Dry Scalp Causes:
1) You have a sensitive scalp.
If your hair is oily or greasy, then it will become very difficult to shampoo out the dead skin cells from your scalp. Your scalp may even get infected with bacteria due to these conditions. So if you are prone to getting acne or other skin problems, then you need not worry about having dry scalps.
2) You have a yeast infection.
Yeast infections cause scalp itchiness. They are caused by fungus called Candida albicans. These fungi produce toxins which make your scalp itch like crazy. There are many different types of yeast infections and they vary in severity depending upon how much time passes since you had the last flare up of the problem and whether or not you take any medications such as antibiotics or steroids to treat them.
3) You have psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by red, scaly patches of skin on the body. It affects one in every twenty American adults. It is characterized by high levels of inflammation and scarring. People with psoriasis often experience severe itching, burning, swelling and irritation of their skin all over their bodies including their scalp.
4) You have eczema.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis is a common condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen and very itchy. Inflamed patches of dry skin are prone to cracking. The condition is especially troublesome for people who have sensitive skin. Eczema is often related to asthma, hay fever or other allergic related conditions.
5) You’re using the wrong hair products.
Even if your hair is oily or greasy, it will still be prone to dryness and dandruff if you use the wrong products on it. After a while, your hair gets used to what you put in it and stops absorbing them as well. It can also lead to allergic reactions as well.
6) You have hard water.
Hard water contains high levels of magnesium and calcium. When you wash your hair, these minerals enter your hair strands and make it hard for the natural oils to reach the scalp. This leads to a dry scalp and sometimes dandruff.
7) You’re not washing your hair properly.
Washing your hair does more than get rid of oil and dirt from the day. If you don’t wash your hair properly, you will end up with a dry itchy scalp. First, you need to wet your hair. Then add a bit of shampoo to your hair and massage it into your scalp. Now add water and create lather.
Do NOT rinse yet. Now add more water and continue massaging your scalp until all the shampoo is out of your hair. Finally, rinse thoroughly.
Dry scalp can be treated easily at home with over the counter shampoos or medicated creams and lotions from a doctor. If you suspect that you have a more serious condition such as a fungal or bacterial infection, you should see a doctor immediately.
Dry scalp can be the result of many different things that you should try to correct if you want to keep your hair and scalp healthy. It may be related to a medical condition or it may be as simple as the type of shampoo that you use or don’t use. It is important to stay on top of this problem before it becomes a bigger issue.
If you’re experiencing a dry scalp or are concerned about your current condition, contact a doctor and discuss treatment options that are available to you.
Sources & references used in this article:
Ethnopharmacological survey of home remedies used for treatment of hair and scalp and their methods of preparation in the West Bank-Palestine by AN Zaid, NA Jaradat, AM Eid, H Al Zabadi… – … and alternative medicine, 2017 – Springer
Dandruff home remedies—here’s what the research tells us by M Bohl – getroman.com
SOME HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR LOSS by HT Hoi – researchgate.net
Macrobiotic Home Remedies by M Kushi, M Van Cauwenberghe – 1985 – culia.net
Jude’s herbal home remedies by JC Williams, J Todd – 1992 – books.google.com
Hoosier home remedies by VE Tyler – 1986 – books.google.com
