Are you experiencing itchy scalp and hair loss? Are you able to determine the exact causes of this embarrassing, uneasy and frustrating condition? These two conditions can be an indication of a severe health condition such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. To solve this problem, you will need a proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying causes. Here, you will discover more about the causes, symptoms and hair regrowth treatments and more.
Causes
Before we proceed to the most common causes, we would like to put it clear that, hair loss is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It simply signifies hair thinning, fall-out and breakage. Many types (alopecia) is just temporary and many people do get a solution by doing very little in order to regrow their hair.
According to Guciimage.com, “Itchy scalp is one of the most common conditions that cause hair breakage and shedding.” Many skin conditions can contribute to this conditions ranging from skin conditions or diseases to hereditary genes. Read about to explore more of the common causes:
1. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis
Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis or eczema are terminologies usually used interchangeably by medical experts. They result to scalp irritation resulting to visible flakes in the scalp hair. Usually, seborrheic dermatitis can occur any place in the body that experience excess sebum production including the scalp area. The affected skin get red and seem to be greasy forming white or yellow scales. Actually, dandruff alone don’t cause hair loss but whenever it is accompanied by itching it may lead to scratching. The scratching can lead to direct fallout or trigger bumps and scabs that may come out with some hair.
Usually, this condition is not treatable but the risk can be limited using some home remedies or doctor`s prescriptions.
2. Psoriasis
This is skin condition that causes a scaly, silvery buildup on the head or scalp. It usually leads to itching and discomfort that may trigger some kind of scratching that may soil everything. The resultant scratching would lead to temporary hair fallout. There are many medical treatments that could help you get rid of this condition in just about months. The treatments are usually aimed at relieving irritation. Remember forceful removal of psoriasis could also lead some strands coming off!
3. Scalp folliculitis
This is the inflammation of the hair follicles due to scalp infections and can potentially lead to hair loss. This condition can affects any place of your body including the scalp, I mean anywhere that has got body hair. Folliculitis is identified by small spots like acne with minute rings of inflammation around the hair follicles opening. This is usually accompanied by itching or soreness. As this condition matures, hair loss may be a solid evidence. “Severe folliculitis can cause extreme inflammation that can permanently destroy hair follicles and leave bald spots on the scalp.” [viviscal.com]
Among the common causes of folliculitis include clogging of follicles, infections such as viral, fungal and even bacterial infections. There are treatments that can effectively help relieve this condition.
4. Scalp ringworm
Ringworm infections can occur anywhere in the body and totally has nothing to do with worms. According to Webmd.com, “it can cause patches of hair loss and is known to doctors as “tinea capitis.”” It usually initiate with small pimples which will increase in size and result to scaly patches of temporary baldness. The fungus usually gets into the Hair fibers making them brittle and break off. Affected areas can also be itchy red, and inflamed accompanied with patches. The patches can also blister and ooze discharges.
5. Contact dermatitis and skin allergies
Contact dermatitis and allergic reaction are another potential conditions that could lead to this problem. Inflammation due to allergic reaction can lead to scalp rashes and hair loss. These conditions will result to skin blistering, itching and burning as well as raised red rash. Contact dermatitis tend to be less itchy and very painful. The itchiness may trigger scratching that will lead it fall out. The resultant bumps could lead to scabs and flaky spots that could shed away with some hair but, good news is that they only cause temporary loss.
6. Hypothyroidism
Thyroid disorders often lead to diffuse hair loss that can involve the whole scalp rather a specific place. According to Btf-thyroid.org, “Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair.” Cause of thyroid disease can be hormonal imbalances. Looking for effective thyroid treatment can really be a brainer idea. It is usually intense hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism that can lead to this problem. According to hypothyroidism.com, the symptoms thyroids disorders includes:
- Intolerance of cold conditions
- Dry skin
- Dry, brittle, thinning hair
- Dry, brittle, ridged or split nails
7. Lupus disease
This is an inflammatory disease affecting the immune system of the body, it force the immune system to attack the healthy body tissue leading to puzzling skin conditions. Symptom of lupus disease are itchy scalp, fever, joint pain, skin lesions among others. Resultant itchiness can lead to scratching that result to the occurrence of these two conditions.
8. Poor diet
Hair loss can also be a symptom of not including certain proteins in your diet. Remember a protein is what stimulates and strengthens it. Proteins such as meat, dairy, beans, and lentils should be included in the diet for proper hair and scalp health. Other foods with high omega-3 content like seeds, nuts, eggs and oily fish can also help get rid of symptoms of skin conditions such as itchiness. Lack of crucial ingredients in the diet can lead to many skin conditions and can lead even to it.
9. Hair pulling or twisting
Hair pulling or twisting can also lead to it falling off. There is this mental health disorder in which an individual pulls it out and most common places including head, eyelashes, and eyebrows. This mental problem is known as Trichotillomania. As it gets pulled out, some blisters or small bumps may appear on the affected skin. The resultant bumps may be very itchy.
10. Side effects of certain medications
Side effects of medicines and medical treatments e.g. chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also lead to itching and hair loss. These medications can lead to itchiness when they trigger an allergic reaction. These can result to some pus-filled blisters.
11. Physical trauma
Hair can also be pulled from the scalp due to physical trauma. Damage to its shafts from burns and other injuries can also lead to your hair falling off. This can also lead to wounds that may itch as they heal. The itchiness can lead to scratching that can lead to it fallout. Healing wounds can also form scabs that can pull out some hair.
12. Alopecia areata
This is a skin condition that causes patchy thinning hair or baldness. Usually, it starts with 1 or more circular, coin-sized patches. These are usually noticeable on the head and scalp of the head. It can as well occur anywhere on the body. These are usually not painful but can in rare cases, be very painful and itchy or hot to touch.
Other cause that can also lead to this conditions include lichen planus, stress and anxiety, chickenpox and cradle cap.
Symptoms
Itchy scalp and hair loss signs and symptoms will basically depend on the causes. These causes will also determine the severity. Medical history of a patient can also affect the severity. Some of the common symptoms follow:
- Dry flaky scalp
- Frequent scratching on the itching skin
- Reddening and swelling of the scalp skin
- Presences of itchy rashes on the
- Spots of baldness
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Painful source and formation of scabs
When these two issues are caused by more severe causes, may be due to veiled serious medical conditions, then your symptoms may be very severe and can threaten your life. So in case you discover that you symptoms are overwhelming and you cannot bear and control them at home, please see your doctor immediately.
Treatments and remedies
Treatments for will depend on the causes and the severity of the symptoms. Again, we want to make it clear that there are treatments that work best depending on whether you are male or female. In addition, some medications may be common and work effectively for both genders. So, in this section, we are going to explore the treatments will be ranging from prescribed or over the counter drugs to natural home remedies.
Home remedies
The major target of home remedies will be to relieve itchiness that may trigger scratching and other skin lesions that may lead to hair loss. They also kill various types of skin infections that may lead to this issue. Below are the most effective home remedies to give a try.
1. Tea tree Oil
This product has natural antifungal, anti-inflammation and antibacterial properties that can help it treat itchy scalp and hair loss. Treating itchiness is a very vital stage. This product is also capable of treating other skin conditions and infections of the scalp that could lead to hair loss. To apply tea tree oil:
- Add 10-20 drops of this tea tree oil to ½ a cup of baby shampoo. Apply the mixture on the scalp. Daily application of this remedy will really help to improve the condition of the itchy scalp as well as hair.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
According to, Top10homeremedies.com, “Apple cider vinegar has powerful anti-inflammation properties that help kill the yeast and virus that can cause itchy scalp.” This product is also responsible for balancing PH levels of the scalp. This will help in calming itchiness and dryness. Here is how to apply this remedy.
- You need to wash your hair and scalp using water and allow it to dry (use clean and soft water)
- Mix equal amounts apple cider vinegar and water and then pour the mixture in a spray bottle
- Spray the mixture directly on the scalp and hair
- Leave it for few minutes and then rinse with normal water
- Use it not more than twice a week
3. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antiseptic properties that help it to treat itchy and dry scalp and hence limit hair falling. It is really very effective for dandruff causing itchiness. This product should not be used in higher concentration and for a long time otherwise, it can lead to hair lightening.
- Mix lemon juice with yogurt and then apply the mixture to the scalp
- Leave it to sit for few minutes before washing it off using a medicated shampoo for dry and itchy hair.
- Apply it once daily until the itchiness disappears
4. Baking Soda
This is another readily available ingredient that can help relieve itchy scalp. For very effective result, it is recommended to be used alongside olive oil. It is very excellent in treating itching by exfoliating the scalp and hence getting rid of dandruff which is a common cause of this condition.
- Prepare a paste of baking soda and water and then apply it to your scalp. For effective result, you should apply some olive oil on your scalp before applying the baking soda paste.
- Allow the paste to stay for about 15 minute and then rinse well using clean water
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a very powerful ingredient that help to treat many skin conditions that could lead to itchy scalp and hair loss. Its gel contain moisturizing properties which heals excessive dryness and itching. The gel can also be purchased if it is not available at your place.
- Get fresh aloe vera gel and apply it on your scalp using your fingers
- Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes before you rinse it off using mild shampoo
6. Coconut Oil
This is another great moisturizer that help treat itchy scalp. This will get rid of some skin lesions that can lead hair falling off. To apply this remedy follow the below procedure:
- Massage some coconut oil onto the scalp after washing you’re your scalp when the scalp is clean.
- Leave it for about 30 minutes and then rinse off with mild shampoo. This remedy should be repeated thrice a week.
- You can as well heat coconut oil until it melts, add it to your shampoo before washing your hair.
When these remedies are not effective for your case, you can see your GP for stronger prescribed medications. More remedies that can be applied include Bananas, sesame seed oil, and witch hazel and jojoba oil
Hair regrowth strategies
Best hair loss treatment for men and in women treatment may slightly vary in terms of medicines apply. Another issue that can lead to the variance may also be the difference in the two genders. Treatment for hair regrowth will also in one way or another treat the itchiness in the scalp. Here are some of the medical procedures that can be used to treat this condition:
a. Best Shampoos
Scientist and products specialist created shampoos that can really help to manage the problem of hair loss and thus combating hair thinning and eventual loss in both men and women. These shampoos are also available for kids and teenagers. Such shampoos are very effective since they contain vital nutrients and supplement that are badly needed. They also have hair follicles stimulator that tickle the follicles to produce quality strands.
b. Procerin male hair loss treatments
This is the best treatment for men since it is effective for treating male pattern of baldness. According to Hairlosscureguide.com, “it is fully packed with potent herbal component that mercilessly block DHT production, thus, preventing hair loss and encouraging new hair growth.” This treatment is available in topical or oral form. It provides positive result just within few weeks.
c. Hair Growth Minerals
Vitamins have many nutrients that will give the hair strands and follicles powerful supplements hence more strands. Everyday consumption of hair growth vitamins will help improve the condition.
d. Platelets Rich Plasma Therapy
This is another preferred itchy scalp hair loss that is effective for both men and women. This treatment energizes or stimulates the flow of the blood in the scalp hence relieving itchiness. This treatment start when a doctor withdraw some blood from your body, centrifuges and processes it to make PRP-cocktail. The mixture is then injected in the scalp after it has been numbed.
e. Minoxidil
This is a very famous treatment for male hair loss victims. It is found over the counter and it contains most effective ingredients that will help treat it. They have different levels of potentials.
f. Laser Hair Loss Treatments
This another effective treatment you can apply to treat your hair loss. There are very many options for this treatment but your Doctor will be sure to select the most effective option for you. There may be some side effects but this therapies always works very effectively.
Apart from the above treatments, there are more options including Topical corticosteroids, immunotherapy, dithranol, wigs, finasteride follicular unit’s extraction technique, stem cell therapy, hair cloning and hair regeneration and hair transplant. Even emotional support and tattooing can also help hair loss syndrome.
The bottom line
Itchy scalp and hair loss usually seem to be not a health threat condition but can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing. Temporary cases can be treated at home or using over the counter drugs. On the other hand, permanent hair loss needs stronger medications. So make sure you see your doctor if your scalp itchiness is so intense and when your hair is falling off seem not to heal with home remedies and OTC therapies.