Does Itching Increase Dandruff? How To Reduce It?
It’s a common symptom of dandruff that whenever it occurs, is associated with flaky skin and excessive scratching. The irritation during scratching and fear that scratching may increase dandruff on the scalp is also genuine.
This article focuses on what dandruff is, how is it formed, and why it causes itching. Towards the end, we shall also walk through some tips that will help you get answers to how to reduce itching due to dandruff.
What is dandruff?
Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD), which only affects the scalp and causes itchy, flaky skin, is related to dandruff. Since it is so prevalent, about half of all adults worldwide are affected. Dandruff is the formation of white flakes on the scalp that fall off. This causes irritation and in some cases inflammation.
Most people pay attention to the flakes. On the other hand, the most uncomfortable side effect might be itching.
Why does dandruff occur?
The skin’s top layer is continuously shed and renewed. When the cells are shed one at a time, this usually goes unnoticed. Cells on the scalp that are inflamed may adhere to one another. If you’re shedding large clusters of cells, you might notice visible flakes on your shoulders, especially if you’re wearing dark clothing, or on your scalp because hair traps the shedding skin when it’s scaling.
Why does the scalp itch in dandruff?
Scaling or not, itching on the scalp is very common. People in their middle years may experience it for no apparent reason. Scratching is the typical reaction, and this frequently results in small crusty sores and scratch marks all over the scalp. Dandruff may make your scalp itchy. Additionally, a number of uncommon skin conditions can manifest as scalp itching.
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis and how is it caused?
The term seborrhoeic dermatitis is used to describe a red, scaly, itchy reaction on the scalp. With the exception of the more pronounced scale and the frequently inflamed scalp, it can be regarded as a more severe form of dandruff. The face, eyebrows, beard, and center of the chest can all be affected, and it can be extremely itchy in other areas of the body as well.
Areas with high densities of sizable oil glands are more susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis. The body’s response to yeast on the scalp and substances that degrade the oil produced by the oil gland is what triggers the inflammation.
Tips to control itching due to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
There are numerous tips to treat itching caused due to dandruff that you may try.
1. Amla
The Ayurvedic herb amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is well-liked. Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in amla. Additionally, it might possess advantageous traits like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cooling effects. Home remedies for an itchy scalp may include amla oil, amla juice, and dried amla.
Amla oil may aid in reducing scalp infections and irritated skin on the scalp. Your itchy scalp may receive immediate relief from amla powder. The dried amla fruit is ground to create amla powder. By combining this powder with some water, create a thin paste. After 15-20 minutes, apply it to your scalp and rinse it off.
2. Shikakai
Shikakai has been used to treat dandruff, fortify hair follicles, and other things. It has a low pH and may be helpful for cleansing as well as conditioning the scalp and hair. For an itchy scalp, shikakai powder might be an effective natural treatment. On the scalp, shikakai powder and water can be made into a paste. It might work well as a conditioner and lessen itch and dandruff.
3. Coconut Oil
Antioxidants, vitamins E and K, minerals, and lauric acid are all abundant in coconut oil. Coconut is used by people with Pitta Dosha because it is thought to have cooling properties. Additionally, it might possess advantageous traits like antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. An itchy scalp may respond well to coconut oil treatment.
It could be helpful to treat scalp infections and fungus-forming organisms, lessen dandruff, and combat dryness. You can directly massage coconut oil into the scalp’s troubled areas. After letting it sit for a while, i.e., for about an hour, and then rinse it off.
4. Curry leaves
Iron and antioxidants like vitamins C, A, E, and folic acid are both abundant in curry leaves. Additionally, it might possess antibacterial qualities that could help lessen scalp infections. Curry leaves may be nourishing to the scalp and hair.
Your itchy scalp might benefit from using curry leaf paste. Take a few curry leaves and combine them with yogurt to form a paste to make curry leaves paste. Apply this paste to your scalp, then give it an hour to dry. Then use cold water to thoroughly rinse.
Final Thoughts
Scalp pruritus is the medical term for an itchy scalp. Constant itchiness and a distressing sensation on the scalp are signifying signs of it. You can use a number of natural remedies for itchy scalp. Home remedies for an itchy scalp may include a number of herbs, such as amla, walnut, shikakai, coconut oil, castor oil, neem, tulsi, aloe vera, hibiscus, fenugreek, curry leaves, etc.
Explore more about dandruff here.
