Q: My scalp itches off and on every day. I was advised to wash my hair every day to stop it but that has not worked. My forehead and behind my ears itch, too. Is there a connection?
A: An itchy scalp can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common of which include dandruff, poor hygiene, contact or allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, sunburn, epiclesis (head lice), folliculitis, tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp), and stress. Because there are so many possibilities, I will highlight them lightly, with the hope you may be able to rule out some of the conditions by the way they present and zero in on the answer you are seeking.
Dandruff, the most common cause of scalp itch, is triggered by a fungal component that can affect the scalp and specific parts of the head and face. It presents with excessive shedding of dead cell flakes that resemble salt in both size and appearance. The flecks may appear on the scalp, ear canals, eyebrows, neck and chest and are easily-identified if a person wears a colored shirt and finds the shoulder area covered with the white flecks.
Poor hygiene, the act of not washing the body and head regularly, can lead to the deposit of dead cells over the scalp, causing it to itch. This can, to a degree, be detected by looking at your hair and body.
Contact or allergic dermatitis are allergic infections that cause swelling, a red scalp, oozing, scaling, crusting and excessive itching of the scalp. They are basically caused by the ill effects of shampoos, creams, gels, lotions, or hair dyes which have a high PPD content.
Psoriasis will gradually affect the scalp but usually presents first on areas of the body. The primary cause for it may be the excessive production of skin cells or an immune defect. It will appear with thick scales and yellow patches over the surface of the skin.
Sunburn is caused by the burning of superficial cells. It causes a person to sweat profusely, leading to a red scalp that itches.
Head lice is the result of a parasite that lays its eggs in countless numbers on the scalp, causing it to itch profusely. While minute, the lice are visible to the naked eye and are readily transferred by such methods as school children who share towels, hats, brushes and combs.
Folliculitis is a bacterial infection characterized by red bumps on the scalp that contain a gooey, pus-like substance.
Ringworm is a form of fungal infection that causes the formation of flakes on the scalp to such a degree that the hair is tufted in the affected areas, causing it to itch. Silver or yellow crusted flakes will be found on the scalp.
Then come stress and anxiety that only you can identify as a possible cause. If you find yourself in a demanding situation at home, work, or elsewhere, the condition can cause the scalp to itch. What is known in this regard is that during a period of stress, hormone levels, vitamin nourishment, digestion and a great deal more affects all of us differently. Research into why this occurs isn’t clear and while stress or anxiety may not be the direct cause, both may exacerbate an underlying condition that is.
I cannot pinpoint the cause of your itchy scalp but I can make some recommendations. First, and while appearing next to impossible, try not to scratch, as the activity further irritates the skin. Avoid wearing hats or other head coverings when possible. Allow your scalp to breathe (unless you are bald and could be exposed to excessive sun exposure). Avoid things that might irritate your scalp, such as hair dyes, harsh shampoos, and specific bar soaps that could lead to a dry scalp.
You don’t indicate if you have a full, thick head of hair or are balding, if you have been excessively exposed to the sun or never venture out of doors ,or have been found to have a vitamin deficiency. Do you have anyone else in your household that may be able to examine your scalp for discoloration, scaling patches, or other abnormalities? If there are visible signs, you’re on your way to recovery. If not, make an appointment with a dermatologist who should be able to shed some light on the subject. Good luck and remember, begin by not scratching!
