Does Hair Itch When It Grows

We’ve all had an itch that takes a while to go away, and our scalps are no different. After noticing your fingers constantly making their way to your head, your mother, an aunt, or grandmother may have commented, “Oh, that means your hair is growing!”

Well, it’s true that your hair was growing, but an itchy scalp is not a sign of hair growth. Itchiness can actually signify that your scalp is not at its healthiest, which can negatively impact hair growth. Whether it lasts days or weeks, the cause of an itchy scalp can usually be tracked down. You have to put on your detective hat to figure it out.

Causes of an itchy scalp

A common cause of itchy scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, aka, dandruff, says Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University.

“Often, people complain that their scalp is dry when in reality, it is actually inflamed,” Schwarzenberger says.

Other culprits for itchy scalp include psoriasis, allergy to hair dyes or products, fungal infections, and even head lice.

“Scalp itch can also be a cause of an underlying condition, including diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney disease, as well as some types of cancer,” Schwarzenberger adds.

Refer to more articles:  When Is Engineers Week

The first line of defense

If you don’t already have a skin condition diagnosed by a dermatologist or trichologist, trying different hair products and natural remedies is a good starting point.

One of the most effective initial treatments for an itchy scalp is a thorough shampoo scrub to remove loose and scaly skin, says Dr. Josh Axe, D.N.M., C.N.S., D.C, founder of Ancient Nutrition. After trying that, a popular natural remedy to try is tea tree oil.

“What’s great about tea tree oil is that it provides antioxidant benefits and is antimicrobial, which means it has the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungus,” Axe says.

As with all essential oils, make sure to dilute the tea tree oil by either adding it to your shampoo or mixing it with carrier oil.

Here are five more natural ways to combat itchiness and dandruff.

When the itch doesn’t go away

If experimenting with different products and natural remedies doesn’t solve the issue, you can try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo.

“There are many good products available, with active ingredients that include selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione, and ketoconazole,” Schwarzenberger says. “Tar shampoos may treat seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis, but some dislike the smell. But people with white hair should avoid using tar shampoos, as it can cause hair to yellow.”

It may be allergies

If you’ve found that allergy is the problem, particularly if there is an associated rash around the neck and or face, Schwarzenberger says to try fragrance-free or “low allergen” hair products. Topical steroids are also an option but require a prescription.

Refer to more articles:  When Do Ma Schools Start

“You should see your dermatologist if your scalp does not improve with the use of medication shampoo or if it is associated with hair loss or skin lesions in the scalp or surrounding skin,” Schwarzenberger says.

Interested in more ideas for alleviating an itchy scalp? Check out this list of detergents that might cause a dry, itchy scalp.

Related Posts

When Did Volcano Bay Open

May 26, 2017 at 8:07 AM · This increase is not $15/day, it’s $15/person (5 day park hopper is currently $445, while a 5-day park hopper plus…

When Is Blueberries In Season

When Is Blueberries In Season

Blueberries are a wonderful addition to a sunny garden plot. They are fruit-bearing woody shrubs that are relatively easy to grow. Given ideal conditions and proper care,…

What Does It Mean When You Dream About Mice

Mice, those tiny, skittering creatures, can have surprising significance when they appear in your dreams. Whether a single mouse darts across your dreamscape or you see a…

What Happens When You Turn Yourself In For A Warrant

If there is a warrant out for your arrest, turning yourself in to law enforcement will likely result in you being taken into custody for processing. In…

When Do Dogs Start Getting Gray Hair

History professors and second-term presidents aren’t the only ones who can sport a distinguished, salt-and-pepper look. Pups go gray, too—but have you ever wondered if yours is…

When Are Spiders Most Active

It may seem like spiders never go out of season. The fact is, they have become pretty creative with their survival skills throughout the years. While they…