Causes of Itchy Scalp
By: AlbrightTotal Views: 219, Word Count: 550,
An itchy scalp is very common in adults, which might or might not be due to any disease. There is a common belief that dandruff is the main cause of an itchy scalp, but that’s not the only cause. There are several causes which might result in an itchy scalp. So let’s focus on some of the causes of itchy scalp in detail.
Causes of Itchy Scalp
It’s vital to know the causes of itchy scalp, particularly when you are suffering from it. You might think that it could be dry skin, but could be more of a serious skin condition. The following are some of the causes:
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is referred to the inflammation of one or more hair follicle on the skin. It normally occurs in areas where irritation is the most, such as skin friction, sites of shaving or rubbing from clothes. The swollen follicles are often infected with bacteria, particularly with staphylococcus organisms that usually live on the skin in most cases of folliculitis.
Acne Keloidalis Nuchae
Also known as nuchal folliculitis or keloidal folliculitis, the acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic skin condition which is frequently characterized by swollen bumps and scars on the back of the neck. Acne keloidalis nuchae is not related to acne vulgaris, i.e. common acne, but its primary appearance is like that of acne like lesions of swollen hair follicles on the nape of the neck. It could result in larger scars if not treated.
Head Lice
Head lice, one of the most catching infections, also known as pediculosis capitis often occurs in school going children. This infection is mostly caused by the human head louse (pediculus umanus capitis) and is very itchy. The eggs or nits are laid by the female in the bottom of the hair near the scalp where they hatch about 7 to eight days later. A nit survives a total of almost 10 days off the body i.e. on hairbrushes, clothes, carpets, etc., but an adult louse cannot survive even for 2 days off the human head. Head lice are generally spread by children through close head contact and sharing their belongings which might be infected with lice.
Dandruff
Dandruff, also called seborrhea is a common non-contagious skin condition that occurs in skin areas which are high in oil glands like the scalp, face and upper trunk. It’s marked by flaking and at times accompanied by redness and itching of the scalp. Dandruff differs in its severity which ranges from mild flaking of the scalp to scaly red patches. Winter, stress and frequent shampooing could also make the problem of the dandruff worse which might result in itchy scalp hair loss.
Ringworm
The medical term for ringworm, one of the itchy scalp causes is tinea capititis. This is a very common fungal infection of the scalp. Regardless of the name as ringworm, no worm is involved with the scalp ringworm; rather a rash appears in the form of a scaly, round patch which at times clears or improves in the middle, thus looking like a ring.
Thus, these are some of the causes of itchy scalp and this need to be treated properly because if left untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body.
About the Author
Albright is graduated from the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences at Stones Corner in Brisbane. He has an understanding of fashion and design, good with the public, good communicator, flexible and able to work on request for extended periods. He has been a pioneer in the field of beauty therapy. His advice on any beauty therapy will surely prove favorable for anybody.
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