Causes of itchy scalp with hair loss, how to treat?

Itchy scalp is a common condition. An itchy scalp can be caused by a combination of factors or be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In some cases, this itching can be accompanied by peeling skin, scaly patches, swelling of the skin, and even severe hair loss.

Hair loss occurs when you scratch your scalp too hard or a scalp condition affects the structure or strength of the hair follicles. Once the underlying condition of the scalp is treated, the hair will regrow.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone experiences an itchy scalp from time to time and it is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, excessive or persistent scalp itching can worry you, you may notice a scaly scalp or hair loss more than usual.
Here are some common causes of itchy scalp with excessive hair loss.
1.1 Dandruff Many people believe that overactive oil glands on the scalp are the cause of dandruff. This is why dandruff usually doesn't form until the teen years, when large amounts of hormones stimulate the skin's oil production to increase.
Some researchers suggest that dandruff (also called seborrhea) is caused by yeast infections in the scalp and hair follicles. In addition to inflaming the scalp and causing itching, yeast has the ability to weaken the hair roots and lead to hair loss. Even so, excessive hair loss due to dandruff is very rare. It only happens when dandruff is severe and goes untreated for a long time.
1.2 Psoriasis According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50% of people diagnosed with psoriasis will develop scalp psoriasis.
This condition can lead to:
White, dry flakes on the scalp Scalp inflammation Hair loss from scratching or flaking off the scabs. 1.3 Alopecia areata Besides, causing scalp itching and feeling like ants, hair loss in patches can cause each bun to fall out. This causes bald patches to appear.
It is thought that this condition is caused by the immune system attacking healthy hair follicles. Alopecia areata is most common in people with a family history of other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
1.4 Tinea capitis is a fungal infection that penetrates deep into the hair shaft, causing itching and hair loss. Depending on the type of fungus causing the infection, the hair may break off close to the surface of the scalp or just break off the top, leaving the hairline alone.
The disease is highly contagious, most common in young children and may also be accompanied by:
A dry, raised scaly rash on the skin Black, rough spots on the scalp . 1.5 Allergic reactions In some severe cases, an allergic reaction to things like hair dyes causes scalp inflammation, itching, and hair loss. In a study published in the journal ISRN Dermatology, researchers found that up to 1% of people were allergic to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient in hair dyes.
PPD has the potential to cause excessive hair loss in some susceptible individuals. Scalp inflammation and itching appear around the bug bite and can look like a rash or an allergy.

1.6 Folliculitis Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Staphylococcal bacteria and fungi are common causes. It can occur on the skin anywhere hair and hair grow, including the scalp. In addition to causing small, itchy bumps on the skin, scalp folliculitis causes temporary hair loss. With proper treatment, the hair will grow back. In rare cases, it can cause permanent hair loss.
1.7 Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory condition of the scalp that is thought to be caused by an error in the immune system. It tends to appear in young women, causing patches of hair loss on the scalp:
Exfoliation Redness Skin Burns Swelling Blisters If the hair follicles are scarred beyond repair, permanent hair loss will result. .

Treatments vary depending on the cause of the itching and hair loss. Your doctor may recommend:
Steroids (oral or topical cream or spray) to reduce inflammation Fungal drugs (topical or oral) to fight yeast. Immune drugs to stimulate or suppress the immune response Some common methods for treating hair loss include:
Minoxidil (Rogaine) to help slow hair loss and stimulate new hair growth Finasteride (Propecia) treatment of hereditary baldness Hair transplant

Not all cases of itchy scalp accompanied by hair loss require medical treatment. Here are a few things you can do yourself to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
3.1 A Healthy Diet Some nutrients important for hair and scalp health include:
Iron Zinc Niacin Selenium Vitamins A, D and E Biotin Amino Acids Protein. Note that don't take these nutrients in supplement form unless you're deficient. According to research published in Dermatology Practical and Conceptual, there is no strong scientific evidence that supplementing with these nutrients helps prevent hair loss if you already have enough in your body. Even adding too much can cause hair loss.
3.2 Use targeted shampoos For example, if you have dandruff, use a shampoo containing selenium or zinc that helps fight yeast.
3.3 Try Essential Oils There isn't much scientific evidence yet, however some animal studies have shown that using certain essential oils, like rosemary and peppermint, slows down shedding. hair and stimulate new hair growth. Before applying to the scalp, essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil.
3.4 Scalp Massage Scalp massage increases hair thickness, possibly by increasing blood flow to the scalp or stimulating hair cells.
3.5 Gentle hair care To limit hair loss:
Do not scratch your scalp too hard Do not tie your hair too tightly or when the hair is not dry Scalp and hair should not be exposed to high temperatures and hair styling agents Use Shampoo gently and let it dry naturally.

Some skin conditions that cause itchy scalp and hair loss you can't control, with care and treatment using special shampoos, changing your diet, seeing a dermatologist – are Basic principles to effectively treat and limit hair loss.

Symptoms that you should see a doctor and treat an itchy scalp and a lot of hair loss that occur together are:
Itching so much that it disrupts sleep or daily activities Scalp is hot or painful to the touch Scaly patches appear on the scalp Loss of hair in clusters or you notice unusually thin hair.

Reference source: healthline.com