Why Does My Scalp Itch and My Hair Is Thinning
Many people experience scalp itch and hair thinning at some point in their lives. We can do several things to keep our scalp healthy, so it doesn’t itch. We can also do several things to keep our hair healthy, so it doesn’t fall out.
Itchy Scalp
Itchy scalp often occurs when there is an excess of oil on the scalp and hair. It happens because the hair follicle becomes clogged with dead skin cells and can’t produce enough oil to keep the scalp appropriately moisturized. Excessive scratching can also irritate the area and make it worse.
What Causes Itchy Scalp?
1. Lice.
Infestation with lice increases the chance of hair-thinning and excessive scratching. You can see lint on your scalp, behind your ears, and on your neck. All these will only increase your discomfort.
An itchy scalp may result from an allergic reaction to the dyes and chemicals in your hair care products. Try using natural products such as apple cider vinegar or baking soda.
If you have lice, don’t use combs or brushes on your hair until you are sure they are all gone.
2. Dandruff.
It is a form of yeast infection that happens when the oil glands in your scalp become overactive.
They are caused by bacteria that live naturally on the scalp and may be triggered by wet weather such as rain, washing, and swimming.
You can treat dandruff with over-the-counter products such as dandruff shampoos.
3. Alopecia Areata.
This condition is a form of hair loss that makes your scalp itchy, red, and scaly and causes hair to fall out.
How to Prevent Your Scalp From Itching
1. Regularly wash your hair to remove accumulated oils.
Wash your hair in warm water to avoid drying out and irritating your scalp.
2. Avoid dyes and fragrances.
These two are known to cause allergic reactions and itching on your scalp.
3. Regular use of oil-absorbing powder can remove excess oil.
Use oil-absorbing powder regularly to remove excess oil from the scalp.
4. Apply egg shampoo.
Eggs contain protein and sulfur, which help to strengthen hair, prevent hair loss and soothe an itchy scalp.
5. Eat healthily and drink lots of water to keep your scalp clean from inside and outside.
A healthy diet and plenty of clean drinking water should suffice for your scalp to be as healthy as possible.
6. Use anti-dandruff shampoos regularly to treat dandruff infections.
While fighting dandruff, remember to massage your scalp to stimulate the oil glands and prevent dandruff from returning.
7. Avoid scratching your scalp or using stiff brushes on it.
Frequent scratching can cause an itch to develop, reduce hair thickness, or even lead to alopecia areata.
Hair loss
Hair loss is a common problem nowadays.
It is correlated with the itchy scalp in that relentless itching and scrubbing your scalp can cause hair thinning.
Factors That Can Cause Hair Loss
1. Stress.
High levels of stress can cause hair loss. When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol which makes our hair thinner and can cause it to fall out.
2. Genetics.
Some people are more genetically predisposed to hair loss than others. There is no proven way to determine if you are one of these people. Some families suffer a great deal from premature baldness.
3. Medications.
Certain medications can cause hair loss. These include diuretics and anabolic steroids.
4. Illness.
Illnesses such as iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, copper toxicity, and several others can all cause hair loss in some people.
5. Pregnancy.
The hormones of pregnancy can cause hair loss in what is referred to as Postpartum hair loss.
6. Malnutrition.
Hunger and malnutrition deny the body nutrients and minerals essential for hair maintenance. Lack of these can cause hair loss.
There is no single cause that can explain all the types of hair loss, and some people may lose their hair all at once rather than one strand at a time.
How to Prevent Hair Loss
1. Eat a well-balanced diet.
It’s essential to eat a balanced diet that provides vitamins and nutrients. Just as you’ll find it harder to do well at school if you don’t eat your breakfast, your body needs the right kind of fuel to grow hair.
Foods that contain zinc, such as oysters and beef, may help prevent hair thinning and loss. Pumpkin seeds are also helpful for this purpose.
Daily portions of 5-9 fruits and vegetables will provide you with the nutrients your body needs for healthy hair.
If you’re suffering from hair loss, watch out for sugar. Sugars are linked to hair loss, so reducing sugar in your diet may be enough to see an improvement in the amount that you lose.
2. Minimize stress.
Stress is one of the leading causes of psychological problems, including hair loss.
Try to reduce stress in your life.
You can reduce stress by:
- Burn off stress with meditation and exercise.
- Avoid caffeine and illegal drugs.
- Get plenty of sleep at night.
- A good laugh can also relieve tension and help you feel better.
3. Take care of your scalp.
Washing your hair regularly and gently massaging your scalp can make it look healthier. However, avoid over-washing your hair, or you may experience hair loss and irritation. You can also improve the condition of your scalp by using products designed for this purpose.
4. Use natural products.
Natural products, such as aloe vera gel or castor oil, can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve itching when applied to a dry scalp.
5. Check for other conditions.
Hair loss may signify another condition, such as anemia, thyroid disease, or something more serious like cancer. It’s essential to see your doctor if you notice significant hair loss or thinning.
Having a scalp that itches and hair that is thinning are also two of the most common symptoms of an underlying condition called seborrheic dermatitis. This condition is caused by a yeast-like fungus that thrives in oily skin, causing inflammation, irritation, and flaking.
Primarily, Seborrheic dermatitis doesn’t cause hair loss. Instead, it causes chronic scratching, which can harm your hair follicle cells, causing hair loss.
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Why Does My Scalp Itch and My Hair Is Thinning