Everyone has an itch once in a while. But is it just dry skin or is it something worse? There are many reasons why your scalp might be itching this time of year. Read about these five common causes for an itchy scalp.
- Dandruff
Seeing white flakes in your winter toboggan? Dandruff may be the culprit! A dry, itchy scalp may cause dandruff, or small flakes of skin, to fluff off on your clothing or hair. A dandruff shampoo can help.
- As a Reaction to a New Product
If you have an itchy scalp and a rash, you may have a condition called allergic contact dermatitis, or an adverse reaction to a hair product or even laundry detergent if you’re prone to wearing hats. You could also have an allergy to a shampoo, conditioner, or other product that touches your scalp. If that’s the case, you’ll likely have an itchy rash on your scalp and any other skin that the product touches.To stop the itch, you must stop using the product that’s causing the reaction. If you’re having a hard time finding it, a board-certified dermatologist can help.
- Hives
Hives are red, itchy bumps that can form anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Hives tend to come and go within a few hours. They are most likely caused by an allergic reaction or other stimulant such as heat or sweat.
- Head Lice
A common culprit for itchy scalp, head lice are small bugs that lay eggs on the scalp. If you suspect that head lice are causing the itch, ask someone to closely examine your scalp and hair for signs of these tiny bugs, eggs or nits.
- Scalp psoriasis.
If you have plaque psoriasis, there is a good chance you might have a scalp flare-up at some point. This will appear as reddish patches with dandruff-like flaking, or a silvery-white scale, and a dry scalp. Scalp psoriasis is often itchy, with the itch ranging from mild to intense, but thankfully there are many treatments for scalp psoriasis. Some people get relief from a medicated shampoo or other treatment that you can buy without a prescription.
As always, if you are experiencing intense itching or other symptoms, you may need to see a Dermatologist to rule out a more serious underlying skin condition. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
