The scalp is the skin covering your head that supports and promotes hair growth. This area is rich in blood vessels. Your hair goes through several growth phases, and naturally, old strands shed to make room for new ones. However, your scalp's health can be compromised by various conditions, including illness or simply dryness. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like itching, tingling, and burning sensations.
Understanding Itchy Scalp and Dandruff
A dry scalp leads to itching, burning sensations, irritation and pain, redness, and hypersensitivity.
The first thought one has about an itchy scalp, or one that 'scratches' as it's commonly said, is that we have dandruff; a true reasoning, but not always, because scalp dryness can stem from several sources and create a disruption in sebum production. These disruptions come from:
- A shampoo that strongly irritates you: methylisothiazolinone is a preservative in highly sensitizing shampoos;
- A parasite that has taken root;
- A skin condition: eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or even psoriasis, which lead to skin lesions;
- Hair dyes;
- Prolonged exposure to sun or salt water;
- Tobacco consumption;
- Excessive relaxers and straightening;
- Stress or fatigue.
Dandruff is the sworn enemy of the scalp, as it is very bothersome and annihilates any form of aesthetics. One in three people suffers from dandruff, each in a different way. It can be numerous and persistent. Skin flakes: the medical definition of dandruff; a consequence of an accelerated renewal of scalp cells. They are white and generally fall off on their own. More common on normal, dry, and coily scalps, they can quickly detach and spread onto clothing. It's not just the hair that falls victim, as eyebrows can sometimes harbor them.
What are the Consequences of a Dry Scalp?
As highlighted above, the consequences of an irritated and dry scalp are diverse and varied. Itching becomes frequent with the appearance of redness. Dandruff detaches from the dermis more quickly, and the layer protecting the scalp becomes more fragile and sensitive to any other external factor, leading to micro-inflammations. It's not difficult to realize you have dandruff. If nothing is done, this dandruff can become oily with much more itching.
A dry scalp or neglected or untreated dandruff can lead, especially if it's seborrheic dermatitis, to more pronounced itching, a complete covering of the scalp with crusts, down to the base of the hair; it can even spread to the neck, ears, and in extreme cases, hair loss; premature hair loss, moreover. At this point, it becomes prudent and wise to consult a dermatologist for an examination and treatment.
What is the Suitable Treatment for Dry Hair/Dandruff?
The most suitable and well-known treatment is the use of shampoo; you can easily find it over-the-counter at pharmacies. Proven effectiveness helps make your dandruff disappear within 2 to 3 weeks. Opt for gentle products, limiting the number of times you use your anti-dandruff shampoo per week.
What Routine to Adopt for a Healthy Scalp?
To prevent dandruff and maintain a healthy scalp, it's ideal to adopt good hair hygiene and maintain a routine that would be beneficial for your scalp's health. Depending on the state of your itching, you can opt for the ideal routine.
For Moderate Itching...
It is advisable to wash your hair 2 to 3 times a week with a gentle anti-dandruff shampoo containing:
- fungal active ingredients to combat proliferation
- keratoreducing active ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, to allow severe dandruff to loosen and be eliminated
- a soothing agent for potential itching
- Gently massage your scalp with circular movements
- Rinse your hair thoroughly
- Ensure you dry your hair well, avoiding blow dryers to prevent scalp irritation
- Avoid scratching your head to prevent worsening your scalp's condition
For Aggravated Itching...
Already adopt the same routine as for moderate itching; additionally, you will use a treatment shampoo 2 to 3 times a week for a maximum of 21 days, then just for maintenance 1 to 2 times a week, alternating with a gentle shampoo. It is important to let the shampoo sit on the scalp for a few minutes, especially on the most affected areas.
It can happen that despite good hair hygiene and daily hair care, your itching persists or new symptoms appear; you should then sound the alarm and turn to a dermatology specialist. This could be due to a skin problem; it is crucial to consult a doctor without delay and seek medical advice.
