It may cause itchy scalp and thinning hair.
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It may cause itchy scalp and thinning hair.
This time, we will explain the causes and remedies for itchy scalp.
Causes of itchy scalp
There are various medical reasons for itchy scalp. Although skin diseases are the most common cause, itching on the scalp can also be caused by neurological disorders or diseases of the organs of the body, or it can be a symptom of mental illness, or it can be caused by sensitive skin. Atopic dermatitis is also one of the causes. I think people with atopic dermatitis will be able to recognize it right away, as symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear not only on the scalp but throughout the body. In addition, contact dermatitis may occur if the ingredients in colorants, shampoos, and treatments do not suit your skin, causing itching.
There are many causes of itchy scalp, butThe most common type is seborrheic dermatitis.
This time, I would like to explain seborrheic dermatitis in detail.
Itchy scalp and seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease in which chronic inflammation occurs not only on the scalp but also in areas with many sebaceous glands, such as the face, chest, and groin.The cause of seborrheic dermatitis is Malassezia, a type of fungus that lives on human skin.It may be unpleasant to think that you have mold on your scalp, but even a healthy scalp is home to a lot of normal bacteria. A healthy scalp has resident bacteria that are responsible for synthesizing vitamins such as biotin, which is important for hair growth. However, in the scalp of seborrheic dermatitis, there are few indigenous bacteria responsible for vitamin synthesis, and Malassezia bacteria are found in large numbers. Malassezia bacteria prefers lipids, so they breed in areas with a lot of sebum, causing inflammation of the scalp and causing itching. Along with the symptoms of itching, dandruff also appears. As the barrier function of the stratum corneum is also lost, the scalp's ability to retain moisture weakens, leading to dry scalp.Furthermore, if bacteria other than Malassezia bacteria grow on the scalp, it can cause odor and hair loss.
Treatment methods and measures for itchy scalp
Itching can be caused by various diseases, so if itching is caused by a disease, it is difficult to get rid of it without treatment.
In the case of seborrheic dermatitis, which is the number one cause of itching, a drug called ketoconazole may be used because it is caused by the Malassezia bacterium. This is a fungus treatment and is also used to treat athlete's foot.There are also ointments and shampoos that contain ketoconazole, so I think shampoos are relatively easy to use, but both are classified as pharmaceuticals and must be prescribed by a doctor.
In order to suppress the symptoms of itching itself, topicals such as steroids may be used if the symptoms are severe, but steroids only temporarily suppress the itching, and long-term use weakens and thins the skin. So you want to avoid using it too much.
Itchy scalp and the importance of scalp care
Scalp itching has a variety of causes, and there are currently no established medical treatments for it. In this case, scalp care becomes important.
First, when it comes to hair care products,A weakly acidic shampoo with a pH of 4.5 to 6.0 is said to suppress the secretion of substances that cause itching.People who suffer from itching should choose a mildly acidic shampoo. Also, since many people have dry skin,The most important and best way to do this is to cleanse and moisturize your scalp.I think.
Summary
The most common cause of itching is seborrheic dermatitis.
Ketoconazole and weakly acidic shampoos are available to relieve itching symptoms, and it is important to keep the scalp moisturized.
Article supervisor

Director of Dr. TOUHI CLINIC
Aiko Isami
Aiko IsamiGraduated from the University of Tokyo Completed initial training at Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital
While specializing in neurology, he became aware of the importance of scalp and hair care after working in AGA treatment. In 2023, he opened "Dr. TOUHI CLINIC" and "Dr. TOUHI SALON," clinics that cater to all scalp and hair problems.
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