Why do I have an itchy scalp?

Itchy scalps are common and symptoms can vary. Some cases are fairly benign, but some can be quite damaging, so when the itchy begins, you need to look at the problem rather than wait for it to pass. Sometimes, the itching won’t pass until you actually apply a little proactiveness.

Here are some of the reasons you may feel the itch, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

1. Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis

These are the most common reasons for an itchy scalp.

Your body’s inflammatory response to an overgrowth of yeast causes the itching and flaking associated with these conditions. Yeast normally lives on the scalp and other hairy areas of the body, but the problem arises when there’s too much yeast present.

The fix: For mild cases, you can use an over-the-counter shampoo containing selenium or zinc pyrithione — ingredients that help control yeast. For more serious cases, you may need a prescription-strength antifungal shampoo, topical cortisone or medicated foam, solution, cream or ointment.

2. Psoriasis

This is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. You can’t get psoriasis from other people. Experts don’t have a clear understanding of what exactly causes this skin disorder, but you’re more likely to develop it if someone in your family has it.

The fix: Try over-the-counter medicated shampoos containing coal tar or salicylic acid to control scalp psoriasis. If those don’t work, make an appointment with your dermatologist. He or she can prescribe stronger shampoos and topical cortisone.

3. Tinea capitis

This is a fungal infection commonly known as ringworm, which can infect the scalp. Tinea capitis extends deep into the hair follicle, causing round patches of hair loss that increase in size over time. The rash may appear raised and with black dots or a stubbly appearance.

The fix: If you have a ringworm infection of the skin, you can use an over-the-counter antifungal formulation to get rid of it. Not so with the scalp.

Since the organism exists deep in the hair follicle, you’ll need to take oral anti-fungal medications to resolve the problem. Your doctor will verify that this is actually what’s causing the problem before prescribing these powerful medications.

4. Head lice

Although most people think of schoolchildren when they hear about head lice, they can invade anyone’s scalp. Lice prefer clean hair, so having a case of head lice doesn’t mean you have poor hygiene.

If you look closely, you can see tiny nits (eggs) attached to individual hair strands. They look a bit like dandruff, but they aren’t easily shaken off because they’re “glued” to the hair shaft. You might also be able to see adult lice moving around the head, but they’re harder to spot than the nits.

The fix: You can treat head lice with over-the-counter shampoos containing insecticides pyrethrin or permethrin.

Each head lice shampoo formula has its own treatment protocol. You must follow the instructions on the box exactly to get rid of the lice. These work well if you use them as directed.

5. Allergic reactions

Hair dyes, eczema and atopic dermatitis are other, less common causes of itchy scalp.

The fix: Allergic reactions will generally go away on their own if you can identify and avoid the chemical to which you are allergic. This is challenging and specialized tests in a dermatologist’s office may be needed to sort out which chemical is causing the allergy.

La Biosthetique Visarome Dynamique E – Aromatic Complex for Sensitive Scalp is a natural aromatherapy complex which relaxes and calms itchy scalps, releases metabolic blockages and thus creates optimum hair growth.

Internal tension and stress rapidly lead to tight muscles and irritated nerves in our body’s stress centre – our head. The scalp is also affected and reacts sensitively with tension, redness and itchiness. The irritated scalp urgently needs help. The calming aromatherapy complex Visarôme Dynamique E allows the scalp to calm down. Purely natural and wonderfully fresh and fruity essential oils from bitter orange, bergamot, mandarin peel, geranium, citronella grass and spicy thyme intensively calm the nervous scalp and irritated nerves. They relax the tight muscles and thus release metabolic blockages. Thanks to the balancing aromatherapy complex, the natural scalp functions are supported and the hair is able to develop and grow again. Visarôme Dynamique E deeply relaxes and regenerates the scalp as if it had just returned from an olfactory journey.

Visarôme Dynamique E helps restore relaxed harmony to hair, scalp and soul.

How to use:
Several times a week, distribute 1 to 1.5 pipettes Visarôme Dynamique E on to points of the scalp and then lightly massage in with your fingertips. Relax.

Key ingredients:

• Natural essential oils from bitter orange peel, bergamot fruit, mandarin peel, geranium, citronella grass, thyme, origanum and orange blossoms: relax the scalp and release blockages.
• Frankincense extract: calming.