Itchy Scalp Hair Loss

Itchy scalp and hair loss are common in many ways. There are many men and women who get scalp itch and that manifest in hair loss.  Every form of itchy scalp is not lice, which is the first thing that people tend to thing. Let us go in-depth and find out how does hair loss happen due to scalp itch

Causes of Itchy Scalp Resulting in Hair Loss

Seborrheic dermatitis:

One of the common patterns found in hair loss that is triggered by itchiness in the scalp is Seborrheic Dermatitis.  It is a  form of eczema that is more common in men compared to women. Male adults who are in the age group of  30 and 60 suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, although it can also affect children who are less than 3 months old, through a condition known as ‘cradle cap’. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur in areas like face, back of the beck, underarms etc.

Scalp Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that is identified with scalp itch.  It can causes hair loss because this skin diesae can damage hair follicles through which hair grows.

Bacterial and Fungal infection:

A condition known as ‘folliculitis’ or inflammation of hair follicles can also cause itchy scalp.  This inflammation can be due to allergy in the form of bacterial and fungal infection, characterized by continuous itching with finger nails and razor contact.   Your doctor will be best to determine if it is an allergic reaction or due to fungal or bacterial triggers.  But this condition is not as severe as Seborrheic Dermatitis and hair can grow again quickly.

Head Lice:

Head lice or pediculosis capitis, and Tinea Capititis (Ringworm) are also the main causes of  scalp itch hair loss.  More than adults, children are vulnerable to this problem. Head lice is not easy to detected but you can find them by the nits that stick to the hair strand when it rises in the calp. But how does this lead to hair loss? It happens because when you  use your finger nails to scratch your head, it affects the scalp, causes infection and inflammation. When bacteria comes in contact with the scratched area, there is more infection which can penetrate the deep follicles.

Thus we see in all the above three examples, the  hair follicles are damaged, leading to scalp itch hair loss.

Treatment for itchy scalp hair loss

1.      For Seborrheic Dermatitis,  your dermatologist may ask you to go for a medicated shampoo that contain salicylic acids and other antibiotics.  For instance, one of the best shampoo to treat scalp itch in this regard is Sebowash, that has Flucinolone Acetonide.  Seborrheic Dermatitis is actually caused due to increase of pityrosporum ovale, a type of fungus.  In humid sweaty conditions and lack of hair care, there can be more problems. So use a good medicated shampoo under the advise of a qualified dermatotoligst to treat scalp itch causing hair loss.

2.       Build your immune system by eating seven servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

3.      Avoid direct contact to sun

4.      Consult your dermatologist before treating scalp itch.

Home Remedy for Scalp Itch Hair Loss

1.      Make a paste of ground pepper, soaked ‘methi’ seeds, 2 teaspoons of ginger and lemon. Apply the paste on the itchy scalp for about 15 minutes and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

2.      Mix these oils: lavender oil, avocado oil, eucalyptus oil, and German chamomile oil in equal proportions, add some water. This is a good natural remedy for hair loss and itchy scalp.

3.       A good mixture of coconut oil, tree tea oil, olive oil and margosa oil is good to treat itchy oil and hair loss. In fact, olive oil and almond oil combination can be good to treat itchy scalp caused by dandruff.

4.       Add some drops of peppermint oil in a cup of water and massage the scalp with the solution for a  few minutes. Then wash the hair as a remedy for scalp itch caused due to dryness.  Warm jojoba oil can also work wonders to keep the scalp moist.

5.      Boil three sprigs of chopped rosemary and three bags of chamomile tea, cool and strain the mixture. Then risne the hair with this solution to treat the itch.  You can also use rosemary leaves crushed.

6.      Massage the scalp with water and apple cider vinegar to treat itchy scalp.  All you have to do is mix one part of apple cider vinegar with four parts of water.

7.      Baking soda is also very good to treat scalp itch hair loss. Make a paste by adding a little water in baking powder and apply this on the scalp for half an hour, before washing it off. For more productive results, massage the scalp with extra virgin olive oil first.

Prevent Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss

We mentioned about  a good diet of fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system. Go for hair friendly foods that contiain Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Zinc and Iron.  Some of the examples in this regard are citrus fruits, spinach, pulses, seeds apart from nuts rich in protein.  Consuming yogurt can also be very good for the hair.  If you are choosing a hair product like shampoo, take one with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Oil your hair regularly and treat it with care.

If you do have itchy scalp that is manifesting in hair loss, act immediately and get it checked with a doctor. It may take months to treat this. So when you notice the symptoms, get your act together or it may lead to major hair loss or baldness.