Itching Scalp

[GraceLoughran]

I started off with an itchy scalp about 4-5 weeks ago - i then noticed i had some dandruff - i wasn't too concerned intil i found myself itching quite a lot - ive had dandruff before and it generally goes soon enough and doesn't cause too much itching. Anyway i started to become paranoid thinking i had lice - as my cousins were visiting i thought perhaps i had got lice from one of them. However nobody was itching but me. I insisted on getting treated for lice - and found nothing - i was still itching after being treated though. Feeling a little reassured that i didnt have any and it must be dandruff - i calmed down. Intil my cousin said he and his family had them from a recent visit to a friends house. I knew i had been itchy before then but i became paranoid again and insisted on being treated once again - i found nothing again and am still itchy - the itchyness now has a slight burning sensation i have noticed - im thinking that this is because of using headlice treatment twice in the same week? I really wish i knew what was wrong with my scalp - ill accept anything as long as it isnt lice - perhaps the treatment just wont work? My scalp feels more dry than oily and the dandruff flakes are small and white and do remove from my head when i scratch - reassuring me they arent lice eggs. Also i have noticed some hair loss right from the root of my hair

[GraceLoughran]

I do use alot of hairspray, however i've tried cutting down and have changed the hairspray i was using to a less strong one. I no longer i have any signs of flakey skin dandruff etc. But very recently there are small tiny even clear not really visable itchy spots mostly behind my ears? im confused?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy, or it can manifest as an oily scalp with scales.
Internal causes include hormonal imbalance, poor health, poor hygiene, allergic hypersensitivity, lack of rest, emotional stress, excessive consumption of sugar, fat or starch and heredity predisposition.
External causes include excessive use of hair sprays and gels, improper use of hair-coloring products, cold weather and dry indoor heating, fungal infections, infrequent shampooing of the hair or inadequate rinsing of the scalp and hair.

Eat a healthy diet. You can also take vit B6 and vit A and E which are good for hair and skin. Try medicated shampoos for dandruff. There are a number of over-the-counter shampoos available that can help. The most effective ingredients -- antimicrobials -- to look for are zinc pyridinethione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and ketoconazole (also available by prescription). If your hair is colored, don't use products with selenium sulfide or sulfur.

If the symptoms persist then get fungal infection or tinea capitis ruled out. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.