Your scalp is protected by a natural barrier, controlled by oil secreted by the sebaceous glands. When this barrier is damaged, it can lead to dry skin and itchy scalp. Click more scalp sores shampoo.
Scalp irritation can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common include dandruff, lice and contact dermatitis.
Dandruff
Dandruff, a common skin condition that causes white flakes to appear on the scalp, can make you look and feel itchy. There are several factors that can contribute to dandruff, including your age, the weather, stress levels, medical conditions and your hair products.
Dandruff is a problem caused by a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia, which thrives on oleic acid, an oil found in your scalp buildup shampoo. These oils can cause your skin to shed faster than usual and build up into clumps of dead skin cells, which form visible white dandruff flakes.
Regular shampooing is a key treatment for dandruff. It removes the dandruff flakes as quickly as they form, and can also help to control the production of oleic acid.
Contact Dermatitis
Some shampoos and hair dyes contain ingredients that can irritate your skin, which can lead to a itchy, red rash. This is known as contact dermatitis.
Irritant contact dermatitis can occur after a single exposure to a strong irritant, or after repeated use of a mild irritant. It may also develop after exposure to a substance that enters your body through food, flavorings or medicines (systemic contact dermatitis).
Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to a particular substance, which often comes from a plant, a pet, a drug, or a product in your home. This reaction affects only the area of skin that was in contact with the allergen.
The scalp can also be affected by atopic eczema, which is a chronic, itchy skin condition that occurs most frequently in children and adults. The condition is characterized by dry, red, itchy patches of skin that look similar to those found on the face in people with psoriasis.
Lice
Head lice feed on blood sucked from the scalp and lay eggs, called nits that firmly attach to hair shafts. They’re hard to see because they move quickly and avoid light.
Nits look like tiny yellow, tan or brown dots before they hatch (hatch). They’re glued to the hair shafts near the scalp and aren’t shaken off by brushing or shaking.
Itching of the scalp is the most common symptom, but it may not happen right away. A rash is also possible.
Lice can spread from person to person, so it’s important to check all household members for an infestation and treat anyone who has lice or nits. It’s also helpful to try not to share combs, brushes, hats and other items that may come into contact with the scalp.
Folliculitis
If your scalp seems red and itchy, it could be a sign of folliculitis. This condition usually begins along the hairline, but it can affect any part of your head.
Folliculitis occurs when a blockage or infection forms in a tiny pocket of skin called a hair follicle. These follicles are found almost everywhere on your body, except your lips and palms.
Your hair is a key part of your body’s defense system. It keeps you warm and helps you feel safe.
However, if your follicles become inflamed, the result can be bumps that look like acne breakouts. These are often red, itchy, and painful.
Conclusion
The inflammation is caused by a buildup of bacteria and fungi in the hair follicles. Bacteria can enter the follicles through tiny openings called hair shafts or pores. These follicles are also vulnerable to irritants like chlorine in swimming pools or hot tubs.
