because They Make You Look Older—Plus, What To Do Instead

But other products could be the source of your contact dermatitis, too. Unfortunately, there’s no single, straightforward answer to why your scalp is so freaking itchy. There are multiple reasons you could be experiencing this sometimes-excruciating feeling. Treatment depends on the cause but may include topical medications and shampoos, oral or injected medications, and lifestyle practices.

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When scabies affects the scalp, it is most often in infants and very young children. Older children and adults don’t usually get scabies on their head but it can occur above the neck in some cases. One example is alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks hair follicles, causing thinning hair and sudden hair loss.

What Kind of Treatment Helps With Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss?

Another way to address thinning hair is by making sure your body is sufficient in vitamins, especially iron, vitamin D, folic acid, and zinc. But many people have found success with over-the-counter hair thickening products or with prescription medications like minoxidil and finasteride. In addition to peppermint oil, this shampoo bar contains extra menthol crystals. Shampoos containing phyto-caffeine have been shown to reduce hair thinning caused by androgenic alopecia.

Causes of scalp conditions

If you’re low in several key areas, your doctor might recommend a daily multivitamin. Healthy hair needs iron, folic acid, and zinc to keep growing thick and strong. Look for daily supplements for males and females that meet these criteria. Some options are OLLY Heavenly Hair Gummies and HUM Hair Strong Gummies. Essential oils are liquids derived from certain plants, and they’re primarily used in aromatherapy and other types of alternative medicine.

Medicated ointments and washes that kill fungi or certain insects can cure certain infections, such as ringworm and lice. By clicking submit you agree to our Privacy notice and Terms and conditions. It’s important to know that ringworm is highly infectious, particularly among young children, and should be treated as soon as possible. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis.

Scalp Ringworm

Here, dermatologists share what you need to know about alopecia, including possible causes, treatment options and what you can do to prevent more hair loss. By consulting a dermatologist you can find out about any underlying skin conditions or allergies that may require specific treatments. If your scalp itching continues or even gets worse despite trying several remedies, consult a dermatologist. Keep in mind you should also pay special attention if you have a medical history of skin conditions in the family.

Natural and at-home treatment for an itchy scalp with hair loss

15 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair 2024 for a Thicker, Fuller Effect, According to Dermatologists - Allure

15 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair 2024 for a Thicker, Fuller Effect, According to Dermatologists.

Posted: Sun, 07 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This shampoo is also available in a bundle with a hydrating shea butter conditioner bar. "I suggest using it once a day nightly for areas of thinning in addition to adding it to shampoo and conditioner and using it as often as you wash for your hair type," she continues. "I would be careful about the sources of all things you put on your scalp," she emphasizes. “When it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to choose a high-quality castor oil that is free of additives or impurities,” he says. "i suggest using it once a day nightly for areas of thinning in addition to adding it to shampoo and conditioner and using it as often as you wash for your hair type," she continues.

Preventing scalp tenderness

Hit the reset button whenever your dandruff becomes too much with an exfoliating scrub. Nexxus Scalp Inergy Gentle Exfoliating Scrub uses micro-exfoliating sugars and moisturizers to help improve the strength of your scalp and your hair. A bad sunburn can increase inflammation or a flare-up of psoriasis on your scalp, so remember to wear a hat when you’re outdoors. But if you have to relieve some of that itchy feeling, gently rub the area with the soft part of your fingers.

Additionally, if your protein intake is insufficient, your dermatologist (specialist of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) can advise you on ways to increase it. Only consider supplementing with biotin, iron, or zinc upon confirmation of deficiencies through blood tests. It is important to know that androgenetic alopecia typically appears differently in women than men. In women, the hair becomes thinner at the top of the head, and the middle part widens.

"i would be careful about the sources of all things you put on your scalp," she emphasizes. “when it comes to using castor oil, there are a few things to keep in mind. Iman Balagam is a beauty contributor at Cosmopolitan with nearly four years of experience writing beauty stories that range from curling irons to collagen for hair growth. She’s an authority in all categories, but is an expert when it comes to hair oiling, thanks to years of personally researching and testing different hair oils to grow her thick hair. I don’t wear my natural hair often because I’m still working through embracing my curls. But on the days I want my texture to shine, I reach for this hair oil before and after my wash.

Minoxidil (commonly referred to by the brand name Regaine) comes as a lotion or foam, but should not be applied to sore or cracked skin. So you should only use minoxidil for hair regrowth once the underlying issue has been addressed. Folliculitis usually presents with small, itchy bumps and temporary hair loss, though hair usually returns after treatment. In rare cases, however, hair loss can be permanent, so it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Tinea capitis is more commonly known as ringworm of the scalp, which despite the name is actually a fungal infection.

Several serious diseases also attack the hair follicle, says Robert Brodell, a dermatologist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Hair loss, or alopecia, affects more than 80 percent of men and 50 percent of women, and the risk increases with age. In every case, it is beneficial to have a balanced diet rich in biotin and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It affects around 50 million males and 30 million females in the United States. Approximately half of all people will experience it at some point.

Some treatments are over-the-counter while others need a prescription. If itching is severe, persistent, or doesn’t have a recognizable cause, consider seeing a healthcare provider. In women, most common hair loss reasons are fungal and bacterial infections, such as ringworm (aka tinea capitis), and allergic reactions to hair care products. These types of hair loss can result in itchy scalp and cause folliculitis.