Fungal infections, allergic reactions to hair products, and inflamed hair follicles can cause the scalp to itch and also damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. In other cases, scarring on the scalp can cause severe itching, because scar tissue can damage the nerve fibers in the skin.
Scalp pruritus [1] or itchy scalp can be a result of fungal infections, allergic reactions to hair care products or inflamed hair follicles. All these may damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. Scalp itching, which is a result of dandruff, can cause itching and scratching.
The good news is that an itchy scalp isn't likely to cause hair loss, at least not directly. However, some skin conditions that cause you to develop an itchy scalp may affect your hair follicles and contribute to hair shedding and patches of hair loss.
Yes, stress and hair loss can be related. Three types of hair loss can be associated with high stress levels: Telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium (TEL-o-jun uh-FLOO-vee-um), significant stress pushes large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase.
When should you seek medical help? If the itchiness doesn't go away in a few days and is accompanied by hair loss, pain, sores, or intense itching, see your doctor. An itchy scalp due to a fungal infection, lice, and some other conditions won't go away without medical treatment.
Scalp pruritus is a common and distressing symptom. It is most commonly associated with seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis but appears often without any noticeable skin lesion or obvious diagnosis.
If your scalp is dry, itchy, and flakey, then you may have dandruff. The causes of this condition vary: a chronic scalp disorder that replaces skin cells too quickly, poor hygiene, or even a weak immune system. The simplest treatment is a dandruff shampoo or scalp treatment.
Telogen effluvium hair loss — the type of hair loss linked to stress — typically affects your scalp and may appear as patchy hair loss. However, it can also cause you to shed more body hair or notice less hair on your body than you normally would.
1 Several underlying brain disorders present with dysesthesia, most commonly as neuropathic itch. This type of itch has been described in several neurologic conditions, including stroke, tumors, vascular malformations, demyelinating disease, and radicular compression.
Have you ever wondered why your scalp feels itchy before your period? Prior to menstruation the hair becomes naturally oilier due to the high levels of circulating androgens (male hormones) – in particular testosterone.
There are a wide range of conditions that can bring on hair loss, with some of the most common being pregnancy, thyroid disorders, and anemia. Others include autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, Rogers says.
Possible causes of hair loss include stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions. Everyone experiences hair shedding, and it happens to each of us every day. Most people lose 50 to 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle, more on days you wash your hair.
Biotin. Biotin (vitamin B7) is important for cells inside your body. Low levels of it can cause hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails.
Alopecia, also known as alopecia areata, is one of the most common causes of hair loss and hair thinning. Alopecia has a wide range of triggers, from stress to hormonal fluctuations to other medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders. As well as hair loss, alopecia can present with itching and tingling.
If you're constantly scratching your head because of an itchy scalp, it could be more than just dandruff. Many conditions can cause an itchy scalp ― from dandruff to ringworm or something more serious like a bacterial infection or autoimmune condition.
Constant scratching can lead to wounds and scabs, further damaging your scalp. The scalp can also become dry as the outer layer of skin becomes weak and lacks moisture. Scratching leaves your hair weak and your scalp vulnerable.
When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you are distressed by persistent hair loss in you or your child and want to pursue treatment. For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness.
You can perform a “pull test” on your hair at home. Start with a small area of clean, dry hair, and run your fingers through it, tugging gently once you get to the ends of your hair strands. If more than two or three hairs are left in your hand after each tug, you may be experiencing telogen or anagen effluvium.
The three most common triggers for hair loss in young women are stress, dieting, and hormonal changes. Less commonly, hair loss can be caused by certain autoimmune diseases. Here's more on these four triggers for hair loss in young women.
When you don't drink enough water, the scalp can become dry and damaged, causing flaking, itching, scratching…even broken skin. This weakened skin is less effective as a barrier between you and your environment. If you're prone to dandruff, the irritants on your scalp trigger dandruff more easily than normal.
Bacterial folliculitis.
This common type is a rash of itchy, pus-filled bumps. It occurs when hair follicles become infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus (staph). Staph bacteria live on the skin all the time.