The Dry Itchy Scalp

You have probably already seeked advice from your GP or local Pharmacist who would have given you a treatment with best intentions. However, in most cases shampoos and creams are not sufficient to deal with many scalp conditions. An Itchy scalp can be a symptom of several scalp ailments, some of which can be removed others controlled but the key is getting the right professional help.

Our team specialises in itchy dry scalps and are able in most cases to offer a solution either by removing or implementing controlling measures to deal with the itchy scalp condition. We deal with all hair types including Caucasoid, Mongoloid and afroid hair. We are able to implement treatments to deal with dry itchy scalps using both allopathic and natural remedies using homeopathic techniques. If you are concerned about an itchy scalp condition please give us a call at the surgery and you will be able to speak with a trichologist or homeopathy who will advise you.

If you wanted to arrange a consultation to discuss your itchy scalp condition please contact the surgery also on the number listed above. Please note we are a private practice, who offers discounted rates to students and OAP's.

An Itchy scalp may be a symptom of: poor hygiene, inadequate rinsing, Scalp Eczema, Scalp Psoriasis, Dandruff, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis (aka the various forms of Pityriasis - Pityriasis Simplex Capitis, Pityriasis Rotunda, Pityriasis Circinata), Pediculus Capitis & Irritant or allergic reactions. Many of which are chronic conditions that may be controlled. Some itchy scalp conditions may be removed with treatment. Hair loss may follow.

Treatment

Treating an itchy scalp can be complex. The key is to remove the crusting and calm the underlying skin. Unfortunately, shampoos alone are in most cases ineffective in removing the crusting in an itchy scalp condition and may actually cause the condition to get worse.

Our techniques are simple but effective. We prepare the skin and remove the crusting during treatment and offer immediate improvement in most cases to the patient. Home care treatments can be offered at consultation which may be allopathic or homeopathic depending in the condition and the patient. If you would like to know more about what we do please contact the helpline. Please note we are unable to offer diagnosis over the phone.

We have a range of treatment, some of which may be used for home care use. The various options to deal with an itchy scalp will be discussed at consultion.

Causes of an Itchy Scalp

Poor hygiene may lead to an itchy scalp and possible secondary infection. It is important to establish a cleansing regime that prevents infection, but offers a suitable state of hair and scalp. It is very easy to fall foul of such a regime, due to hair styling and dare I say incorrect advice from your hair stylist after certain hair styles.

Scalp Eczema

Scalp eczema tends to cause an itchy, dry and inflamed scalp which often leads to discomfort and the visible signs of dandruff on clothing. Scalp eczema's are non contagious and may be catagorised into either acute or chronic itchy scalp conditions. Symptoms include: erythema (inflammation), oozing, skin thickening, formation of papules, vesicles (blisters) and crusting. Pruritis (itchy burning scalp) leads to excoriation and possible bleeding. Scalp Eczema can affect all ages. Secondary infection is a common factor. Scalp eczema in most cases can be successfully managed using the right treatment techniques and home care.

Scalp Psoriasis

Scalp Psoriasis presents as a chronic inflammatory disease that causes the skin to thicken producing silver/white or yellow scales. Statistically it affects 3% approx. of the population. Treating psoriasis is difficult as the skin proliferates at such a rate which leaves the skin weakened and prone to infection. Psoriasis can in most cases be controlled and the Itchy dry sensation on the scalp removed with the correct treatment.

Scalp psoriasis shows no affiliation to gender, race or skin colour. Scalp psoriasis is not contagious but can be passed genetically. Nails may be affected presenting as pitting or loosening.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is a common itchy scalp condition that tends to affect children. Adults may be affected. Atopic Dermatitis shows no affiliation with gender. The onset may be during the first few months of life presenting as weeping, crusting, and pruritic erythema on the face, genital region & scalp. This can often be mistaken for cradle cap. If your child suffers from a dry itchy scalp and you are in any doubt of the condition please contact the helpline.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a name signifying a scaly flaking scalp condition which may also include symptoms such as an itchy dry scalp. Dandruff will allude to Pityriasis Simplex Capitis (syn. pityriasis sicca) a non-inflammatory scalp condition which presents as exfoliation of the Stratum Corneum (outer layer of epidermal cells) due to the presence of Pityrosporon Ovale or a natural yeast fungus.

Dandruff affects both sexes alike and shows no affiliation to race or skin colour. Human skin cells are continually manufactured and shed. OUr body's tend not to be affected as clothing assists in the removal of destroyed skin cells. Scalp hair especially those with thick hair (in particular afroid) often retains exfoliated cells which articulate to form scales. Pruritis (itchy scalp) may be severe in some cases of dandruff which if not treated will get worse and may lead to hair shedding. Please view our page on Dandruff listed right of page.

Please not this page is not designed to aid self diagnosis. Even if this was the case, over the counter products tend not to be suitable treatments for such ailments. An itchy scalp may well be a symptom of a more sinister condition that if not treated will result in hair shedding or at worst permanent hair loss and scarring. Of course this in only likely to occur in a small percentage.

The best advice if you are concerned is to seek professional advice from a qualified trichologist. We are here to assist you with offering such advice and treatment, but appreciate that distance may be an issue for some as this web site is open to a worldwide audience A trichologist is an experts in hair and skin disease and is best place to deal with your itchy scalp condition.

We hope that you have found this page informative