Itchy scalp

An itchy scalp is a common problem that most commonly affects adults. There are a number of causes of itchy scalp including;

• Dandruff (Pityriasis capitis) is a common condition caused by an excessive shedding of the dead skin cells (keratinocytes) of the scalp.
• Ringworm (tinea capatis) is a superficial fungal infection of the scalp. It is caused by a microscopic group of parasitic fungal organisms known as dermatophytes (which means plants that live on the skin).
• Sunburn is a burn to the skin & is a result of too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Head lice are small, wingless parasites that live on & spend their entire life cycle on the human scalp, feeding off blood. They are most commonly found in school aged children although can infest anybody. Girls appear to get head lice more often than boys.
• Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring autoimmune disease characterized by red, thickened patches on the skin, often with silvery scales. It is the result of overproduction of the skin cells.
• Eczema (seborrheic dermatitis)  affects the scalp. The infant form of seborrehic dermatitis is known as cradle cap.
• Insect bite
• Cradle cap (infantile or neonatal seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a very common condition that is most often seen first three months of the baby's life.

• Contact dermatitis is an irritation to the area that is caused by shampoos, conditioners and other hair products.

• Folliculitis is a common skin disorder caused by an inflammation of the hair follicles that is characterised by small, red, inflamed pimples on the skin. The most common cause of folliculitis is bacterial infection, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Fungal  and viral infections can also cause folliculitis, but less commonly so.

Symptoms of itchy scalp:

Naturally, itching is a symptom, but depending on the cause, other symptoms may also be present including;

Dandruff

• Redness.
• Flaky, white skin in the hair and on clothing.

Ringworm

• Areas of bald patches on the scalp.
• Bald patches are accompanied by thickened, scaly, reddened patches.
• Small black dots on the scalp, consisting of broken hairs.
• Some individuals develop an allergic reaction to the fungus, developing kerions (raised, spongy, swollen, pus filled lesions).
• Itching.

Sunburn

• Redness.
• Pain.
• After a few days, hair may flake off.

Head lice

• You may see either head lice or nits in the hair.

Psoriasis

• Mild scaling to thick, crusted plaques on the scalp which may.

Eczema

• Flaky, white to yellow, oily patches of skin. Other parts of the body such as the chest, folds of the nose & eyebrows may also be affected with seborrheic dermatitis. 

Cradle cap

• Scaling.

• Crusting.

• Yellow discolouration.

• Redness & inflammation.

Contact dermatitis

• Skin redness.

• Thickening of the skin.

• Lesions, redness, rash.

Folliculitis

• Mild pain may also be present.

• Hair may pull out easily from the affected follicles.

• Fever may be present with some types of folliculitis.

• Hair loss and scarring can occur as a result of folliculitis. In some cases, complications may arise, including boils, abscesses, furuncles, carbuncles and cellulitis. If you suspect you have folliculitis, see your GP for a diagnosis. There are other skin disorders with very similar symptoms.

Treating an itchy scalp:

Treatment depends on the cause of scalp itchiness and may include;

• Identification & elimination of the irritant contact dermatitis if known.

• Corticosteroids to help relieve and control the itch.

• Treatment for head lice may include insecticide and/or applying conditioner to the hair & combing out using a nit comb.

• Use mild shampoo/conditioner on your hair & avoid using hair sprays/gel etc.

• Antifungal medication to treat ringworm.

• Anti-seborrheic shampoos - These contain an ingredient to remove excess sebum & reduce irritation. The active ingredients in these shampoos may vary from brand to brand but most will contain one of the following; salicylic acid, tar, sulfur and propylene glycol. After the shampoo has been applied & lathered up, leave on the hair for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing off.

• Antibacterial cleansers or antibiotics to treat bacterial infection such as folliculitis.

Also see:

Dry hair