25-10-2020
Itchiness of the scalp is not only disturbing, but often also very irritating - the patient experiencing this problem may feel embarrassed, for example, by the constant urge to scratch in various public places. In order to find out what is responsible for the itching of this part of the body, it is best to visit a doctor - the cause of itching of the scalp can be either lice, contact dermatitis or ringworm.
Contrary to appearances, itching of thescalp is a very common ailment - in one study it was found to be experienced by up to 25% of those surveyed. On closer inspection, however, these figures should not come as a surprise - the possible causes of itchy scalp are numerous.
Sometimes, the itchiness of the scalp is caused by a very mundane reason. This is the case when a person takes a bath in a hurry and does not thoroughly remove the shampoo from his or her hair: Shampoo residues can generate irritation, which leads to itching.
In many cases, however, certain health problems are responsible for the itching of the scalp. Among the individuals whose symptom may be just scalp itching are:
- psoriasis,
- contact dermatitis,
- seborrhoeic dermatitis,
- head lice,
- dandruff,
- atopic dermatitis,
- ringworm of the scalp.
The cause of the pruritic scal p is usually determined after other conditions have been identified - for example, people with atopic dermatitis may have an itchy scalp, but also redness and significant dryness of the skin. A correct diagnosis is important first of all because, depending on the cause of the itching on the scalp, completely different treatment may be recommended for different patients experiencing the same symptom. In general, therefore, there is one recommendation: A patient with chronic itching of the scalp should definitely see a doctor.
