When your scalp’s natural moisture balance is disturbed, the result is itchiness and dryness.
When your scalp’s natural moisture balance is disturbed, the result is itchiness and dryness. Some of the most common causes are dandruff, sebaceous cysts, skin conditions such as psoriasis, sunburn, lice, fungus and viral infections, poor hair care, and anxiety. We look at all these reasons one by one....
Causes Dandruff is the leading cause for an itchy scalp. It may recede at the rake of a fingernail, but if spread badly, it can be damaging.
Lice is another culprit. Your skin reacts with the saliva of the lice, causing itchiness. Sebaceous cysts can be seen as bumps underneath skin. They damage the scalp. Unwashed hair can cause build-up of oil and dead skin cells that cause flaking. Fungal infection or ringworm extends into the hair follicle, causing hair loss that increase in size over time. Lack of vitamin B and D, good fat and zinc can also lead to a dry and itchy scalp.
Solutions For dandruff, ringworm and psoriasis, use over-the-counter shampoos. For more serious cases, opt for a medicated foam, solution, cream or ointment. Home solutions that have water as the base of the mixture can be used as moisturisers. Apply aloe vera gel on the itchy spots. Use apple cider vinegar. It is an anti-inflammatory substance that kills viruses and yeast. Massaging the scalp with lemon juice with coconut oil, eucalyptus oil in olive oil, a mix of yogurt and rosemary and tea tree oil also help.
The writer is a consultant dermatologist.
