Constant itching of the scalp creates discomfort, causes the appearance of microcracks through which various pathogenic microorganisms penetrate. Only a doctor can determine why the head itches and what needs to be done after examination and examination. The causes of itching can be different, sometimes it is enough to change hair care products to get rid of discomfort.
Constant obsessive itching can be a sign of an allergy. Irritants can be hair care products, powder used for washing towels, synthetic material in hats. The head begins to itch in the back of the head with overstrain of the muscles of the back and forearms, which often happens during sedentary work.
With allergies and dermatological diseases, the head often itches. What to do, tell the trichologist
How to get rid of itching:
Itching may appear if the skin is very dry, it is necessary to regularly make moisturizing masks, less often use curling irons and a hairdryer.
If itching is accompanied by hair loss, redness, rashes, dandruff appears, you need to visit a doctor, since fungal diseases can be the cause of discomfort. The head itches a lot with seborrhea, lichen, hormonal disorders, psoriasis.
How to deal with dermatological problems:
It's just that the head doesn't itch. There is always a reason for discomfort. Well, if a single scratching is caused by an uncomfortable hairpin. But if you notice that itching is your constant companion, it's time to sort out the problem.
Just because the head does not itch, there are always reasons. © Getty Images
The effects of an itchy scalp are not very pleasant. If you do not take action, things can end badly.
“Severe itching of the scalp is difficult to ignore, and discomfort greatly reduces the quality of life. A person cannot concentrate on work, conversation, becomes irritable, sometimes cannot sleep at night. Therefore, one way or another, severe itching will lead you either to the pharmacy or to the doctor.
Wounds or abrasions from nails on the scalp are a rather dangerous phenomenon, since areas of the damaged epidermis become " open gate» for infection, which can lead to inflammation of the scalp or folliculitis.
At the site of severe injuries, for example, if you scratched the skin with a comb with sharp teeth, fibrosis develops over time, that is, the hair follicles can heal and the hair will begin to thin.
With constant scratching, we, unwittingly, pull out the hairs and injure the follicles. Over time, this can lead to hair loss and reduced hair density.
Often with severe itching, there is a desire to wash your hair more often. If the shampoo is not adapted for frequent use, the hair becomes dry and brittle.
If itching becomes unbearable and this condition is not corrected by special shampoos, you need to consult a dermatologist or trichologist, who will help to avoid the chronic course of diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.
It is unpleasant when the head begins to itch at the most crucial moment. © Getty Images
Why the head itches is a question that everyone who has encountered a problem in one way or another asks himself. Consider the main causes of this condition.
Lack of vitamins A, C and primarily affects the condition of the skin, hair and nails. The scalp becomes more sensitive, easily irritated even from the usual combing of the hair with a brush. Dryness and irritation cause itching. As a rule, if you adjust the diet and drink a course of vitamins (if the doctor recommended them), the situation changes for the better and the problem disappears.
Yes, even in our enlightened XXI century, pediculosis is not uncommon. This is not a sign of a marginal lifestyle, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Does your head itch? Check yourself for insects in her hairy part.
All of the above points help to cope with a stressful situation and significantly change for the better not only well-being, but also appearance.
Itching of the scalp is a common occurrence in seborrheic dermatitis. In short, due to the excessive separation of the fatty secretion, the scalp becomes inflamed and thickened, as a result, itching appears, up to pain. In this case, you can not do without the help of a trichologist and a dermatologist. Based on the results of the tests and after a systemic examination, the doctor will develop the necessary treatment regimen for you.
Consult a doctor, but do not forget about proper care.
When it comes to sensitive scalp, it makes sense to consider using a sulfate-free shampoo. As a rule, its formula is based on soft, delicate hypoallergenic ingredients. Search within:
They soothe the skin and relieve discomfort.
Often itching of the head is a response to a certain stimulus (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 the disease. This article will tell you in detail about the causes in adults and children and treatment folk remedies severe itching of the scalp at home.
Itching of the scalp is a mutated pain sensation, permanent or temporary, in the form of a sensation of irritation of a certain place, which causes the need to scratch this area. Often itching is a response to a specific stimulus (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 the disease.
The painful sensation of itching of the head, which occurs frequently, 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 the infectious microflora easily invades the tissues in the areas of scratching.
It must be remembered that it is unacceptable to ignore the itching of the head, especially in conditions when it is accompanied by:
To eliminate this unpleasant sensation, it is important to find 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 that causes itching of the head is detected, treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis or at home - folk ways. And, usually, after identifying the source of the itching and eliminating it, the desire to scratch your head disappears.
Itching itself is such a clear physiological manifestation that the patient does not have the problem of identifying this sensation when he wants to comb a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe skin or scratch the entire surface of the head.
Specialists often identify the causes of itching of the head, described below.
An extremely unpleasant fungal skin disease, more common among children in close groups or in contact with animals.
The main symptoms by which a ringworm can be suspected are the appearance on the skin under the hair of itchy, flaky, inflamed plaques with the remnants of broken hair. The bald spots swell, become covered with purulent secretions and then with a thick crust, grow and capture other parts of the body.
The head itches not only with skin diseases, but also with pathologies internal organs and systems, violation of hidden processes in the body and disorders of the nervous system.
One of the serious neurological diseases occurring with pathological changes in the skin. Exacerbations occur against the background of stress, strong negative impressions.
Itching, characteristic of the disease, occurs on different parts of the body, including the face and head, intensifies during nervous tension, experiences.
Including mental, physical overload, panic attacks, psychological pressure, emotional experience during illness, loss of loved ones are often the source of scalp itching. Active production of adrenaline by the adrenal glands in response to stressful situations, leads to its accumulation and the occurrence of an excruciating itchy sensation on the scalp.
Allergies, in most cases, are the cause of itching. When the so-called mast cells (basophils) are destroyed by the “antigen-antibody” compound during an allergic reaction, an itch mediator is produced - histamine, which violates the integrity of cellular structures, resulting in itching of the skin, including the scalp.
Since itching of the head appears as a result of improper treatment of the hair or as a symptom of a specific internal disease or disorder, in order to get rid of it, the cause that provokes it is identified and eliminated. If the desire to scratch your head occurs as a result of the development of internal pathology, you need the help of a specialist, diagnostic studies that are carried out taking into account the severity of itching, an analysis of other symptoms that accompany the obsessive desire to scratch and the appointment of adequate treatment.
Diseases in which there is itching of the head, and their treatment:
| A disease that causes itching of the head | Basic principles of therapy |
|---|---|
| Scabies (spread of mites on the scalp occurs in babies up to 3-5 years old) | Effective antiscabiosis (anti-scabies) drugs:
Apply:
|
| Avitaminosis | A course of vitamins (Vitrum, Neuromultivit, Complivit, Antistress, Alphabet, Centrum, Milgamma) |
| Allergy to external irritant | Primary activities:
|
| Pathologies of organs and systems | If serious internal pathologies are suspected, in which the itching of the head appears, they immediately turn to a therapist, neurologist, endocrinologist. Itching, as a symptom of the disease, will help in time to identify and begin therapy for such formidable diseases as: · diabetes; endocrine, hormonal and neurological disorders; neurodermatitis; neoplasms. |
To relieve itching of the head are effective:
Useful folk recipes that you can use at home to get rid of the need to scratch your head:
The video below will tell you how to get rid of an itchy head:
The appearance of unbearable, excruciating itching makes people wonder why the head itches - there are no lice, and the hair has recently been thoroughly washed. The causes of skin irritation can be both external and internal provoking factors. It is often impossible to identify them on your own, so you should resort to the help of doctors of a narrow specialization - trichologist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist. They will run a series laboratory research and prescribe pharmacological drugs to eliminate the underlying cause of the diagnosed pathology, as well as to quickly relieve symptoms.
To natural causes includes the use of hygiene products that are not suitable for the care of a particular person. For example, severe itching sometimes occurs after using a clean towel washed with a new brand of powder. The scalp in this way reacts to the chemical ingredients in its composition. Small children or people prone to allergic reactions are especially sensitive to household chemicals.
This is the most common cause of an itchy scalp. New brands of care products appear on the shelves of stores almost daily, and television advertising offers to radically improve the condition of the hair immediately after their single use.
Manufacturers add ingredients to shampoos and rinses that can provoke an allergic reaction:
A person may not even suspect that he has high sensitivity to essential oil neroli or extract from dandelion roots until you wash your hair. Therefore, with the development of pruritus, it is necessary to re-use proven safe means.
Many of the fair sex love to experiment with their appearance. They actively use all kinds of hair masks, the recipes of which they found on the Internet. Often they include honey, gruel from fresh onions, garlic infusion. If a woman's scalp is sensitive, thin, then one should not be surprised at the appearance of excruciating itching, and sometimes microtraumas.
Even if there is an enticing inscription “No ammonia!” on the paint package, this does not guarantee its safety. Regardless of whether a woman uses a tool to give a light shade or a radical stain, an allergy can occur immediately after application or after a few hours. The head begins to itch, redness and rashes appear on the skin, after a couple of days, the smallest scales fall on the shoulders. This is due to the harsh chemicals that are present in almost every brand of hair dye.
To treat an allergic reaction, the doctor may prescribe drugs: Loratadin, Cetirizine, Tavegil, Suprastin, Zodak. In some cases, you will need to use ointments, creams, shampoos with antihistamine activity.
Tip: If severe itching occurs after dyeing, rinse your hair with infusion of chamomile, string, sage, marigold. To prepare it, you just need to pour 3 tbsp. tablespoons of vegetable raw materials with 2 cups of boiling water and leave for an hour.
The desire to comb the scalp occurs against the background of a deficiency in the body of biologically active substances - vitamins and trace elements:
The active functioning of all systems of human vital activity depends on their presence in the tissues and bloodstream. Deterioration general condition health is immediately reflected in the scalp and hair. The pathological process begins with a violation of the blood supply to all layers of the epidermis. The lack of mineral compounds and vitamins leads to a weakening of the hair follicles, a violation of metabolic processes. A course of Selmevit, Complivit, Vitrum, Centrum, Supradina will help to quickly cope with itching for an adult and a child.
Various types of fungi living on human skin are opportunistic microflora. But under the influence of internal or external provoking factors, they are activated, begin to grow and multiply. Clinical manifestations seborrhea becomes itching, severe dry or oily dandruff, secretion of excess secretion by the sebaceous glands. The condition of the hair also worsens significantly: they begin to fall out, quickly become dirty, delaminate at the tips. Combing the scalp leads to the formation of scratches, sores, cracks, which are quickly joined by pathogenic bacteria:
If you find painful swelling or wounds on your scalp, you should immediately contact a dermatologist. Treatment at home with folk remedies will not be successful as a result of their lack of antimycotic activity.
Recommendation: In the treatment of seborrhea, the use of shampoos with antifungal ingredients is practiced - Ketoconazole, Nizoral, Friderm with tar. And when diagnosing an infection, dermatologists prescribe antibacterial external and (or) internal preparations.
Herbal infusions can be taken internally to treat itching of neurogenic origin and simply rinse the scalp with them.
If the head itches, but there are no lice, you should analyze your psycho-emotional state. Frequent stressful situations or prolonged depression almost always provoke a desire to comb the scalp. Nervous exhaustion triggers a chain of negative immune, biochemical and physiological reactions. Its result is the production by the body of biologically active compounds that irritate nerve fibers. What happens next:
The desire to itch intensifies in the evening and at night, negatively affects appetite, upsets sleep. If the pathological process is diagnosed on initial stage, then the doctor will prescribe light sedatives or sedatives - Tenoten, Persen, Deprim, tinctures of valerian, motherwort, St. John's wort. And with severe depression, you will need to take antipsychotics and (or) tranquilizers.
Deficiency of vitamins, macro- and microelements can occur not only when they are insufficiently supplied with food. Many organ diseases gastrointestinal tract accompanied by a violation of the absorption of biologically active substances. That is, they are found in foods, but may not be broken down or absorbed. This condition develops with the following pathologies:
Even a frequently diagnosed gastritis can provoke a violation of absorption due to the frequent development of the processes of putrefaction, fermentation, and excessive gas formation. Gastric diseases often occur as a result of improper, unbalanced nutrition. It can also directly contribute to the appearance of itchy skin. The fact is that pathogenic fungi on the scalp grow intensively and multiply when consumed by a person. a large number pastries, sweets. Sometimes it is enough to make some adjustments to your diet so that the desire to comb your head disappears without a trace.
Warning: Itchy scalp is one of the symptoms of psoriasis or ringworm. These pathologies progress rapidly, so you need to urgently contact a dermatologist.
Situations when the head itches are different. In some cases, the cause is untimely hygiene. In other cases, some pathology may be the cause. And it is worthwhile to understand in detail what exactly caused the unpleasant symptoms in order to quickly begin treatment.
There are a lot of reasons why the itching of the head begins. So, in the list:
As soon as the head begins to itch, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. After all, some pathologies that caused such irritation can be quite serious and affect the human condition. First of all, you should determine the cause, and then select best options therapy solutions.
When studying the scalp, you can find lice eggs - nits: they are usually attached closer to the hair root. As a result of the vital activity of lice, a person constantly itches his head.
It is often believed that pediculosis is a disease of socially low strata of the population. But to think so is a big mistake. Indeed, today pediculosis is a disease of quite successful people who do not expect such a problem.
Headache can also be the result of excessive dryness of the skin. Failure of the sebaceous glands leads to the fact that the skin cannot produce enough fat, does not have normal lubrication. In response to this, dryness of both the skin and the hair itself develops. The skin tries to compensate for the problem and begins to activate the work of the glands.
The result can be excess secretion of fat, which covers the skin, does not allow it to breathe, creates a film. In addition, microbes and bacteria begin to stick to the fat, for which such an environment is nutritious and ideal, an infection can even begin.
There is also an alternative scenario - the skin continues to not produce enough fat, due to dryness it tightens, there are unpleasant sensations of tightness in the head area, the hair does not receive enough nutrition, they themselves begin to break off, crumble, which further exacerbates the situation.
How to treat - one of the main questions in this situation. And then you definitely need to visit a doctor. After all, the options used independently to moisturize the hair will not bring the desired result.
Strongly itchy head and against the background of constant stress. In men, this situation may occur more often, because. their nervous system is experiencing more severe overload than that of emotional ladies, for whom worrying for any reason is a normal story.
Stress and neurosis lead to constant constriction and expansion of blood vessels, which affects blood circulation - it either slows down or accelerates. Namely, blood circulation carries the necessary oxygen to the roots of the hair and scalp. As a result, the skin begins to dry out, the scales begin to crumble, all this leads to itching.
The top of the head may itch, the forehead may. In the case of stress, problems against the background of nervous overstrain often accompany a person constantly until he begins to calm down.
If there are nutritional problems, against the background of which the human diet lacks useful trace elements and vitamins, conditions can also develop in which the scalp will itch. And often scabies spreads to other areas. So, for example, against the background of beriberi, the face often itches. The skin is seriously dry and flaky. The epidermis suffers from a lack of nutrients.
Itching of the scalp due to allergies is another reason why the head begins to itch. Itchy sensations can be caused by improperly selected cosmetics. Moreover, the problem can be caused by both varnishes, gels and other styling products that clog the pores of the head, as well as shampoos and conditioners.
This can happen against the background of products that do not match the type of skin or contain some substances, for example, plant extracts, to which a person may have allergic reactions.
For women, hair dye can become an actual problem. Poor quality material or frequent change of dyes can cause skin irritation.
Especially often, negative manifestations are noted when using products based on ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. Paint containing hazardous components must be disposed of at the purchase stage - just read the packaging.
Even household chemicals can give allergenic effects. Surprisingly, ordinary washing powder can lead to severe itching of the head.
A symptom such as itching on the scalp, the causes of which can be varied, often causes a common fungus. If the burning sensation appeared along with the breaking off of the hair and the appearance of bald spots in the head area.
Itching of the head of a fungal nature has enough characteristic symptoms by which it is easy to identify.
Different types of fungi, which are found in abundance on the scalp, are classified as opportunistic microbes. Normally, they do not show themselves in any way. However, under the influence of catalysts, they begin to become more active, multiply quite quickly. Feelings on the head at this time are not pleasant.
Fungi affect not only the skin, but also the hair - they seem to cut them off, breaking off in the most unexpected places. Immediately, bald spots appear on the head. It should be understood that the fungi are removed hard and for a long time. And only experts should do it.
Skin itching causes such a problem as seborrhea. Seborrhea occurs due to excessive oiliness of the skin. The pores on the scalp are blocked by excess fat, it cannot breathe, itching of the scalp begins, but there is no dandruff yet.
Against the background of seborrhea, peeling can also develop. Trying to cope with excess sebum on your own is not worth it - this condition is corrected with the help of a doctor.
After all, this condition develops against the background of depression and constant stress. Also, the cause can be malnutrition, problems with the immune system and hormones. You can find out more about seborrhea.
The cause of itching of the scalp can also be covered in such a problem as psoriasis. This disease is chronic and affects the joints, nails and, of course, the skin. Psoriasis belongs to scaly lichen. There are many pathologies. Doctors distinguish:
When the head is affected in this case, plaques begin to form on the skin, increasing in size and leading to peeling. Whole such scaly plates are noted in the area of the scalp. The cover is inflamed, it can even form capsules filled with serous fluid. When they begin to open, dried crusts form on the skin. Everything itches terribly.
At the same time, if you scratch your head constantly, there is a risk of tearing the skin and leading to infection when pathogenic bacteria and microbes get into open wounds.
Itching of the head, the treatment of which can be quite diverse, often appears against the background of a disease such as diabetes mellitus. Such a symptom is essentially a complication of the disease.
As soon as failures in metabolism begin, the itching of the skin begins. For diabetes, this is a normal story. The level of glucose in the blood rises, and it is he who causes the desire to comb the scalp.
With a stroke, a sharp and sudden damage to part of the brain occurs against the background of a hemorrhage in the brain due to blockage of blood vessels. Often, against the background of such a failure, a person may experience severe itching of the scalp in the back of the head. The reasons for this are simple - insufficient blood circulation of the skin causes a lack of oxygen and nutrition.
Such a pleasant event as the expectation of a child can bring a lot of unpleasant moments to a young mother. One of these can be an itchy scalp. In women, the scalp and hair begin to itch unbearably, dryness of the scalp appears, hair begins to crumble.
All this becomes a consequence of hormonal surges and failures during the bearing of the baby. In addition, women's blood thickens, its movement through the vessels becomes more difficult, which again indirectly leads to malnutrition of all systems, including the scalp.
Treatment of itching of the scalp is not a quick event. And, ideally, it should be comprehensive. First of all, you should deal with the reasons that led to such a problem. Indeed, in essence, itching of the scalp is a symptom, and not an independent disease.
With increased oiliness of the head, it will be necessary to adjust the diet in order to control the production of sebum. It is stimulated by those foods and dishes that are traditionally called harmful:
It is best to switch to a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables. You also need to pick up vitamins and take them according to the scheme.
Psoriasis requires treatment, coupled with a dermatologist. After all, as a rule, it affects not only the scalp, but the whole body. As an additional treatment, you can use special shampoos for fungi and lichen - they allow you to quickly deal with pathogenic microorganisms.
Pregnancy can only endure and try symptomatic treatment. After childbirth, itching will definitely go away on its own. But it is still better to consult a doctor, because. itching can be a symptom of more serious problems that need to be eliminated before they become a pathology for the child.
It is advisable to add sedatives that will ensure calmness of the nervous system and normal blood supply to the body. This, for example, is relevant for stress and neuroses, as well as for a stroke, after which the nervous state of a person remains not up to par. Among such funds:
With excessive dryness of the head, it is worth connecting moisturizing shampoos and balms to the cure - they normalize the balance, nourish the hair and make it look healthy, and also relieve the feeling of skin tightness. Today, there are many professional products that can reduce dry skin. They act gently and quickly. But they should be used in combination - they only complement the main therapy.
There are a huge number of photos on the Internet illustrating problems with the scalp. Looking at them, you can even put yourself a primary diagnosis.
Psoriasis is an unpleasant disease that affects the entire human body.
Increased oily skin causes dandruff and itching
Allergic itching can unbalance
Itching of the scalp is an unpleasant phenomenon, and one must try very hard to rid oneself of painful sensations. A visit to the doctor is an important point in the treatment of such a symptom. And then you need to pull yourself together, turn on self-organization and carefully follow the proposed instructions.
