'Tis better than riches to scratch when it itches! That's something we'd all agree with, particularly at this time of the year! These dry winter months often lead to an itchy scalp. But this condition could also result from a variety of other reasons and demands immediate attention. Let's take a look at what causes the itch and how to stop it now.
What causes an itchy scalp
Dandruff
It is a symptom, not a disease. Very simply put, it is the visible flaking of the scalp. While it is routine and physiological to a certain degree, the moment it causes an itch, it deserves a closer look. The top two causes of itchy dandruff are seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis.
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused usually due to the excessive colonisation of a scalp fungus. This tends to cause sticky or flaky dandruff that is very itchy, occasionally accompanied by boils that can be fairly distressing.
Itch Rx It can be kept under check by the use of a regular anti-dandruff shampoo with ketoconazole or ZPTO. More severe cases warrant oral anti-fungal agents, such as fluconazole, and topical lotions, such as clotrimazole.
Text: Prevention
Images: Getty Images
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