Trichologist Dr Shahid Shamsher, talks about common reasons for scalp itching and irritation.
1. Excess sebum secretion
This is typically seen in persons who are described as “heaty” by constitution. In such people the scalp tends to have more than the normal secretion of natural oils, known as sebum. When the sebum accumulates, itching and irritation ensues. Such people also have a tendency to sweat easily. Least exertion leads to profuse sweating all over the body and head.
2. Dryness of the scalp
This condition is more common in winters. As the scalp loses out moisture it tends to dry out easily. This is often exacerbated by factors like washing the scalp with hot water. A simple solution here is to use oil to moisturize the scalp and hair. Use cold compressed oils as they most naturally prepared.
3. Scalp Infections
Two varieties of scalp infections are seen more commonly – bacterial and fungal. Both of these are seen more in people who have an oily scalp rather than a dry scalp. The reason for this is that the oil secretion acts as a source of nourishment or food for the bacteria and fungi allowing it to proliferate. Which is why in such cases oiling the scalp may not be a good idea, as it would only serve to feed the infection further. In cases of fungal infection there is often accompanied hair loss as well.
4. Lice infestations
While it is a more common school-children problem, we see a lot of cases of parents having it as well, especially where there is sharing of bed and pillow covers. Washing the scalp does not help lice removal and this can only be done by using specific medicated shampoos. However the indiscriminate use of these shampoos has now to lead a situation where most of routine shampoos don’t work anymore.
While scalp itching can be a distressing problem, it is important to also realize that some itching is inevitable. Just as some sneezing does not mean you have swine flu, similarly some amount of itching does not mean you have a medical problem.
Dr Shahid Shamsher is a leading Trichologist certified from UK, Australia & India. Practicing since 27 years in the field of Trichology, even today he consults every patient personally himself rather than leave it to assistants. He can be reached on 080 42067474 / 75.
Dr. Shahid Shamsher is one of India’s first certified Trichologist practicing in the field of Trichology for 27 years and is recognized as one of the Best Hair Doctor in Bangalore. He is the only Trichologist in India to be simultaneously certified from the U.K, Australia, and India.
Dr. Shahid Shamsher is one of India’s first certified Trichologist practicing in the field of Trichology for 27 years and is recognized as one of the Best Hair Doctor in Bangalore. He is the only Trichologist in India to be simultaneously certified from the U.K, Australia, and India.
