There can be a number of reasons behind itchy scalp and thinning of hair. This article provides some information on the same. It also includes some home treatment measures for this condition.
Itchy scalp and thinning hair is definitely a condition for concern. Due to the frequent episodes of itching in the scalp, one may feel frustrated and sick. To add to it, ever thinning hair affects one’s physical appearance, and thereby self-confidence. The only way to restore the normal state is to seek medical attention. This will diagnose the underlying cause and will provide one with effective treatment for all scalp problems. There can be several medical conditions which can lead to itchy scalp and baldness.
Causes of Thinning Hair and Itchy Scalp
Dry Scalp Skin
Dry itchy scalp skin may lead to itchy head as it lacks natural oils and is quite prone to infections. The reasons behind excessive drying of the scalp are frequent washing of hair with hot water and harsh shampoos, using hair styling products and equipment, and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is one of the major causes of an itchy head. One tends to develop it when the immune system of the body recognizes a foreign substance and activates an allergy or allergic reaction against it. The reaction causes inflammation and itching on the skin. The allergens triggering the onset of contact dermatitis on the scalp can be a new shampoo, hair dye, soap, and other hair care products containing alcohol as one of the ingredients. When one goes back to the use of old skin care products, the symptoms of contact dermatitis get naturally restored. Thus, it can be considered to a possible cause of itchy scalp and hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Itchy head and hair loss can be a result of seborrheic dermatitis. It appears as itchy and inflamed skin covered by greasy or dry scales. The scales can be white, gray, or yellowish in color. Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly affects the head. Dandruff and cradle cap are types of seborrheic dermatitis that causes mild to intense itching of the head. One needs to take medical assistance for treating seborrheic dermatitis.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is defined as the inflammation of one or more hair follicle. It is generally caused by bacterial infection. Some of the common symptoms are groups of small red bumps that develop around the follicles of hair. These bumps or breaks are commonly filled with pus. These bumps frequently break and crust over. Such bumps are characterized by reddening, inflaming, itching, and tenderness. Folliculitis can affect one, irrespective of their gender and age. Though it is found to appear on any body part, yet the common places of its occurrence are the arms, face, armpits, scalp, and legs. It can further lead to boils and other serious complications. This further results in the migration of causative bacteria from the hair follicles to other body parts through bloodstream. If folliculitis affects one’s scalp, it is called scalp folliculitis and it may give rise to itchy scalp hair loss condition.
Treatment
The ideal treatment for thinning hair and itchy scalp is to cure the skin disorder which is actually responsible for its occurrence. For determination of the exact cause and its treatment, one needs to consult a medical practitioner. By the time one receives a cure for the causative dermatological disorder, he/she can try some of the home remedies suggested below for bumpy itchy rash on skin. This would accelerate the process recovery.
Take over-the-counter antihistamines to get some relief and comfort from redness and swelling on the scalp. Apply the required amount of fresh milk on the bumpy itchy rash on the scalp to reduce irritation. Mix one cup each of baking soda and cornstarch in a bowl of warm water. Pour this water on the head. Wrap the head with a towel. Allow it to stay as such for about 10 minutes. This would relieve itching to a great extent. Apply aloe vera pulp on the affected spots of the scalp. Leave it on for a half hour before washing it off with warm water. Aloe Vera is antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory in nature. It would restore the healthy state of the skin fast.
When the aforementioned diseases or disorders are cured, itchy scalp and thinning hair would also get treated naturally. There are effective female hair loss treatments available. It would be good if one approaches a dermatologist on time. Follow a healthy diet to strengthen the immune system of the body. A high-protein diet helps in both hair loss prevention, as well as its treatment.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
