Head Itching - Itchy scalp causes, treatment and home remedies

Quick help with itching on the head

Itching of the head is usually an expression of skin irritations caused by illnesses, mental stress or chemical-cosmetic or mechanical irritation of the scalp. Frequent hair washing, hair spray and hair gel as well as head lice or fungal infections can cause an itchy scalp. Often the itching appears as a harmless by-symptom of dry scalp, but under certain circumstances may also be a serious disease, which is why in case of persistent complaints urgently a doctor should be consulted. Below we explain possible causes, home remedies and tips against scalp itching.

contents

• Quick help with itching on the head
• Symptom Scalp itch
• Causes of itchy scalp
• Sensory disorders of the scalp
• Head itching through parasites
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Dermatomykose
• psoriasis
• Other causes of scalp itching
• Headache treatments
• Therapy for trichodynia
• What helps with parasite infestation?
• Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis
• Natural help with seborrheic dermatitis
• Therapy for dermatomycosis
• Treatment psoriasis
• Relieving itchy scalp
• Naturopathy for itchy scalp

Symptom Scalp itch

Itching of the scalp is triggered by certain messenger substances, such as histamine, which cause a transmitted via the nerve fibers of the skin to the brain signal. The natural reaction is scratching, which can cause damage to the skin and thus increase the symptoms. It is important to distinguish the itching of the scalp according to the possible causes of the complaints. Roughly, there can be a subdivision into scalp itching due to skin diseases, parasite infestation, allergic reactions, external irritation of the skin and psychosomatic complaints.

For example, if the scalp itches, it may be due to an allergy or skin condition. (Image: highwaystarz / fotolia.com)

Causes of itchy scalp

Possible causes of itching on the scalp include various (skin) diseases, allergies, as well as an infection with mites, head lice or fleas. Hair loss may also be accompanied by increased itching. The general skin diseases, which are considered as causes of itching of the scalp in question, you can read in the article "itchy rash". At this point, however, the focus is rather on the diseases that cause an itching limited to the scalp.

Sensory disorders of the scalp

One until recently largely unexplored cause of headache is the so-called trichodynia. The term is based on the Greek terms "trichos" (hair) and "dynê" (pain). The itching is due to sensory disturbances on the scalp. The disease is probably triggered by stress and corresponding tension of the scalp. The sensation can range from mild tingling to a painful burning sensation. The increased sensitivity of the scalp is usually accompanied by hair loss as well as tension headache (headache).

As a result of the discomfort many suffer from growing mental health problems that manifest in depression at worst. In the case of trichodynia, there are usually no changes in the appearance of the skin, other than the effects of scratching in response to the itching. Even microscopically, no signs of disease on the scalp can be detected. About 30 percent of women and 10 percent of men with hair loss suffer according to current knowledge of trichodynia - the so-called hair pain.

Head itching through parasites

Especially in children in this country is often an infestation with head lice cause of annoying headache. Head lice are the most common parasitic infectious disease in children in Germany and cause intense itching in the area of ​​the hair on the head.

The tiny parasites feed on human blood. They scratch the scalp, suck the blood and prevent with their saliva the blood clotting. Every two to four hours the head lice repeat this sucking process. If the supply is interrupted for one day, the animals usually do not survive. The life expectancy of the head louse lies with maximally 30 days. However, the animals multiply extremely fast, as each female can lay hundreds of eggs during his short life. Their eggs, the so-called Nissen, stick the small insects to the human head hairs.

The itching in the case of head lice is caused by the tiny injuries that the animals produce during blood sucking or by the immune response to the saliva of the lice. Also, the movement of the animals on the scalp is sometimes perceived as itching.

The scalp shows a head lice infestation a typical Efflorescence (pathological skin change) in the form of small, itchy, red swellings. If the stimulus of scratching is given in, bacteria can penetrate through the corresponding injuries of the skin and further worsen the symptoms. In the worst case, ulcers and stubborn inflammations form.

In addition to the head lice, other ectoparasites (outer parasites) can colonize the human scalp and cause a significant itching here. The most well-known are fleas, but also mites, which cause, for example, a scabies disease.

Violent headache can be triggered, for example, by an attack with head lice. (Image: fotoliaxrender / fotolia.com)

Seborrheic dermatitis

Skin rash that focuses on the face and scalp is called seborrheic dermatitis. Like all eczema, this is characterized by skin reactions such as redness, blistering, subsequent oozing when the blisters burst, as well as scab and dandruff. The disease is often accompanied by a strong itching. Especially newborns and people with immunodeficiency are more often affected by seborrheic dermatitis. In infants, the disease is often confused with the so-called milk scab.

In the course of the disease, a scaly rash forms on the hairy scalp and possibly on areas of the nose, chin, eyebrows, eyelids and ears. If itching gives way, skin injuries threatening, which promote additional inflammatory processes. Seborrheic dermatitis is favored by a genetic predisposition, but according to current knowledge is also associated with other risk factors. Thus, due to the increased occurrence in Parkinson's and AIDS patients, a connection with the central nervous system and the immune system is suspected.

Symptoms enhancing sweating, but also clothing that is not breathable, and the so-called occlusion (air and water impermeable covering of the skin, for example, with greasy skin care products). The way in which the rash and the associated itching of the scalp are triggered exactly, is so far unclear. Presumably, there is a connection with the pathological propagation of specific yeast fungi, which occur as natural colonizers of the skin in every human being.

Dermatomykose

Numerous different cases of skin fungus can affect the scalp and trigger a significant itching. The fungal diseases summarized under the generic term dermatomycosis usually affect the horny substance such as (horn) skin, hair, fingernails and toenails, but can also penetrate deeper into the organism and here cause serious diseases to sepsis (blood poisoning).

On the scalp, a fungal infection is usually characterized by increased itching, redness, dandruff and blistering noticeable. In order to avoid further skin injuries, the itching should preferably not be given. Especially since the fungal spores can penetrate deeper into skin lesions. The spores also stick to the scratching under the fingernails and may be transferred to other parts of the body or people. Furthermore, scratching injuries favor the occurrence of secondary bacterial infections.

Skin fungus disorders that cause headache can be caused both by fungi that already occur on the human body and by those that originate from domestic or farm animals. They are relatively often a cause of increased dandruff and should be treated by a specialist, with a consistent therapy offers quite high chances of success.

Psoriasis can spread to the scalp and cause massive itching. (Image: elena / fotolia.com)

psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect the scalp and cause significant itching. Typical features of psoriasis are roundish, reddish, strongly scaly skin irritations. In the case of the disease, the skin renewal process is permanently disturbed. The formation of skin cells is greatly accelerated. As a result, more dandruff dissolves and the underlying, strongly perfused, reddish appearing border to the dermis becomes visible. Occasionally, the deeper cell layers dissolve causing slight punctate bleeding.

Although psoriasis is not contagious, it can spread to other organs of the affected patients. Due to the clearly recognizable dandruff, it also often causes a significantly reduced self-esteem and mental health problems of patients. Even with psoriasis it is better that the itching should not be given in order to avoid a worsening of the symptoms.

Other causes of scalp itching

In the possible triggers of the complaints are also external irritations of the scalp or hair roots to call. Both mechanical impairments, for example by wearing hats, caps or helmets, as well as chemical-cosmetic impairments can cause an increased head-itching. In most cases, slight inflammatory processes are the immediate cause of the itching. The skin may also show allergic reactions and signs of hives (nettle fever).

Shampoos and hair dyes are the most frequent chemical-cosmetic triggers of the headache. But also hair spray, hair gel and Co. cause allergic reactions in some people, which can be associated with a significant itching of the scalp. In the external influences, which can lead to discomfort of the scalp or the hair follicle, associated with corresponding itching, is to mention too hot blow-drying.

Headache treatments

The treatment is basically based on the causes of the complaints. Therefore, it requires a thorough medical diagnosis before starting therapy. If the headache is caused by generally dry skin, moisturizing treatments are recommended, whereby special emulsions are used which, despite the hair, easily reach the scalp.

The scalp can also be rubbed with olive oil to minimize itching. The same applies to tinctures of juniper berry oil, rosemary oil and evening primrose oil. In addition, in the case of dry scalp, the use of particularly gentle shampoos and hair care products is recommended to avoid unnecessary stress on the scalp.

Tension of the scalp can be solved by a massage. (Image: Daniel Nimmervoll / fotolia.com)

Therapy for trichodynia

Since the cause of trichodynia is believed to be tension in the scalp, the main focus of treatment is on muscle relaxation methods. (Scalp) massages and the injection of muscle-relaxing drugs are used here more frequently. The muscle-relaxing drugs inhibit the transmission of signals between the nerve and muscles, interrupting the permanent contraction of the muscles. The injection of the muscle relaxant takes place directly in the tense scalp muscles. Often, relatively soon after the treatment, there is a clear relief of the symptoms and itching back. The injection of muscle-relaxing drugs should only be performed by an experienced specialist.

Due to the suspected connection between the scalp tension and the corresponding hair ache with mental stress and stress, relaxation methods are also more frequent in the treatment of trichodynia. One of the most common relaxation exercises to learn is autogenic training, but so-called progressive muscle relaxation, hypnosis, yoga and meditation can help to overcome the mental tension and thus the cause of the head itch.

Biofeedback is another approach to relaxation techniques, as well as movement exercises in the field of qigong or tai chi. Some naturopathic therapists also rely on acupuncture to treat scalp tension in the treatment of trichodynia. In addition, homeopathic remedies may help to relax the scalp musculature, with the choice of suitable substances being left to experienced naturopaths.

What helps with parasite infestation?

Depending on whether fleas, head lice or mites are the cause of the headache, different treatment methods can be considered. The disinfestation (removal of animals in the environment of humans) is however in any case a crucial part of the therapy.

Fleas jump in this country mostly from pets such as dogs or cats to humans, so that the removal of the tiny bloodsucker should include the pets or their sleeping and moorings. The animal's coat can be treated with special anti-flea shampoos and sprays to eliminate the fleas. Chemical agents are also available for use in the home, for example on carpets.

Regular vacuuming often shows against the spread of the tiny pests but already a significant effect. If the infestation in the living environment is massive, an exterminator may be called in to deal with insecticides against the parasites. In addition to the removal of the flea infestation, a treatment of the symptoms is possible. For example, the inflammations of the stings triggered by allergic reactions to the flea saliva are rubbed with anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory ointments. This promotes the healing process and also helps relieve the itching. If the stitches are scratched, threaten bacterial inflammation, which could also be treated with anti-inflammatory but also antibacterial agents.

Head lice are much harder to eliminate than a flea infestation, not least because the tiny eggs (nits) are relatively well attached to the hair of the head. By simply shampooing the nits can not be removed. However, there is the possibility to separate them with the help of a special Läusekamms from the head hair, whereby however under certain circumstances not all eggs are seized and a renewed spreading of the head lice threatens. Therefore, the local application of head lice is often part of the therapy.

A special lice comb helps to get rid of the tiny parasites. (Image: SENTELLO / fotolia.com)

The head leaching agents may act in a chemical or physical manner. The chemical head lice are usually insecticides that destroy both the eggs and the adult animals. The physical agents surround the head lice during application and, because of their special flow properties, can also penetrate the tiny respiratory openings of the animals, causing them to die. However, their effect on the nits varies greatly depending on the preparation.

Also herbal preparations against head lice are a very effective weapon against the unpleasant parasites and the related itching of the head. The plant-based remedies usually consist of a combination of different plant extracts, whereby both chemical and physical mechanisms of action are assumed. Essential oils of coconut and ylang ylang are to be mentioned here as possible ingredients as well as the chrysanthemum derived insecticide pyrethrum.

Even with the head lice treatment, the elimination of animals from the environment of patients is advised. Pillows, caps and other clothing that could be infested with lice should be thoroughly washed. However, the head lice survive off the human body only relatively short, which is why the disinfestation here plays only a minor role.

As an effective home remedy for lice, among other things, Australian tea tree oil has been proven. It has a mildly disinfectant and germicidal effect, inhibits inflammation and reduces its itching. The oil may be used as an adjunct to shampoo, hair lotions and / or detergents as part of the treatment, but under no circumstances should it come into contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Mites cause the so-called scabies, which can also occur on the scalp as an itchy rash. At the beginning of the treatment, a disinfestation should be carried out here as well, so that an environment as free of mites as possible should be created. Clothes and bed linen should be washed at least 60 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, potentially contaminated items can be packed in a plastic bag and frozen in the freezer. In frost the mites die. If the plastic bags remain closed long enough, they will, of course, be destroyed naturally even without frost.

The direct control of the tiny arachnids takes place with the aid of ointments or emulsions (for example permethrin ointment) containing anti-mite agents. After the parasitic infestation has been resolved, head numbing usually disappears relatively quickly.

Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis

Because Seborrheic Dermatitis is essentially caused by genetic disposition, a cure based on the current state of medical treatment is not possible. However, the symptoms, including headache, can be alleviated using a variety of procedures, and patients can enjoy long symptom-free periods. Due to the suspected association with an increased spread of yeast fungi, antimycotics (eg ketoconazole, ciclopirox or octopirox) are used more frequently in the therapy.

In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, the immune modulators tacrolimus or pimecrolimus), which can also develop quite a positive effect in the treatment of seborrhoeic eczema. Antifungal hair shampoos containing the active substance selenium disulfide are also used successfully. Even simple anti-dandruff hair shampoos can help relieve symptoms in mild forms of the condition.

Furthermore, various cosmetic creams containing the active ingredient urea are available, which can help in the treatment of the acute symptoms. Creams and ointments based on glucocorticoids (usually cortisol) are sometimes also considered, the application may be associated with significant side effects.

Patients should also be advised to regularly wash the affected area with water and gentle exfoliation. The cleaning should be done with a washcloth. Occasionally, the use of saline may provide additional relief.

To prevent seborrheic dermatitis, the experts recommend regular sun exposure, which can also help with the healing of existing eczema. Artificial UV light is also said to have a positive effect here because it inhibits the growth of the yeast fungus Malassezia furfur, which probably plays a major role in the occurrence of skin irritation. Also, frequent hair washing and short hairstyles is attributed a preventive effect.

Pansy herb is considered as an effective medicinal plant in seborrheic dermatitis. (Image: Heike Rau / fotolia.com)

Natural help with seborrheic dermatitis

Phytotherapy (herbal medicine) offers different approaches to the treatment of seborrheic eczema. In particular, the pansy herb (Viola tricolor) is awarded here a very positive effect. This has antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) and has a similar effect as the use of cortisone - but without comparable side effects.

The positive effect of pansy weed is clearly scientifically proven, at least for mild forms of seborrhoeic eczema. The medicinal plant is used as a tea infusion both internally and externally. Furthermore, shampoos, creams and skin oil based on the medicinal plant are available as finished medicinal products.

Therapy for dermatomycosis

If a fungal disease causes an unpleasant headache, the treatment is usually based on the use of so-called antimycotics, such as miconazole, bifonazole, naftifine or benzoic acid. Also lavender oil can help against various yeast and filamentous fungi. In addition to the selection of suitable antifungals, the consistent application for the success of the therapy is of particular importance.

On the scalp is due to the hair growth rather treated with liquid agents such as bifonazole, as with conventional ointments. As the fungal infections are usually very persistent, the treatment usually takes several weeks or even months. Even after the obvious symptoms have disappeared, it will continue to be treated for some time, as otherwise a renewed flare-up of the infection is imminent.

Accompanying the treatment is often recommended a change in diet, which provides extra food with a high content of trace element silicon, such as millet. If the antimycotics are used consistently, the disease usually heals without any change in diet.

The fungal infection can be critical if treatment is omitted, as complications such as additional infection with bacteria or spreading of the fungal disease to other organs threaten. At worst, potentially life-threatening sepsis can develop. Therefore, in case of suspected mycosis, a doctor should always be consulted.

Treatment psoriasis

If itching back to psoriasis, various therapeutic approaches to alleviate the symptoms may be considered. Many therapists rely on alternative medical procedures, for example in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (especially acupuncture) or homeopathy. Nutritional therapies are also more commonly used to treat psoriasis.

Accompanying psychotherapeutic methods are often used, as psoriasis is suspected of being linked to psychological influences such as stress. Accordingly, relaxation methods such as autogenic training or yoga are used to treat the disease.

If the psoriasis is less pronounced with an external treatment usually already a significant relief of the symptoms can be achieved. Creams, ointments and tinctures with different ingredients are used here. In conventional medicine, corticosteroids (cortisone) are usually part of the drugs used.

The external treatment with creams and ointments often provides for psoriasis for a relief of the symptoms. (Image: Ilia / fotolia.com)

Naturopathy relies more on herbal ingredients such as sandalwood extract or evening primrose oil. In severe forms of conventional medicine usually relies on the internal use of special drugs, such as methotrexate, retinoids, corticosteroids or certain immunosuppressants. Here, however, threaten significant side effects, so that the application is possible only for a limited time.

Fumaric acid is due to the lower side effects more suitable for long-term therapy, but only in 50 percent of cases, an improvement in the appearance of the skin. In addition, mild side effects such as abdominal pain or diarrhea can also occur here.

In psoriasis, good treatment results can also be achieved on the basis of light therapy. Irradiation with UV light has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help relieve symptoms and temporarily heal. However, due to possible negative effects in relation to skin aging, the use of light therapy is only possible to a limited extent. The hair also complicates an application in the scalp. As a further alternative psoriasis treatment, the so-called bath therapy should be mentioned, in which the patients bathe in sulfur-containing natural Fango and volcanic water.

Relieving itchy scalp

Different home remedies can contribute largely independently of the causes for the relief of the head itch. For example, salt water is attributed a positive effect. Bathing in the sea can counteract the itching. If the sea is not on the doorstep, it is possible to buy a solution with salt from the Dead Sea in the pharmacy and bathe in it twice a week. Following the saltwater bath, it is recommended to apply St. John's wort oil. But even a superficial application of evening primrose seed oil can have a positive effect. On perfumed shampoo or shower gel sufferers should refrain as possible.

Naturopathy for itchy scalp

As an effective home remedy for naturopathy to relieve the symptoms, olive oil has been proven to itchy scalp. If other causes such as fungal attack or head lice have been excluded, it is very likely that the scalp is dry and irritated. The olive oil is applied to the scalp once a week in the evening with a pipette or small syringe. The following morning, the oil is washed out with a mild natural cosmetic shampoo. Before the natural remedy is used, serious skin diseases should be excluded by a dermatologist.

Given the variety of causes that may be the cause of the headache, patients should consult a specialist or dermatologist if possible for persistent symptoms in order to obtain a clear diagnosis. (fp, last updated on 20.2.2018)