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- Is Your Scalp Feeling Itchy? Here’s What Might Be Causing It, According to an Expert
Is Your Scalp Feeling Itchy? Here’s What Might Be Causing It, According to an Expert
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From dry skin to flakes, having an itchy scalp is one of the most irritating skin problems to experience. While it may seem to come out of nowhere, itchiness often pops up during the winter months. Just like the skin on your face or body, your scalp is susceptible to dryness.
It’s extremely tempting to try to solve the problem of a dry scalp on your own with the latest shampoos, scrubs, and oils, but it’s important to find out why your head might be itchy in the first place.
“All abnormal scalp conditions can be one or a combination of these factors: genetics, lifestyle, diet, hairstyling habits, environmental, health, stress, hormones, and medications,” certified trichologist Bridgette Hill told POPSUGAR.
Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of a dry, itchy scalp.
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Causes of an Itchy Scalp: Hair-Care Products
If you suddenly start to experience itchiness, take a look at the products in your hair-care routine. A new addition that you recently added to your shower may be doing you more harm than good. Some products strip the hair and skin of natural oils, which can lead to dry patches and flakes.
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Causes of an Itchy Scalp: Overuse of Heat-Styling Tools
We’ve all heard that heat styling damages the ends of our hair, but Hill said it can even cause your scalp to become dry. Try to let up on the frequent blow-drying if the skin on your head is feeling irritated.
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Causes of an Itchy Scalp: Body Dehydration
Hydration seems to be the answer to all skin-related problems. You may not realize it, but Hill said being dehydrated can make a serious difference in your scalp.
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Causes of an Itchy Scalp: Complex Scalp Conditions
Once you rule out dehydration and your hair routine from the list of potential causes, it may be time to look into more complex scalp conditions. This includes skin conditions like dandruff and plaque psoriasis, which is where skin cells build up on the scalp. If you suspect you’re experiencing a more serious issue, you should consult with your dermatologist.
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How to Identify the Exact Cause of a Dry Scalp
It can be hard to determine what is causing your dry scalp at home due to there being so many factors at play. “Identifying the cause, depending on the severity of the problem, may require medical testing such as a blood test or skin biopsy,” Hill said. “It is imperative to point out that severe scalp conditions can never be cured, only managed, making it mandatory that a proper scalp-care routine is adhered to for it to be controlled.”
