Reasons why the back of the head itches under the hair. Itchy scalp: causes of itching on the head, treatment, what to do, after a haircut, your head itches
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Often, itching of the head is a response to a certain irritant (substance, temperature factor), but in many cases this sensation is a symptom of internal pathologies occurring in the body and a signal for the immediate detection of a disease. This article will tell you in detail about the causes in adults and children and treatment with folk remedies for severe itching of the scalp at home.
What is itchy scalp
Itching of the scalp is a modified pain sensation, permanent or temporary, in the form of a sensation of irritation in a certain place, which causes the need to scratch this area. Often itching is a response to a certain irritant (substance, temperature factor), but in many cases this sensation is a symptom of internal pathologies occurring in the body and a signal for the immediate detection of a disease.
A painful sensation of itching of the head, which occurs frequently and attacks the patient for a long time, causing constant scratching, can lead to rapid thinning of the skin, damage in the form of abrasions and cracks, and further inflammation, since infectious microflora easily penetrates into the tissue in areas of scratching.
It is necessary to remember that it is unacceptable to ignore itching of the head, especially in conditions when it is accompanied by:
- itching of other parts of the body;
- increasing in the evening or at night;
- massive hair loss;
- the appearance of inflammation, red spots, papules (convex lumps), vesicles (small blisters with cloudy exudate), pustules (pustules).
To eliminate this unpleasant sensation, it is important to identify the source of the irritant, for which the patient will need to contact a dermatologist, endocrinologist or trichologist. They prescribe examinations, after which it is easy to determine the diagnosis and develop a treatment regimen.
If an external irritant is identified that causes itching of the head, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or at home using traditional methods. And, usually, after identifying the source of the itching and eliminating it, the desire to scratch your head disappears.
How to identify it in yourself
Itching itself is such a clear physiological manifestation that the patient does not have a problem identifying this sensation when he wants to comb a certain area of the skin or scratch the entire surface of the head.
Possible pathologies and disorders
Experts often identify the causes of scalp itching, described below.
Scabies and pediculosis
Ringworm
An extremely unpleasant fungal skin disease, more common among children in close groups or in contact with animals.
The main symptoms by which one can suspect a ringworm is the appearance on the skin under the hair of itchy, flaky, inflamed plaques with remnants of broken hair. Bald spots swell, become covered with purulent discharge and then with a thick crust, grow and invade other areas of the body.
Dermatomycosis
Ailments of internal organs and general pathologies
The head itches not only with skin diseases, but also with pathologies of internal organs and systems, disruption of hidden processes in the body and disorders of the nervous system.
- diabetes;
- endocrine disorders, including hypo- and hyperthyroidism;
- and gastrointestinal system;
- and neurological disorders;
Neurodermatitis
One of the serious neurological diseases that occurs with pathological changes in the skin. Exacerbations occur against a background of stress and strong negative impressions.
Itching, characteristic of the disease, occurs on different parts of the body, including the face and head, and intensifies during nervous tension and anxiety.
Diabetes
Neurological disorders
Including mental and physical overload, panic attacks, psychological pressure, emotional experiences during illness, loss of loved ones are often the source of the development of itchy scalp. Active production of adrenaline by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations leads to its accumulation and the occurrence of a painful itching sensation on the scalp.
Allergic reactions
Allergies, in most cases, are the cause of itching. When the so-called mast cells (basophils) are destroyed by an antigen-antibody compound during an allergic reaction, an itching mediator, histamine, is produced, which disrupts the integrity of cellular structures, resulting in itching of the skin, including the scalp.
- The symptoms resemble the signs - pink flaky (not always) spots.
- When you have an allergy, the skin all over your body often itches. If only the scalp becomes the area of constant itching, then this most likely indicates a local allergic reaction when using a product that comes into direct contact with it.
- The skin begins to itch when changing shampoo, using coloring products, conditioners, masks, balms, foams and varnishes).
How to deal with this symptom
Traditional methods
Since scalp itching appears as a result of improper hair handling or as a symptom of a specific internal disease or disorder, to get rid of it, the cause that provokes it is identified and eliminated. If the desire to scratch your head arises as a result of the development of internal pathology, the help of a specialist is required, diagnostic studies are carried out taking into account the severity of itching, analysis of other symptoms accompanying the obsessive desire to scratch and the prescription of adequate treatment.
Diseases that cause scalp itching and their treatment:
Disease that causes itchy scalp | Basic principles of therapy |
---|---|
Scabies (the spread of mites to the scalp occurs in children under 3–5 years of age) | Effective anti-scabiosis (anti-scabies) drugs:
Apply:
|
Vitamin deficiencies | A course of vitamins (Vitrum, Neuromultivit, Complivit, Antistress, Alphabet, Centrum, Milgamma) |
Allergy to external irritant | Primary activities:
|
Pathologies of organs and systems | If you suspect serious internal pathologies that cause scalp itching, immediately contact a therapist, neurologist, or endocrinologist. Itching, as a symptom of the disease, will help to timely identify and begin treatment for such dangerous diseases as: · diabetes; · endocrine, hormonal and neurological disorders; neurodermatitis; · neoplasms. |
Folk remedies
To relieve scalp itching, the following are effective:
- massage that enhances blood circulation and cell nutrition;
- treatment with herbal decoctions and extracts to normalize the function of the glands that produce sebum (nettle, dandelion, oak bark, chamomile, burdock root).
Useful folk recipes that you can use at home to get rid of the need to scratch your head:
- Dandelion flowers (a full handful) are crushed, poured with vodka (50 - 80 ml), the juice of one small lemon, adding a teaspoon of liquid honey. Leave to infuse for 14 days. The tincture is filtered and half an hour before washing the hair, the lotion is applied to the skin, covering the hair with a cotton scarf.
- Onion (or garlic juice) is mixed with lemon juice and vegetable oil in equal volumes. The liquid is rubbed into the skin and applied to damp hair, leaving for half an hour, and then rinsed off with warm water, to which a large spoonful of apple cider vinegar is added. Sulfur contained in garlic and onion juice is good at eliminating itching after hair coloring.
- The apple mask is very simple to make, but it helps when your head itches. Grate a large apple, applying fresh pulp to the skin and hair before washing. Keep under the cap for about half an hour. Use 2 times a week.
- Magic remedy: beat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil with 1 yolk, cognac, onion juice and honey (all liquids, 1 large spoon). Add neutral shampoo to the mixture (which does not make your head itch). Mix everything and apply to the head, after 30 minutes rinse with warm water.
- Rye mask. Crush the pulp of rye bread (a glass) into a glass bowl, pour in 150 ml of boiling water, stir and let the bread swell. After this, add the yolk to the pulp. The mixture is rubbed into the skin under the hair, left for 10 - 20 minutes, then washed off without using shampoo.
The video below will tell you how to get rid of an itchy scalp:
Itching of the scalp and body, the causes, diagnosis and treatment of which we will try to consider in our publication, is only a symptom and not a disease.
In most cases, the cause of itching of the head and body is some kind of disease. And in order to choose the right treatment, it is first necessary to find out the cause of such an unpleasant symptom.
This kind of scabies, in most cases, manifests itself locally - on the head, arms, in the bends of the legs, arms, etc. But sometimes the whole body itches.
The reasons for the development of such a symptom can be different, ranging from a banal allergy to the development of a certain disease in the body. Let's look at the most common causes of itching of the head and body.
Seborrhea as a cause of itchy scalp
One of the causes of itchy scalp is a disease such as seborrhea. In classical practice, this disease is classified into 3 types:
- fat;
- dry;
- mixed.
Regardless of the type of seborrhea, one of the first signs of the onset of this disease is scalp itching.
In this case, the reason is this: due to the high increase in the concentration of androgens in the blood, which occurs during hormonal fluctuations, a change in the composition of the secretion of the sebaceous glands is observed.
Due to this, sebum secretion increases and its bactericidal properties decrease. This condition causes the activation of a yeast-like fungus, which is a permanent inhabitant of the epidermis of the scalp.
Due to the proliferation of fungal organisms, the sebaceous glands become clogged and, as a result, severe itching develops in the area of hair growth on the head.
Against this background, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms that contribute to the development of purulent skin diseases, which are frequent companions of seborrhea.
If we are talking about, then itching on the head appears against the background of the accumulation of a large amount of dandruff caused by blockage of the sebaceous glands.
The mixed type of seborrhea is characterized by uneven secretion of the scalp: in the middle part in the area of the forehead, nose, chin - the epidermis is oily, on the cheeks - dry, in the frontal and parietal region - sebum secretion is too increased, and in other parts of the head - moderately pronounced or reduced .
Therefore, in areas of the head where the skin is dry, itching develops due to a lack of moisture, and, as is clear, where sebum secretion is increased - itching of the head develops against the background of blockage of the glands or due to the appearance of dandruff.
Diseases of the biliary tract and liver
Sometimes the body itches due to developing liver diseases:
- primary biliary cirrhosis;
- extrahepatic blockage of the bile ducts;
- hepatitis of various etiologies;
- chronic cholestasis.
For reference! A symptom in the form of body itching is observed in 20-25% of patients with jaundice, and in all those with primary biliary cirrhosis. Moreover, in 60-75% of patients with biliary cirrhosis, body itching is the primary symptom indicating the presence of liver disease.
The body may itch 1-2 years before the active development of jaundice. And a sharp retreat of itching on the body in liver diseases is often regarded as a poor prognostic sign, indicating liver failure.
If body itching is directly related to liver diseases, then against this background satiety, skin pigmentation, and liver stars may also develop. And it is in combination that all these signs clearly draw the doctor’s attention to the fact that the patient’s body has problems with the functioning of the liver.
The causes of itching of the body and head in diseases of the liver and biliary tract are the following factors:
- the use of medications that are not suitable for the patient, especially when they are taken uncontrolled - this happens when a person begins to self-medicate;
- increased levels of bile salts in plasma;
- extrahepatic obstruction of the biliary tract;
- use of unfamiliar cholesterol metabolites.
Some doctors argue that cholestatic itching of the body itself is most likely not associated with the level of bile acids in the tissues of the body, but at the same time, this symptom can be provoked by certain inflammatory mediators released in the skin under the influence of these same bile acids.
You need to know this! The main difference between hepatic itching of the body and head and allergic one is that the former is not relieved or is only slightly reduced by taking antihistamines.
Regardless of the cause of skin itching on the body and head in diseases of the biliary tract and liver, only through active treatment of the disease and the use of hepatoprotective medications is it possible to get rid of this symptom, since they contribute to the restoration and full functioning of the cells of the liver parenchyma and biliary elements.
In addition, they contribute to the active protection of hepatocytes from the pathogenic effects of toxic substances present in medications, unhealthy and low-quality food, chemicals and other harmful factors.
Diabetes
The skin of the human body consists of a huge number of receptors that respond to various types of stimuli.
Glucose crystals present in the blood in excess, as well as toxic substances that are formed as a result of metabolic disorders, are nothing more than chemical irritants.
And it is the latter that lead to dermatitis appearing against the background of diabetes - the feet itch, the limbs begin to itch, the scalp, etc.
Another important point is that against the background of this disease, small blood vessels are damaged - in medicine this phenomenon is called angiopathy. However, not all blood vessels are capable of supplying body tissues with nutrients and oxygen. A lack of blood flow causes the skin to become dry and begin to peel, and, as is understandable, the skin in these areas begins to itch.
Kidney failure
If your body itches in various places, what else could it be? In addition to the reasons described above, body itching can be a consequence of kidney disease.
For what reason this symptom occurs in renal failure is not completely known to medicine. First of all, patients whose therapy includes hemodialysis, an artificial method of purifying the blood necessary for kidney failure, complain about the presence of it throughout the body. In this case:
- intoxication occurs in the body due to the participation in the biochemical process of an excess of aluminum and magnesium;
- hyperfunctionality of the thyroid gland is often observed, against the background of which an excess amount of phosphates and calcium appears in the blood;
- there is an increase in the volume of histamine, which provokes itching throughout the body;
- there is a deterioration in the functioning of the sweat glands - hence the dryness and flaking of the epidermis and, as a result, the skin begins to itch;
- There is an increase in the amount of urea, which is why the body begins to itch.
Allergic reaction
An allergic reaction can be of different types. This suggests that allergic itching can be caused by various factors.
Allergic itching can affect almost any place of the human body: due to allergies, the head, limbs, spine, lower back, etc. can itch. This symptom most often indicates the presence of an allergic reaction to a specific trigger.
In severe forms of allergies, even allergic dermatitis is possible. It begins with redness of the skin and often develops into small blisters, after opening of which weeping erosions remain.
Another acute form of an allergic reaction is allergic eczema - inflammation of the outer layer of the epidermis, which manifests itself in the form of all kinds of rashes and is accompanied by unbearable itching throughout the body, less often on the head.
The most common allergens are the following:
- insect bites;
- use of cosmetics;
- food triggers;
- plants.
If allergic itching occurs on the body or head, you can get rid of it only by eliminating the allergen. Therefore, first of all, you need to know what the allergic reaction is to.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a disease based on endogenous factors, such as disruption of the normal functioning of the central nervous system, internal organs, and metabolic processes. Harmful environmental factors also play an important role.
The main symptom of neurodermatitis is constant and severe itching without rashes all over the body, sometimes even on the head, developing against the background of various neurotic disorders:
- increased or, conversely, decreased excitability;
- fast permeability;
- emotional lability;
- asthenia;
- insomnia;
- etc.
In some cases, neurodermatitis appears not only as a rash on the body and head, but also as a violation of the autonomic nervous system - this manifests itself in the form of persistent white dermographism, disturbances in thermoregulatory processes, sweating, fat secretion, a pronounced sawtooth reflex, etc.
In some patients, central nervous system dysfunction is a secondary consequence of long-term, debilitating body-wide itching and insomnia.
In the end, a kind of cycle is observed: a severe form of neurodermatitis has a negative effect on the functioning of the nervous system, due to which neurotic disorders occur that worsen the course of the disease itself.
Treatment of itching of the body and head with folk remedies
Before self-medicating, be sure to consult your doctor. Incorrectly selected therapy will not only fail to eliminate the cause of the development of itching, but can also worsen the course of the disease that provoked this symptom.
There are many folk recipes, the action of which is aimed at eliminating this unpleasant symptom. Let's look at the most common of them.
Celandine in the form of tincture or decoction
Tincture and decoction of celandine are suitable exclusively for external use. Such folk remedies help get rid of itching all over the body and skin rashes.
To prepare a decoction of celandine, take a teaspoon of the plant - the recipe uses only dried raw materials, and pour 200 ml of boiling water. After a quarter of an hour, the broth is filtered and can already be used as a basis for compresses.
The infusion together with plant materials is used as a basis for baths. To prepare it, take 10 grams. dried celandine and add 100 ml of hot water.
If necessary, the proportion is increased. The finished infusion is cooled to a temperature of 36-40°C and baths are made - the procedure time is 10-15 minutes, and the intensity depends on the degree of manifestation of the symptom and is regulated by the doctor.
In addition to the recipes described above, alcohol tincture from celandine also helps in the fight against itching of the body and head. It is prepared from the proportion of 1 part crushed celandine to 5 parts vodka.
The tincture is used as a basis for a compress - the procedure time does not exceed a quarter of an hour. And in order to eliminate the appearance of irritation caused by alcohol, the tincture is diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 3 to 1, respectively.
Melissa tea
As you know, lemon balm has a calming effect on the body, and when prepared as tea, it can relieve irritation from the skin of the head and body, as well as reduce itching.
To prepare lemon balm tea, take 1 tablespoon of plant material and brew it with 200 ml of boiling water. This tea is consumed 2 times a day. The course of treatment is 30 days.
Baths with a series
In the fight against allergic manifestations and itching, a plant such as string is often used. In addition, it promotes the speedy restoration of the skin after rashes on the head and other parts of the body.
An infusion based on string is prepared as follows: 2 tablespoons of crushed string are poured with hot water in an amount of 100 ml. After a quarter of an hour, the infusion is cooled, filtered and can be used to wipe the areas of rash and itching using a cotton swab.
In addition, other methods of dealing with this symptom are possible:
- alcohol tincture of calendula;
- propolis as a base for a compress on areas of the body and head that itch;
- mumiyo.
Bottom line
To summarize all of the above, I would like to say the following: there are a lot of reasons for the appearance of itching, regardless of its location.
In most cases, we are talking about an allergic reaction, which can be caused by a number of factors, ranging from individual intolerance to insect bites.
In addition to allergies, itching of the body and head can be a symptom of the development of a certain disease within the body.
Therefore, in order to know how to get rid of itching of the body and head, you first need to understand what caused its manifestation. And only by knowing the true cause can you choose the right treatment.
Itchy scalp is a very unpleasant sensation. Particularly severe discomfort is caused by burning and flaking on the back of the head. This condition can be a consequence of allergies, skin diseases, or fungal infections.
Perhaps the shampoo is to blame, or seborrhea is developing. It is important to establish the source of the problem in order to eliminate it without harm to health. Our article provides an overview of the reasons why the skin on the back of the head itches and flakes.
The back of the head itches: causes
Some insects that feed on epidermal cells can be seen with the naked eye. It is not difficult to become infected with them: through hugs, through shared household items (bed linen, clothes, combs).
Pediculosis or lice. It is mistakenly believed that lice are a problem for the poor, because sources of infection surround us everywhere. Needless to say, people without a fixed place of residence become carriers of this unpleasant disease, and even a trip on public transport can result in infection. Pediculosis epidemics occur especially often in children's institutions (kindergartens, schools, summer camps) - where children are in close direct contact. Therefore, if a child scratches the back of his head and ears, you need to carefully examine the scalp, parting the hair. There are many myths about the disease (for example, lice prefer a certain blood type, do not like dyed hair, carry HIV, and so on). These ideas are far from reality.
Until recently, the only means of control was to completely shave the head and treat it with gasoline. And now there are many effective products for any budget, and no one shave their hair.
Is the back of your head and the rest of your head itchy, and your skin becomes red, irritated and covered in greasy dandruff? These symptoms are similar to those of seborrheic eczema, a type of dermatitis. Inflamed skin produces a large amount of viscous, thick sebum, becomes shiny and flaky. Hair is falling out a lot. The sebaceous glands become clogged and pathogenic microorganisms develop in them.
The prerequisites for seborrhea are:
- hereditary factor;
- hormonal disorders;
- chronic diseases;
- chronic fatigue syndrome;
- hormonal imbalance in the body.
Complex treatment prescribed by a dermatologist will completely solve the problem.
Dry skin
Why does the back of my head constantly itch? One answer to this question is chronic dry scalp. Frequent washing with aggressive shampoos that remove sebum, as well as using a hot air dryer, provokes skin irritation. It becomes dry and flaky. Curling irons, stylers, and curling irons also have a negative effect. Tap water comes in different qualities. For example, hard water with salts contributes to dry scalp and reduces hair quality. Thus, excessive hygiene is harmful.
Dry skin can occur due to vitamin deficiency and lack of fat. Women who go on a strict diet and avoid fatty foods often suffer from this.
Allergic reaction
A common phenomenon today - allergies - occurs in response to many irritants. If the back of your head itches, this may be a reaction to hair dye, styling foam, hairspray, and the like. You need to observe which new remedy caused the itching and burning. In shampoos, the substance dangerous for allergy sufferers is sodium lauryl sulfate, and in hair dye - hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
Dermatomycosis (ringworm)
This is one of the reasons why the back of the head itches under the hair. The disease is nothing more than a fungal infection. You can get infected from animals - cats or dogs, as well as from humans through towels and shoes. This happens especially often at high temperatures and humidity (sauna, shower, swimming pool are ideal places for this).
The disease develops not only on the scalp, but can affect the feet, face, and body. Manifestations of dermatomycosis: uneven red spots with a clear center, grouped or located singly.
Children are most often affected by infection of the scalp. Painful nodules that look like boils grow under their hair. Hair breaks and falls out.
Nervous
Stress and itching of the back of the head are directly related. Nervous stress and anxiety cause disruptions in the functioning of the immune system. It is activated and protected from the body’s own cells. The epidermis of the scalp is irritated. Gradually, damage to the follicles causes alopecia. Unfortunately, stress is a common cause in the modern world.
Other causes of itching on the back of the head
Some internal diseases and pathologies also cause itching in the back of the head. These include:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system;
- avitaminosis;
- spasm of the muscles of the shoulder girdle;
- consequences of chemotherapy.
Basic methods for diagnosing itching on the back of the head
We can conclude: the skin on the head can itch for a variety of reasons. It is necessary to start treatment only when you are completely confident in the diagnosis. For example, by taking vitamin supplements, you may not notice head lice and infect others. Diagnosis and treatment of itchy skin is prescribed by a dermatologist or trichologist (hair specialist). Modern diagnostic capabilities allow you to quickly and accurately determine the source of the problem.
First, the specialist performs an examination and collects an anamnesis (that is, interviews the patient in detail). Then such diagnostic measures are carried out.
Constant itching of the scalp creates discomfort and causes the appearance of microcracks through which various pathogenic microorganisms penetrate. Only a doctor after examination and examination can determine why your head itches and what needs to be done. The causes of itching can be different, sometimes it is enough to change hair care products to get rid of the discomfort.
What to do if your head is constantly itching?
Constant, obsessive itching may be a sign of an allergy. Irritants can be hair care products, powder used to wash towels, or synthetic material in hats. The head begins to itch in the back of the head when the muscles of the back and forearms are overstrained, which often happens during sedentary work.
With allergies and dermatological diseases, the head often itches. A trichologist will tell you what to do
How to get rid of itching:
- eliminate the cause of the allergy - do allergy tests or eliminate possible irritants one by one;
- use lotions that contain tar and salicylic acid;
- when working at the computer for a long time, do a small warm-up for your neck and back every hour;
- choose shampoos based on natural ingredients, menthol and camphor are good at eliminating itching and refreshing the skin;
- Fresh applesauce will help reduce itching - it should be rubbed into the scalp three times a week, rinsed off after half an hour.
Itching may appear if the skin is very dry; you need to regularly apply moisturizing masks and use curling irons and hair dryers less often.
If itching is accompanied by hair loss, redness, rashes, or dandruff, you should visit a doctor, since the cause of discomfort may be fungal diseases. The head is very itchy with seborrhea, lichen, hormonal disorders, psoriasis.
How to deal with dermatological problems:
- purchase at the pharmacy special antifungal medicated shampoos for the treatment of dandruff with ketoconazole or selenium sulfide - ordinary cosmetics will not help eliminate the problem;
- take vitamin complexes – Alphabet, Vitrum, etc.;
- undergo a hormonal examination to restore the balance between female and male hormones.
It can be difficult to identify a single reason why your head itches. Itching develops against the background of a skin reaction to external and internal factors. When the scalp itches, a person is unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand.
To get rid of the unpleasant sensation that has been bothering you for several days, you need to consult a doctor. In some cases, itchy dermis indicates the presence of serious pathologies.
Why does my head itch?
One of the most common reasons why the surface of the head itches is considered to be contact of the dermis with the tissue. Wearing hats causes itching. In such circumstances, the unpleasant sensations disappear after the irritant is removed.
However, if the dermis itches for several days, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist in order to establish the nature of the itching of the head, the causes and treatment of the symptom.
Before starting therapy, it is necessary to exclude the presence of pathologies:
- pediculosis;
- allergic reaction;
- lichen;
- seborrhea;
- psoriasis;
- diabetes;
- stroke.
Against the background of each of these pathologies, the head constantly itches.
Possible causes of discomfort include:
- neuroses;
- failure to comply with hygiene rules;
- pregnancy;
- dry skin.
If your head itches for several days, the problem may be caused by endocrine pathologies and disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system.
Pediculosis
Severe itching of the scalp with lice is caused by the activity of microorganisms. This unpleasant sensation occurs when the louse bites through the upper layer of the dermis to get to the blood vessels.
In addition to the indicated symptom, the course of head lice is indicated by:
- pigment spots on the scalp (occur due to active scratching of the problem area);
- rashes (bite marks that can cause skin irritation);
- the appearance of nits (eggs) and lice on the hair.
Why does my head itch but there are no lice?
If, upon external examination, it is determined that there are no lice, but the head itches, the cause of the unpleasant sensation should be sought based on the nature of the accompanying symptoms. In particular, it is necessary to pay attention to the condition of the upper layer of the dermis.
People with dandruff often have an itchy head. It consists of exfoliated particles of the dermis. The appearance of dandruff is explained by a disruption in the process of renewal of epidermal tissue.
Itchy skin is also caused by a deficiency of vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal functioning of cells.
Often the head may itch in people who adhere to specialized diets. Therefore, in the autumn-winter period, the use of vitamin complexes is recommended.
Dry scalp is another relatively common cause of discomfort.
Problems with the dermis in this case are explained by disruption of the sebaceous glands, which results in:
- procedures for hair coloring and extensions, perms;
- frequent hair washing;
- prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;
- frequent use of hair dryers and curling irons;
- fatty acid deficiency.
If your dermis is dry, your head itches a lot after washing. This is explained by the fact that upon contact with water it becomes irritated, as a result of which the intensity of the itching increases.
Due to dry dermis, internal protective mechanisms are launched that stimulate the sebaceous glands. With this reaction of the body, the hair roots on the head quickly become oily. At this moment, it is important not to use regular masks or creams, otherwise the condition of the skin will worsen.
To cure itching in dry dermis, you can use special moisturizing balms, shampoos and creams. It is also recommended to introduce foods rich in fatty acids into your diet.
If your head itches severely and dandruff appears, this may indicate both dry skin and other pathologies. In cases where moisturizing creams do not help get rid of the unpleasant sensation, you should seek help from a doctor.
Can your head itch from nerves?
Stress signals the body that there is danger. At this moment, the internal systems responsible for the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine are activated. Against the background of the described processes, intense itching occurs.
If your head itches due to nervous tension, it is recommended to stress the body. To reduce the intensity of the symptom, it is necessary to tense as many muscles as possible.
When your head starts to itch due to nerves, you should also drink a soothing decoction or herbal-based sedative.
However, if the neurological disorders are chronic, the intervention of a psychotherapist will be required to get rid of the itching. The causes of neuroses lie in internal conflicts, which medications cannot overcome.
This condition can be differentiated from other skin pathologies based on the nature of the accompanying symptoms. If dandruff occurs, this indicates an inflammatory process or metabolic disorder. In neuroses, this symptom is rarely a concern.
Allergy
Allergies are considered a natural reaction of the body to exposure to irritants. Most often, the head itches is from shampoo. Also, an allergic reaction occurs due to skin contact with substances included in hair products: balms and masks.
The most likely cause of itching is sodium lauryl sulfate. This substance is found in many cosmetics.
Allergies also occur after using hair dyes. The latter contains ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, upon contact with which the skin behind the ears on the head turns red and itches.
To avoid negative consequences, before using new paint, put a small amount of the substance on your hand and check the body’s reaction.
In addition to itching of the scalp, allergies cause redness of the dermis and rashes on its surface. To restore the condition of the tissues, it is recommended to stop using the products that provoked such a reaction and use other shampoos.
Lichen
Ringworm is a skin pathology caused by autoimmune diseases or infection of the dermis by pathogenic fungi. The inflammatory process in tissues that occurs against the background of infection provokes itchy scalp and dandruff. It is formed due to peeling of the skin in the problem area.
Ringworm is distinguished by characteristic signs that make it possible to differentiate the pathology:
- thinning and thinning of hair;
- skin redness;
- intense itching;
- small bubbles that eventually become covered with yellow crusts.
If the head itches for a long time, and the skin cracks and peels, this leads to infection and suppuration of the tissue in the problem area. Without treatment, lichen becomes chronic.
In such circumstances, the clinical picture is supplemented by the following phenomena:
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- uneven plaques on the surface of the head;
- discharge of purulent masses;
- intense pain;
- general weakness;
- elevated body temperature.
Lichen is single or multiple in nature. In advanced cases, the pathological process causes almost complete baldness. Ringworm is considered a non-contagious disease provided it is not fungal in nature.
Seborrhea
Oily seborrhea
At the initial stage of development of many pathologies, the scalp flakes and itches. Therefore, it is impossible to determine what to do in such circumstances without a specialized examination of the patient. Diagnostics is required if dermatitis is suspected.
Seborrhea occurs due to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.
There are two forms of the disease:
- Dry seborrhea. Develops due to decreased activity of the sebaceous glands. Dry seborrheic dermatitis causes severe itching of the head. The appearance of itching is explained by thickening of the skin and blockage of the sebaceous glands, which creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to the fact that dry seborrhea may cause dandruff and an itchy head, the disease provokes thinning hair.
- Oily seborrhea. Occurs due to increased sebum content. In the oily form of the pathology, itching is often absent. Due to the activity of the sebaceous glands, curls begin to fall out, and the scales of dead dermis stick together, forming large lumps.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another reason why your head may itch, but there are no lice. This pathology is chronic. An exacerbation of the disease occurs against the background of a weakening of the immune defense.
The course of psoriasis is accompanied by active renewal of epidermal cells. Exacerbation of the disease causes the appearance of itchy plaques of various sizes, covered with white or yellow scales.
Diabetes
The appearance of dandruff and itching of the scalp may be due to diabetes mellitus. With this disease, metabolism is disrupted, as a result of which toxins gradually accumulate in the body. Diabetes mellitus reduces the effectiveness of defense mechanisms.
The disease is accompanied by itching on the scalp, thinning hair and flaking of the skin. In diabetes, the elasticity of the dermis decreases, and pigment spots appear on its surface.
Metabolic disorders are observed in other diseases affecting the endocrine system and liver. The upper layer of the epidermis often itches in women during the climatic period and people with hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones).
Stroke
Stroke caused by cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension and other causes manifests itself in the form of headache. The cover begins to itch due to poor circulation. Skin itching in this case signals the presence of internal problems, but does not directly indicate the nature of the lesion.
Massaging the scalp helps to get rid of unpleasant sensations, thanks to which blood flow to problem areas is partially restored.
Pregnancy
Often the causes of itching in girls are caused by hormonal imbalances that occur during pregnancy. After conception, the female body is reconstructed, as a result of which the sensitivity of the skin to the effects of various irritants increases.
Hormonal imbalance negatively affects the functioning of the immune system. The weakening of the body's defense mechanisms causes itching on the scalp, the causes of which are explained by the exacerbation of dermatosis.
During pregnancy, the functioning of internal organs and systems changes, which manifests itself in the form of increased sweating and sudden changes in mood. Both factors provoke itchy skin.
If a woman begins to itch the back of her head, then in some cases this phenomenon signals liver dysfunction. In such a situation, medical intervention is required.
Mechanical damage
The appearance of itching of the scalp after washing your hair is also due to mechanical damage. The dermis begins to itch when tissue regeneration begins. This process in people with hypersensitivity is accompanied by severe itching.
However, this is a temporary process; if the head itches constantly, this indicates internal problems or an allergy to a hygiene product.
Failure to comply with hygiene rules
The appearance of itching and flaking of the scalp is due to insufficient hygiene. For example, a dirty crown may itch because pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in this part, the activity of which causes discomfort.
In addition, the appearance of this symptom may be due to irritation of the upper layers of the dermis or blockage of the glands.
The head itches on the back of the head
If the back of your head itches, but there are no lice, this may indicate exposure to the factors described above. This phenomenon also signals overstrain of the muscles located in the specified area or back.
The appearance of unpleasant sensations in the back of the head is explained by a violation of blood flow to this area.
How to get rid of itchy scalp?
If there is severe dandruff and, in addition to the unpleasant sensations, a person is also bothered by other phenomena, self-medication should not be done.
Drug treatment
The treatment regimen is selected taking into account the nature of the causative factor, due to the influence of which the skin began to itch.
The following are used in the treatment of fungal infections:
- Clotrimazole;
- Miconazole;
- Griseofulvin.
In severe cases, antifungal drugs are injected directly under the top layer of the epidermis.
If psoriasis or dermatosis provokes the appearance of itching of the scalp, a complex of drugs is used in the treatment of pathologies.
To eliminate the symptoms characteristic of these diseases and increase the body's resistance, you can use means of the following type:
- antihistamines (relieve itching, recommended for allergies);
- hormonal and non-hormonal topical medications;
- immunostimulants;
- medications whose action is aimed at restoring the functions of internal organs and systems.
In the event of a secondary infection, treatment of psoriasis and dermatosis is supplemented with antifungal or antibacterial drugs.
Each medication must be selected by a doctor. Uncontrolled use of certain medications worsens the patient's condition and increases the duration of therapy.
Treatment of pediculosis is carried out using the following drugs:
- Pedilin;
- Parasidosis;
- Medifox;
- Nittifor and others.
Anti-lice medications are available at pharmacies without a prescription.
Regardless of the causative factor, treatment for an itchy head is recommended to be supplemented by taking vitamin complexes. For neuroses, sedatives are prescribed.
Using Shampoos to Treat Itching
Specialized shampoos for itchy scalp are mainly used for seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff. Such products can be purchased at the pharmacy.
For fungal infections of the skin, the following are recommended:
- Nizoral;
- Sebozol.
An effective anti-dandruff shampoo suppresses inflammation, eliminates itching and exfoliates dead dermal cells. The duration of treatment for skin pathologies is determined by the doctor. Doctors recommend washing your hair with antifungal shampoos no more than three times a week.
There are many folk remedies for dandruff and itchy scalp. When choosing a prescription for treatment at home, it is also necessary to take into account the cause of the development of these symptoms. Traditional medicine complements the main treatment and is designed to reduce the intensity of clinical phenomena.
Dandelion with lemon
In the treatment of itchy scalp with folk remedies, you can use dandelion and lemon. Both components saturate the body with nutrients, suppress the activity of fungal microflora and eliminate inflammation.
To prepare a remedy for itching and dandruff you need:
- collect fresh dandelion flowers and mix with vodka;
- the resulting composition is infused for 12 days in a dark room;
- at the end of this period, lemon juice is added to the mixture.
To get rid of itchy scalp and dandruff, you need to treat problem areas with the product every day, covering them with a towel for 25-30 minutes.
Mint for scalp
Another natural remedy that you can do if you have dandruff and an itchy head is mint. The substances that make up the plant tone the dermis and normalize the functioning of the skin glands.
- Treatment at home can be done using essential hair oil, based on mint. 3 drops of this product must first be diluted in a liter of water.
- Mint infusion is considered effective against itching and dandruff.. To prepare the remedy you will need 5 teaspoons of the plant. Mint should be poured with a liter of boiling water and left for half an hour.
Both products can replace traditional shampoos during the treatment of skin pathologies.
If dandruff appears and your head itches, a decoction of linden helps get rid of the unpleasant symptoms. The plant contains many nutritional and beneficial elements that have a beneficial effect on the skin and suppress the activity of fungal microflora.
When a lot of dandruff with itching appears, you need to take 2-3 liters of water and dilute the linden tree at the rate of 1 tablespoon of the plant per 450 ml of liquid. The resulting composition is evaporated in a water bath for 25 minutes. At the end, the product is filtered.
Linden decoction should be used once a day. Treatment of the skin with this remedy takes no more than 2.5 weeks.
Treatment with vinegar
Vinegar is used for dandruff and itchy scalp when symptoms are due to fungi or infections. To prepare the remedy you will need 100 ml of warm water. A tablespoon of 9 percent vinegar should be diluted in it.
After applying the product, cover with polyethylene for 30 minutes. At the end of the procedure, the hair is washed with warm water. Using vinegar, you can cure severely itchy skin.
Essential oils
If your head suffers from dandruff caused by the activity of fungal microflora, the following will help you cope:
- tea tree oil;
- tangerine and caraway oils;
- cinnamon oil.
- chamomile;
- incense;
- sandalwood;
- palmarosa.
These oils not only relieve dry skin, but also suppress the inflammatory process, so the skin stops itching.
Onion juice and peel is another folk remedy that can be used to treat the skin when it itches.
- The juice should be used in case of severe allergic reactions. for hair dye. Add a little lemon juice to the onion juice and mix with vegetable oil. The resulting composition must be applied to the hair and left for 30 minutes.
- A decoction of onion peels helps cure severely itchy skin.. It must be placed in an enamel bowl and filled with boiling water. Then the mixture is placed on low heat for 1 hour. The decoction should be applied to the hair after washing with shampoo. The product also helps to cope with lice.
Apple
Another way to get rid of dandruff and itchy scalp is chopped apple. To remove unpleasant sensations, the paste should be rubbed into the scalp and hair and left for 40 minutes, covered with a towel. It is recommended to repeat the procedure three times a week.
Recipes for masks against itchy scalp
To get rid of itching and flaking of the skin, you can use the following masks:
- Honey mask. You will need aloe juice, squeezed from a plant leaf. It must be mixed with 4 tsp. honey and egg yolk. The mask should be applied evenly to hair and skin and left for 40 minutes.
- Vitamin mask. You need to mix baby cream with two capsules of vitamins A and E. The mask is left for 40 minutes.
- Banana mask. You will need 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp. onion juice. Both ingredients should be mixed with half a banana. The mask is also kept for 40 minutes.
Before using folk remedies to combat peeling of the scalp, it is necessary to exclude the presence of allergies to the components included in the medicinal masks.
Diet for home treatment
When dandruff appears and the surface of the scalp itches, it is necessary to make changes to the daily diet. It is important to avoid consuming foods that cause an allergic reaction. You also need to reduce the amount of meals that contain proteins and fats.
Preventing itchy scalp
In order to prevent irritation and redness of the skin, it is necessary to use shampoos and gels that do not cause an allergic reaction. After the bath, you should treat your head with moisturizing creams.
To avoid relapses of psoriasis and dermatitis, you need to constantly strengthen your immune system.
Also, for prevention purposes, you can use hair masks against dandruff and itchy scalp once a week.
How can the doctor help?
A doctor's help will be required when itching cannot be relieved using folk remedies or local medications. A trichologist is able to select the most effective medicine for pediculosis (lice and nits), and a dermatologist will advise on how to cope with dermatoses and psoriasis.
If intense itching occurs, you should consult a doctor. Do not scratch the problem area until it bleeds. Otherwise, a secondary infection and suppuration of the dermis of the head may occur.