What Causes an Itchy Scalp with Hair Loss and How Do I Treat It?
An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, is a common condition. It can be caused by a number of factors and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
In some cases, the itchiness may be accompanied by flakiness, scaly patches, bumps, and even hair loss. Hair loss may occur when scratching is aggressive or the scalp condition affects the structure or strength of the hair follicles. Once the underlying scalp
What Causes an Itchy Scalp with Hair Loss and How Do I Treat It?
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on June 21, 2018 — Written by Donna Christiano
An itchy scalp, also known as scalp pruritus, is a common condition. It can be caused by a number of factors and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
In some cases, the itchiness may be accompanied by flakiness, scaly patches, bumps, and even hair loss. Hair loss may occur when scratching is aggressive or the scalp condition affects the structure or strength of the hair follicles. Once the underlying scalp condition is treated, the hair usually regrows.
Everyone has an itchy scalp from time to time, and it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, it may be concerning when scalp itchiness is excessive or constant, you notice crusty areas on your scalp, or you experience more-than-normal hair loss. Here are some common causes of itchy scalp and hair loss.
Dandruff
It’s generally thought that dandruff is the result of overactive oil glands on the scalp. This is why dandruff doesn’t usually develop until the teen years, when an influx of hormones kicks the skin’s oil production up a notch.Some researchers also speculate that dandruff (also called seborrhea) is caused by a yeast infection of the scalp and hair follicles. Besides inflaming the scalp and causing itching, yeast can weaken the hair root and lead to hair loss.
Hair loss with dandruff is rare, however. It only occurs when the dandruff is severe and left untreated for long periods of time.
Psoriasis
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50 percent of people living with psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. This condition may cause:- silvery, dry scales on the scalp
- inflamed scalp
- hair loss that results from excessive scratching or pulling the scales off
Alopecia areata
Besides causing scalp itchiness and tingling, alopecia areata can cause tufts of hair to fall out. This can result in circular patches of baldness. The condition is thought to arise when the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. It most often occurs in people who have a family history of other autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.Tinea capitis
Also known as ringworm of the scalp, tinea capitis is a fungal infection that penetrates deep into the hair shaft, causing itchiness and hair loss. Depending on the type of fungi responsible for the infection, the hair may break off at the scalp’s surface or just above, leaving hair stubs.The infection is highly contagious, is mostly seen in young children, and can also be accompanied by:
- a raised, dry, scaly rash
- black, bumpy dots on the scalp
Allergic reactions
In severe cases, allergic reactions to things like hair dyes can cause an inflamed, itchy scalp and hair loss. In one study published in ISRN Dermatology, researchers found that up to 1 percent of the subjects were allergic to paraphenylendiamine (PPD), a common ingredient found in hair dyes. PPD is capable of causing severe hair loss in sensitive people. Inflammation and itching can also occur on the scalp around bug bites and can look like a rash or allergy.Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It’s usually caused by staph bacteria or fungi. It can occur on your skin wherever hair grows, including the scalp. In addition to causing small, itchy bumps on the skin, folliculitis that affects the scalp can cause temporary hair loss. With proper treatment, the hair usually grows back. However, in rare cases, the condition can cause permanent hair loss.Lichen planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris is an inflammatory scalp condition thought to be due to a faulty immune system. It tends to occur in young adult women and can produce patches of hair loss along with scalp:- scaling
- redness
- burning
- bumps
- blisters
condition is treated, the hair usually regrows.
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