Unlocking Solutions: Effective Treatment for Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss
Have you experienced hair loss because of an itchy scalp?
Isn’t it frustrating to keep scratching your scalp? No worries.
An itchy scalp occurs due to many factors, like dandruff, fungal infections, allergies, and continuous scratching, which damages hair follicles and leads to hair loss.
Read this easy-to-follow guide to get rid of an itchy scalp and regain your healthy hair, along with the confidence to have luscious and vibrant hair.
Let’s come along on a journey toward luscious hair and bid farewell to those troublesome scalp issues!
Treatment methods
To address the itchy scalp accompanied by hair loss, the following are a few treatment options:
Dandruff shampoos
The most common root cause of an itchy scalp is dandruff.
Dandruff appears as visible flakes on the scalp.
To address this issue, use anti-dandruff shampoos containing zinc and anti-fungal agents, which help combat dandruff and reduce scalp itching.
Scalp treatment
An itchy scalp can be caused by various factors such as ringworm (fungal infection), scalp psoriasis, dry scalp, or atopic dermatitis.
These conditions may lead to symptoms like scalp burning, itching, or reddish patches.
The scalp diagnosis is necessary to know the exact cause of your itchy scalp and hair loss.
Consult your dermatologist. They will prescribe you medicated shampoos or products to care for your scalp according to your severity.
Essential oils
Several essential oils are helpful for an itchy scalp and hair regrowth.
Tea tree oil, Peppermint, Rosemary, and Lavender oil are beneficial.
Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties and can unclog follicles; Peppermint increases circulation, while Rosemary and Lavender help in the healthy and regrowth of hair.
Medical Treatment
If you notice soreness on the scalp or don’t get relief from itching, it is advisable to have medical treatment.
A doctor can recommend the best prescription for this condition.
For example, topical Corticosteroids and anti-fungal shampoo treat scalp Seborrheic dermatitis.
Scalp Massage
Massaging your scalp is vital to control itching and maintaining hair health.
Scalp massage also promotes hair growth and relaxes the scalp.
A study by the National Library of Medicine aimed to investigate the effects of scalp massage on hair thickness in Japanese males.
Nine healthy men received four minutes of daily scalp massage for 24 weeks using a massage device.
The study found that standardized scalp massage can transmit mechanical stress to dermal papilla cells, resulting in increased hair thickness.
Home remedies
Several home remedies like certain oils, flowers, plants, and seeds help reduce scalp itchiness and hair loss.
A few of them are listed below:
Tulsi
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, has been used for years to cleanse hair and scalp.
It has antioxidant properties and multiple benefits.
It can effectively combat hair dandruff and help address itching caused by fungus or bacteria.
You can apply it to your hair as a mask.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera strengthens hair and prevents itching as it has excellent inflammatory properties.
It has powerful wound-healing properties that can also improve any irritation, dryness, or itchiness caused in the scalp.
Peel off the aloe vera and take in a bowl and apply it directly to your scalp and hair.
Coconut and Castor oil
Coconut oil which has anti-microbial properties, helps in soothing the itchy scalp, while Castor oil promotes hair growth.
Castor and Coconut oil combination are beneficial for overall hair health.
Castor oil is very thick and sticky and is used in less proportion and diluted with other oil like Coconut and Jojoba oil.
Amla
Amla, an Indian gooseberry used to promote hair growth by strengthening the hair follicles.
It is a great source of vitamin C and helps to cure dandruff.
It also contains calcium, enhancing hair color and purifying the blood, making the hair healthier.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds promote hair growth, prevent damage, and help improve scalp health.
It consists of omega-3 fatty acids that can help soothe scalp inflammation.
Itchy scalp and hair loss
Itchy scalp and hair loss can occur separately, but there can also be a connection between the two.
In some cases, they are correlated, meaning an itchy scalp may contribute to hair loss or vice versa.
When a person scratches their hair repetitively, it may result in temporary hair loss or bleeding, but this loss is temporary. Hair will grow back if you stop scabbing.
Inflamed hair follicles, fungal infections, and allergic reactions to hair care products may cause scalp itching, damaging the hair follicles, which leads to hair loss.
Lifestyle changes
Bringing a few changes in your daily life can promote excellent hair health.
Try adopting the below-mentioned practices to see a change.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Eat nutritious foods like green vegetables, fruits, a diet full of proteins and vitamins, and healthy fats to support hair health
- Use gentle hair products: Choose mild, sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners, and wooden combs that are gentle on the scalp and hair
- Stay hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water to keep your body, scalp, and hair hydrated
- Avoid trigger foods: Limit the consumption of certain processed foods like excessive caffeine, sugary snacks, and drinks, as they may contribute to a dry and itchy scalp
- Practice stress management:Stress may worsen scalp issues and cause hair loss. Involve yourself in activities that reduce stress, like yoga, meditation, or relaxing hobbies
- Protect your scalp: Wear caps and apply hair sunscreen to protect your scalp from sun exposure and harmful UV rays
- Avoid excessive heat and styling: Minimize using heated appliances, tools, and harsh styling methods, as they can damage your scalp
- Perform regular exercise: By doing any physical activity, blood circulation improves and can benefit the scalp and hair follicles
- Practice good hygiene: Keep your scalp clean and do not overwash your hair. Excessive washing may remove the natural oils generated by the hair and lead to damage and weaken the strength of the hair
Conclusion
Effectively treating an itchy scalp and hair loss requires an approach that involves lifestyle adjustments and proper take care of hair.
Firstly, choose gentle hair care products that can minimize irritation and avoid excessive heat styling products, which can damage the hair follicles.
Secondly, practice good habits like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and massaging your scalp.
Additionally, protect your hair from sun exposure and engage in stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation.
Consult your doctor for a medication prescription in case of any severe cases like soreness in the scalp, redness, and itching for a very long time.
Remember to be patient and consistent, as results may take time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my scalp so itchy, and my hair is falling out?
An itchy scalp can be caused due to various factors such as dandruff, fungal infections like ringworms, hormonal imbalance, and allergic reactions to hair products. It can disrupt the hair growth cycle ad damage the hair follicles.
What vitamin deficiency causes an itchy scalp?
Low levels of zinc, vitamin B3, B6, and B2 levels primarily cause scalp problems. An itchy scalp may be caused by a biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency. Maintaining healthy skin, including the scalp, depends heavily on biotin. Dryness, flakiness, and itching can result from insufficient biotin levels.
Will my hair grow back if I stop itching my scalp?
Despite the fact that scratching your hair causes temporary hair loss, the good news is that your hair will eventually regrow. However, continuing to scratch your head will just cause you to lose more hair. Therefore, it is not advised.
Can I take medicine for an itchy scalp?
Yes, depending on what’s causing your itchy scalp, your doctor may suggest a prescription for medicine to help. These can be oral drugs for scalp infections, topical steroids, or anti-fungal lotions. To find out which medication is best for your specific condition, speaking with a medical expert is crucial.
What oil is good for an itchy scalp?
An effective remedy for itchy scalp is tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial characteristics work to reduce inflammation and treat fungal and dandruff-related problems of the scalp.
