What are the manifestations of dandruff and itchy scalp? What can be the cause?
Dandruff and itchy scalp are mainly manifested by more white attachments in the hair, accompanied by itching of the scalp, and the two symptoms appear at the same time.
Usually, the following conditions may cause increased dandruff and itchy scalp:
1. Pityriasis scalp: Pityriasis scalp is the scientific name of dandruff and the most common cause of dandruff. It generally only causes increased dandruff, no scalp redness, hair loss, and generally no itching symptoms. Some professionals consider pityriasis scalp to be a relatively mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.
2. Seborrheic dermatitis: it is mainly manifested as increased dandruff, scalp redness with itching, and the occurrence of the disease is related to various reasons such as malassezia colonization and strong skin oil secretion.
3. Psoriasis: In addition to the symptoms of increased dandruff and itching, the skin of the scalp and trunk limbs often appear erythema and dander, and the hair can be manifested as bundled hair, the cause of which is related to genes.
4. Tinea cephalicitis: Tinea cephaloni is caused by fungal infection, in addition to the symptoms of dandruff and itching, it is also easy to have scalp redness, hair breakage, scalp pustules, etc., which can be diagnosed by fungal examination.
5. Head lice: Head lice are caused by lice infections, mainly manifested by itching of the scalp, and there will be head lice or lice eggs on the hair. It is now less common and is mainly seen in places with relatively poor sanitary conditions.
6. Atopic dermatitis: patients may also be accompanied by scalp itching and scaling symptoms; the causes of the disease are complex, the clinical manifestations are diverse, the most basic features are severe itching, chronic eczematous dermatitis, dry skin, these characteristics often coexist and recurrent.
Image source: Figureworm Creative
How can dandruff be relieved with itchy scalp?
Mitigations that may have an effect include:
Pay attention to rest and avoid staying up late, tired and stressful.
Pay attention to scalp cleaning, choose the right shampoo for cleaning, and increase the frequency of shampooing when dandruff is severe. Shampoo with selenium disulfide or ketoconazole lotion 2 to 3 times a week, but preferably under dermatologist guidance.
Try not to explicitly use products that can irritate the scalp, cause scalp redness and dandruff, such as inferior hair dyes and conditioners.
It should be noted that if the above measures do not relieve symptoms well, dandruff continues to increase, itching worsens and even other additional conditions (such as hair loss, scalp redness), please go to the hospital or follow-up consultation in time.
The author of the entry
Lilac Doctor Health Encyclopedia team
Audit specialists
Huang Youming is the attending physician of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology
Planning and production
Planner: Yu Kai | Producer: Monkey Pigeon
Image source: Lilac Doctor content team, Figureworm Creative