Are itchy scalp and hair loss interlinked? Well, an itchy scalp can be an indicator of an underlying condition. Moreover, scratching your scalp aggressively can also sometimes damage the hair follicles and may cause hair loss.
Read on to get an insight on the same.
Wondering why your scalp is itchy?
An itchy scalp is quite a common problem that can be accompanied by hair loss. This implies that these health issues may be related or that one may lead to the other. According to our skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim, treatment can become easier once you understand the underlying cause.
What are the causes of an itchy scalp?
Scalp Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped itchy red rash. Ringworm and other fungal infections can weaken hair follicles resulting in hair loss that may lead to distinct patches of hair loss on their scalp.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of your hair follicles caused by bacteria or fungus. This can cause extreme itching and hair loss. Folliculitis is treated with antibacterial and antifungal medications.
Allergy
In some cases, hair care products can irritate your scalp, resulting in itching and inflammation of the hair follicles. To avoid this, it’s important to determine which hair care product is causing this allergic reaction and stop using it immediately.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen Planopilaris is an inflammatory condition of the scalp. Doctors believe that this type of inflammation is caused by a weakened immune system. Itchy scalp and hair loss are two of the most typical symptoms of this scalp condition.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by a red rash and itching. Itching can result in excessive scalp scratching and hair loss. Consult your doctor for Atopic dermatitis creams and ointments.
Psoriasis
Scalp psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system attacks the body’s own cells. It causes red patches on the scalp with silvery scales. Psoriasis itching can result in hair loss.
Dandruff
Dandruff is characterised by a dry, itchy scalp. One may experience irritated, scratchy and flaky scalp throughout the day. Dandruff typically causes hair loss if left untreated for an extended period of time and scratching the scalp excessively.
Are itchy scalp and hair loss actually linked?
Though both may be linked in certain situations, it isn’t always the case. This means that itchy scalp and hair loss can occur separately. With that being said, in some cases, both can be caused by the same underlying condition.
At times, one may precede the other. For example, hair loss can cause scar tissue to form on the scalp, causing itching. Alternatively, an itchy scalp may appear first. Scratching your scalp too much or too hard can damage the hair follicles and skin, resulting in hair loss, bleeding, and scabbing.
How to treat itchy scalp and hair loss – Treatment by Dr. Shehla Ebrahim
As a skin care physician, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim begins with examining the scalp thoroughly and carries out various dermatological tests to analyse the surface.
To treat itchy scalp:
Dr. Shehla may prescribe medications according to the diagnosis. She may recommend any of the following:
- Topical steroids having mild potency
- Shampoo containing coal tar and antifungal ingredients to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Tinea Capitis topical/oral antifungal medications
For treating hair loss:
Dr. Shehla will go ahead with a treatment line that may involve any of the following methodologies:
- Spironolactone or Oral Finasteride (most commonly used to treat hair loss).
- Minoxidil, which comes in a 5% topical solution, may be included in hair loss lotions.
- Other options may include PRP (platelet-rich plasma), low-level laser light, and oral Finasteride.
- She may also recommend a topical formula serum containing a proprietary compound blend that can stimulate hair growth.
Dr. Shehla believes in understanding her patients concerns and guiding them through their treatment journey. Her skincare approach has aided many in restoring their skin conditions.
If you are looking for the most suitable treatment for an itchy scalp and hair loss issue, schedule a consultation with our skincare doctor in Vancouver today!