Itch to the scalp

[clango]

I'd like to receive any possible suggestion to prevent and understand better my situation....so thanks in advance...

I feel a itch to the scalp and I'd like to collect some suggestion.

I feel a freshness feeling, every morning when I shampoo my hair but towards the evening the itch feeling grow.

Generally I prefer to shampoo the hair every day, because this itch feeling increase in the time, so the second day - if I shouldn't wash the hairs - it would be worse than the first day.

Consequently I can see I'm loosing some hair even if this is directly proportional with my age.

Any help?

 

[Spivey]

I'd like to receive any possible suggestion to prevent and understand better my situation....so thanks in advance...

I feel a itch to the scalp and I'd like to collect some suggestion.

I feel a freshness feeling, every morning when I shampoo my hair but towards the evening the itch feeling grow.

Generally I prefer to shampoo the hair every day, because this itch feeling increase in the time, so the second day - if I shouldn't wash the hairs - it would be worse than the first day.

Consequently I can see I'm loosing some hair even if this is directly proportional with my age.

Any help?

I have a very dry scalp. Consequently, it was always kind of itchy. I started shaving my head and then using a aftershave balm. This has handled the situation quite well.

 

[coughdrop]

I'd like to receive any possible suggestion to prevent and understand better my situation....so thanks in advance...

I feel a itch to the scalp and I'd like to collect some suggestion.

I feel a freshness feeling, every morning when I shampoo my hair but towards the evening the itch feeling grow.

Generally I prefer to shampoo the hair every day, because this itch feeling increase in the time, so the second day - if I shouldn't wash the hairs - it would be worse than the first day.

Consequently I can see I'm loosing some hair even if this is directly proportional with my age.

Any help?

Could be the heat (indoor). Try some Packer's Pine Tar Soap--stuff has a fresh, outdoor smell & keeps away the itch.

 

[Deltaboy]

http://www.hairfinder.com/hairquestions/dryscalp.htm


http://www.advoptimizer.com/brandmeds.com/scalpicin.html

 

[Governor11201]

You may wish to investigate whether Nizoral may be effective for you

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketoconazole

 

[clango]

Thanks to remind me, I already used Nizoral in the past...I'm investigating...

 

[Not The Original Kermit]

I have Eczema on my scalp, my doctor gave me some lotion that helps somewhat although it stings like a **** when I apply it.

Maybe check with your doctor and have him take a look.

 

[ogopogo]

Is it flaky as well? or just itchy

Try a shampoo with tea tree oil. It's good for the scalp. And if it has peppermint oil as well, it will definitely feel refreshed.

 

[RazorPete]

I see this all the time in my work as a dermatologist. The four most common conditions which cause itching in the scalp are:

1) Seborrheic dermatitis, this is the most common cause, also called dandruff. Symptoms are diffuse flaking of the skin as well as itching. Target areas, scalp, and sometimes eyebrows, mustasche, to the sides of the nose, and in/behind the ears. Treatment is medicated shampoo. The best two kinds contain selenium (such as selsun) or ketoconazole (Nizoral) but also zinc (head and shoulders white bottle), tar (neutrogena T-Gel) or salicylic acid (denorex) shampoos can help. To stop the itch/flaking, apply shampoo to face or scalp, leave on for 3-4 minutes, then wash off. Do this every day, then after you see it getting under control, back off gradually to 2-3 times per week for maintenance. Its important to note there is no cure for this problem, but when you use the shampoos regularly, they will generally keep it well controlled.

2) Folliculitis of the scalp. This is characterized by very itchy little 1-2 mm bumps, most often on the back and sides of the scalp, with no scaling or flaking. This is best treated with prescription topical antibiotics and topical steroids, which are also prescription. So if you have this, its probably best to go to your doctor. This is a chronic disorder and while the antibiotics keep it at bay, it can come back after you stop them.

3) Psoriasis. This is characterized by localized flaking and itching on the scalp. When I say localized I mean there are circles or patches of involvement, but there are areas of non-involved skin too, and there is a very sharp demarcation of cutoff between normal and involved skin. This is an important clue to making the diagnosis of psoriasis of the scalp. Often psoriasis can run in families and other areas it can commonly affect include the elbows, knees, belly button and tailbone.Psoriasis responds the best to the tar brand of shampoos, not nizoral or the others. But sometimes you need additional prescription medicines, as psoriasis can be stubborn.

4) Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Its pretty rare that it affects the scalp exclusively. Usually if you have scalp eczema, you also have eczema elsewhere, like your arms, legs, face. Also eczema is often associated with other allergies like hay fever or asthma and it often runs in the family. These other allergies and family history are important clues to the diagnosis. Eczema is basically a dry skin/barrier defect disease. You see flaking as well as yellowish crusts, some small juicy and very itchy papules and at least a little oozing. So adding more moisturizing (oil) to the skin is the best therapy. To do this in the scalp, take some olive or peanut oil and grease up your hair, then keep the oil occluded on your scalp under a shower cap overnight. In the morning, wash out with a gentle shampoo such as baby shampoo. It will take a couple weeks of doing this to see results. Sometimes eczema can be stubborn and if the oil does not work, then you might need prescription meds. Incidentally, eczema on the skin is treated the same way, olive oil or vaseline applied after bathing and before bed can be very helpful for this problem.

Finally, there are a large number of other more rare things that can cause itching but the above four should cover at least 90% of the causes of scalp itching. Bottom line, if these simple measures above are not effective, its not a bad idea to go see a dermatologist. I hope this helps!

Pete

 

[Sam]

Pete, Nizoral, when it was prescription, worked the best. TSal and tar shampoos work maybe a week and then my scalp says, aha, I caught on

Would shampoo bars work?

 

[BCP]

Try some dandruff shampoo, it has helped my itching immensely (and my dandruff )

I use T-Gel, but any ol brand *should* work.