Itching on kscalp, especially those that never go away, cannot be underestimated. The reason is, this complaint can be caused by many things, even among them there are serious. Therefore, kscalp itch need to be addressed immediately according to the underlying cause.
Itchy scalp is often associated with dandruff. In fact, however, this is not always the case. Itchy scalp can also be caused by various other things, including certain diseases.
Causes of Itchy Scalp
So that complaints of itchy scalp are no longer bothersome and immediately resolved, you need to first know the cause. Some things that can cause an itchy scalp are:
1. Dandruff
Dandruff is one of the most common causes of itchy scalp. The appearance of dandruff is usually caused by overgrowth of fungi which causes the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp.
In addition, dandruff can also be triggered by other things, such as dry scalp, lack of cleanliness of the hair and scalp, to irritation or sensitivity to certain hair care products.
2. Head lice
Head lice can cause an itchy scalp. Usually, the itching caused by head lice is very intense. In addition to itching, head lice can also cause a sensation like something walking or crawling on the scalp.
3. Contact dermatitis
Complaints of itchy scalp can be caused by contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs when there is inflammation of the scalp due to exposure to certain substances or objects that cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Contact dermatitis can be triggered by various things, such as the habit of coloring your hair. This is due to chemicals in hair dyes, such as phenylenediamine (PPD), can often cause a recurrence of allergic reactions in the scalp.
In addition, the content of chemicals in hair care products, such as shampoo, conditioner, or hair serum and hair tonic, can also trigger allergies and cause contact dermatitis.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes the scalp to often feel itchy, scaly, dandruff, and reddish in color. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known.
However, there are several factors that are known to increase a person's risk for experiencing this condition, including excessive fungal growth on the scalp, oily scalp, heredity, and increased levels of androgen hormones in the body.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that occurs when skin cells grow too quickly, forming thick, red patches. Psoriasis is most commonly found on the scalp, knees, elbows, and back of the neck. This reddened scalp is then covered by silvery flakes and scales.
In addition, psoriasis can also cause the appearance of dandruff attached to the hair shaft as well as thick silvery patches that will bleed if scraped or removed from the scalp. Patches of psoriasis can also spread beyond the hairline, causing pain or an itchy scalp.
6. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the outer layer of the scalp and hair. Ringworm of the scalp usually causes rashes and patches with edges that protrude to the touch and form a ring.
Symptoms that appear can vary, such as an itchy scalp, the part of the head affected by ringworm becomes bald, and the scalp is scaly. Ringworm of the scalp can be contagious and is most common in school-age children or people who sweat a lot.
In addition to the above conditions, the appearance of an itching sensation on the scalp can also be caused by nervous disorders, diabetes, scabies or scabies, eczema, to skin cancer on the head.
How to Overcome an Itchy Scalp
As previously stated, itchy scalp needs to be treated according to the cause. However, there are several things you can do to treat or relieve an itchy scalp, such as:
Using anti-itch shampoo
Because a common cause of itchy scalp is dandruff, when this complaint is felt, it never hurts to try using an anti-dandruff shampoo when shampooing. Usually anti-dandruff shampoo contains zinc pyrithione, selenium, menthol, urea, and salicylic acid.
Using hair lice medication
In the case of itchy scalp caused by head lice, you need to eradicate this parasite and its eggs. To get rid of head lice, you can use a fine comb, because this comb can remove lice and nits that stick to the hair.
In addition, you can also apply lice medication to the scalp and hair. However, keep in mind. Use with caution and make sure you use it according to the directions on the package label or on the advice of a doctor.
Avoid hair care products that trigger allergies
If the complaint of itchy scalp appears due to an allergic reaction to certain ingredients contained in the hair care product that is being used, such as hair serum, shampoo, or conditioner, it's a good idea to stop using these products.
You need to switch to other hair treatments that tend to be friendly on the scalp and don't trigger allergic reactions. Agae safer, choose a product labeled 'hypoallergenic' or specifically for sensitive scalps.
Using apple cider vinegar
The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties present in apple cider vinegar can help reduce itching on the scalp, especially those caused by dry skin and dandruff.
To use apple cider vinegar as part of your hair treatment, you can dilute a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and apply it to your scalp and hair after shampooing and conditioning your hair. Let stand for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.
Apart from apple cider vinegar, you can also use other natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, clove oil, lavender oil, and oil peppermint, to reduce complaints of itching on the scalp.
If the things above have been done, but you still experience itchy scalp complaints, you should consult a doctor. This is important so that the doctor can determine the cause of your itchy scalp and treat it appropriately according to the cause.
For example, in cases of itchy scalp caused by ringworm, the doctor may prescribe antifungal medication in the form of oral medication, antifungal shampoo, or ointment. Giving medication can overcome ringworm as well as relieve complaints of itching on the scalp.
In addition, to prevent the recurrence of an itchy scalp, you need to keep your hair clean by regularly shampooing and avoiding excessive sun exposure. If the itchy scalp is bothersome and persists, consult a doctor immediately.