Itchy and scaly scalp is a very common complaint but that doesn’t mean it is normal. Itchy scalp can arise from a series of reasons starting from dandruff to a more serious condition like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. An itchy scalp, if left untreated, can pave the way to more complex issues eventually leading to hair loss. Itching and scaling scalp can however be managed and prevented well with the use of efficacious products like Coal Tar Shampoo, pH-balanced shampoos, and certain soothing products.
Factors Contributing To Itching & Scaling Scalp
Multiple factors contribute to itching and scaling on the scalp. The medical term for itching is pruritus and pruritus can be of both dermatological and non-dermatological origin.
Dermatological factors that contribute to scalp pruritus can be: SCALP
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Lichen planopilaris
- Psoriasis
Non-dermatological factors that contribute to scalp pruritis:
- Dandruff
- Dry and Oily Scalp
- Yeast/Fungal Infestations
- Lice
- Tinea capitis (Ringworm)
- Actinic Keratosis
Let’s decode the dermatological origin of scalp pruritus here:
Seborrheic Dermatitis:
- Seborrheic Dermatitis is self-explanatory. It's a portmanteau of two words Sebaceous Glands and Dermatitis (derma = skin, itis = inflammation).
- It is non-contagious, common, and can occur in different areas of your body that are crowded with sebaceous glands, like body folds, eye brows, chest, and navel.
- It is characterized by inflammation, erythema, and scalp flaking of white/ yellow colors.
- It can be easily managed with the regular use of coal tar shampoo by Apple Therapeutics, and other anti-dandruff shampoos containing Piroctone olamine, Zinc PCA, or Sulfur.
Contact Dermatitis:
- Contact dermatitis can be caused by allergens or due to regular contact with irritants. The most common cause of contact dermatitis, which often leads to scalp pruritus, could be due to the presence of irritants in hair care products like hair dyes, sprays, and shampoos containing harsh ingredients.
- Apple Therapeutics, being the leading trichology company for over two decades, has a range of trichology and dermatology products to help in soothing and managing the scalp pruritus caused due contact dermatitis.
Lichen planopilaris:
- It is a rare lymphocytic inflammation that is destructive towards hair follicles and leads to scalp inflammation and scarring alopecia, characterized by large, thick and scaly patches on the scalp.
- Retinoids, antibiotics, and clinical treatments under the supervision of a trained medical expert may help manage the condition of LPP.
Psoriasis:
- This condition is characterized by itchy and scaly scalp that could also affect the elbows, knees, and trunk.
- The root cause of psoriasis is not yet fully discovered, but it is believed that it happens due to the over active immune system that leads to a faster multiplication of skin cells. The immune mediation involved in psoriatic condition leads to increased production of skin cells leading to scaling and itching of the scalp.
- A mix of genetics and environment also play an important role in the development of psoriasis.
- Psoriasis is also known to exacerbate due to stress, humidity, and heat.
- 1% Coal Tar Shampoo by Apple Therapeutics is one of the leading products that is recommended by dermatologists to help soothe and effectively manage psoriasis-related itchy and scaly scalp
Non-dermatological scalp pruritus like dandruff, dry skin/oily skin related scaling and flaking, yeast/fungal induced resistant dandruff, scaling, and itching can be easily managed with the regular use of shampoos containing coal tar, zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole, most of which are readily available by India’s leading trichology company Apple Therapeutics. Their 1% Coal Tar Shampoo is one of the widely recommended shampoos to help with scalp pruritus of various origins including psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff.
Quick Tips To Manage Itching and Scaling Scalp:
- Addressing the root cause and then getting into treatment is recommended.
- Maintenance of scalp and hair hygiene by choosing the right products according to your skin and hair needs.
- Ensuring nutritional and dietary balance to maintain hair and scalp health.
- Washing hair post-exercise to get rid of any dirt and sebum build-up.
- Avoid harsh shampoos and hair dyes that may contain potential allergens and irritants.
Having a holistic approach and choosing the right products from trusted brands like Apple Therapeutics to help treat scalp conditions like these could fairly help with the management and prevention of such unwanted conditions.