Itchy hair or head can be very annoying and discomforting. But it becomes worse when it combines with hair loss. Victims of this condition are often oblivious as to what is to the exact cause.
Many factors partially lead to this kind of condition. While both can be independent, it is not out of place to have them happen concurrently. The cause of one may always often lead to the other.
That’s often the case of itchy head conditions. Most of the primary head itchy conditions often lead to a significant amount of hair loss. However, it’s a bit different when it comes to hair loss conditions.
For instance, a popular hair loss condition, pattern baldness, doesn’t cause the head to itch. On the other hand, ringworm, primarily an itching condition, can significantly lose hair.
How can I prevent or treat itchy scalp and my hair loss conditions?
The treatment depends on the severity and type of the condition. It, therefore, becomes critical that before you resort to any self-medication, you see your doctor for proper diagnosis.
Self-medication, you must know, has many downsides.
- First, you are at risk of taking drugs for the wrong problems.
- Second, you’re at risk of an overdose
- Third, these wrong drugs can also create non-existing health issues.
However, there are known causes and symptoms, and in this article, we’ll introduce you to some of them.
It will make you well informed about your condition and help clear any false self-assumption or diagnosis. This way, with the knowledge gained by reading this post, you can be sure to utilize self-medication as a palliative measure before you see a professional physician.
Psoriasis
When the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, the condition is known as Psoriasis. When you’re sick or fighting an infection, your immune system goes into action, which may cause a Psoriasis flare-up. The sour throat is a common risk factor.
While Psoriasis is not primarily a scalp or head problem, the National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that 50% of psoriasis patients develop scalp Psoriasis.
This condition can lead to permanent hair loss condition. When the immune system attacks hair cells, and the condition is left untreated, it can shrink follicles, causing them to close completely.
Symptoms include peeling or flaking of the scalp, itching, hair loss due to an attack on hair cells and follicles, etc.
Scalp inflammation is caused by frequent scratching or scraping the scales off.
Treatment
Skincare is the primary mode of treatment.
Scales are removed, and the treatment slows cell development. Topical treatments, light therapy, and medication can all be used to alleviate the symptoms.
Steroids such as corticosteroids, Vitamin A derivatives, immunosuppressive drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications are also included in the therapy.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungus that causes an itchy red rash. Ringworm and other fungi can weaken hair follicles, causing hair loss. Ringworm sufferers may detect bald patches on their scalp.
The cure for scalp ringworm is with prescriptive antifungal treatments.
Dandruff
Dandruff (seborrhea) is thought to be caused by a scalp and hair follicle yeast infection. Yeast can weaken the hair root and cause hair loss and inflaming the scalp, and itching.
Generally, hyperactive oil glands on the scalp cause dandruff. The increase in hormones throughout adolescence causes the skin to produce more oil than normal.
But dandruff seldom causes hair loss, but if left untreated for a long time, it can lead to a permanent hair loss condition.
Atopic dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin caused by Atopic dermatitis leads to redness and severe itching. Because of the continuous scratching associated with atopic dermatitis, transient hair loss can occur.
Atopic dermatitis is a skin ailment that can be treated with lotions or ointments, despite unknown etiology. A doctor can provide you with advice on the best course of action.
A primary risk factor is the history of allergy-induced conditions.
Prevention
The following suggestions may help prevent dermatitis flare-ups.
- Moisturize the spot twice a day. Creams and lotions lock in moisture. Determine which product or items work best for you. For babies, using petroleum jelly on their skin may help prevent atopic dermatitis from developing.
- Try to identify and avoid aggravating causes. Sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust, and pollen might exacerbate skin sensitivity. Limit your exposure to stressors.
- Certain foods, including eggs, milk, soy, and wheat, might cause flares in babies and children. Consult your child’s doctor about possible food allergies.
- Bathe and shower for 10–15 minutes. Also, use warm water rather than hot.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a balding condition that causes itching. It is caused by an infection of the hair follicles. A ring of inflammation develops around the hair follicle’s entry point. Hair fibers may be present in the early stages of folliculitis. As the disease progresses, hair loss happens as a result. Severe folliculitis has the potential to result in irreversible baldness.
General home remedies
There is a handful of non-medical therapy for itchy scalp and hair loss. Here are some self-care tips for a healthy scalp and hair.
Healthy eating
- Among the essential nutrients for hair and scalp are amino acids, iron zinc, niacin selenium vitamins A, D, and E.
- Only take supplements if you have a deficiency. According to Dermatology Practical and Conceptual Trusted Source research, supplements don’t work if your body already has enough of them. Over-supplementation might also cause hair loss.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms of an itchy scalp and hair loss that require medical attention include:
- Extreme itching that disrupts sleep or usual activity
- A scorching or painful scalp
- Bald patches, clumps of hair loss, or unexpected hair thinning
- If your scalp is itching and you notice hair loss, you should seek medical attention.
- Itching so bad it disturbs your sleep or prevents you from doing the things you normally do
Conclusion
Some skin diseases that cause our head to itch and hair loss are uncontrollable. The key to effective therapy and preventing hair loss is early detection and treatment with specific shampoos, dietary changes, or dermatologist visits.
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