PristenHealthHow often do you get scalp itching or even hair falling out? If you experience these symptoms, you might want to try some natural remedies to stop them.
The scalp is covered by several layers of skin, each of which has its own function. Hair follicles are embedded in the outermost layer.
These follicles produce sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the scalp. Sebum also protects the hair from damage caused by friction.
However, excessive sweating can cause the sebaceous glands to overproduce sebum. This can lead to dryness and irritation of the scalp. In addition, sweat contains salt, which causes the body to retain water. As a result, the scalp becomes drier and flaky.
Causes Of Itchy Scalp When Sweating
Having an itchy scalp when sweating can be caused by head lice, bacterial
infections, or allergic reactions. This itching occurs as a result of your brain’s reaction to irritants.
These irritants vary and often lead to scalp itching that damages your scalp and hair follicles. Scalp itching is mainly caused by Malassezia, a fungus known to cause dandruff.
When you sweat, your itchy scalp might feel like it is due to excessive scalp sweating, but this is not always the case. Dandruff and excessive sweating can also make your scalp itch.
Dandruff is caused by microbes that thrive and multiply; these microbes break drown the natural oils on your scalp and create oléicole acid, which may also irritate some people.
Itchy scalp can also be caused by skin conditions such as itchy skin, dead skin layer from dandruff, poor hair care, harsh chemical products, and excess exposure to heat.
Why Does My Itchy Scalp Get Worse When Sweating
There are various reasons why your scalp itches and seems worse when you sweat. Sweating is naturally good as it helps abnormal changes in the body; however, certain factors can trigger itchiness when you sweat;
Head lice
These are tiny bugs that can not be seen. You can, however, notice their movements on the scalp. Head lice cause itchiness that becomes worse when you sweat.
Dandruff
A non-contagious skin condition is often mistaken as a fungal infection. These are flaky particles that appear on dry and itchy skin. Excessive scalp sweating can also make you experience increased itchiness with dandruff.
Skincare products
There are different hair products for each hair type. Depending on your care routine, your scalp may itch more or less when you sweat.
People with Sweaty scalp and scalp acne may experience more itching when they sweat.
An Allergic reaction to the chemicals of skin or hair care products can also cause rashes and itching on your scalp or skin.
Common Conditions That Cause Itching When Sweating
Prickly Heat
This skin condition develops when the ducts carrying sweat to the skin surface get clogged.
This traps sweat and leads to inflammation of the affected area, which becomes prickly and itchy with small bumps or tiny blisters that cause pain.
Prickly heat is most common in humid environments and in people that sweat more.
Hives
Hives are characterized by itchy bumps that appear red and raised. They may be short-lived and go within a few hours or chronic and long-lasting. They can also appear anywhere on the skin, including the scalp.
Scalp Ringworm
This is a scalp infection caused by fungus; symptoms include a red and extremely itchy rash.
Nerve Problems
Neuropathy occurs when there is damage or abnormality to the nerves. Diseases like diabetes and shingles can also lead to nerve problems. Symptoms include an intensely itchy scalp without rashes or skin reaction.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer that develops on the scalp can lead to scalp itching. A proper diagnosis by a dermatologist can help determine the cause of your itch if it is caused by skin cancer or something else.
How To Treat Itchy Scalp When Sweating
To treat an itchy scalp, you need to know the root cause of the itching. Itchy scalp triggered by sweating can be treated by;
- Changing hair care products that you may be allergic to.
- Use an anti-dandruff shampoo to protect your scalp against dandruff.
- Keep your hair clean always to protect your scalp at all times. Wash and clean your hair regularly.
- Do not use harsh products when washing hair, use products that help keep your hair moisture while also cleaning the dirt.
- Seek treatment for skin conditions that may be causing rashes, itching, or sweaty scalp.
Home Remedies To Treat Itchy Scalp
Essential Oil
Natural oils like coconut oil, tea tree oil, and Argan oil help relieve scalp itching. Apply coconut oil or other essential oil and gently massage it into open pores to aid blood circulation.
Household items
You can use products like Apple cider vinegar, aloe Vera, Neem or Lemon to soothe itching.
Although there are different methods of using them, such as applying them or drinking them, please do not use them without proper research.
Avoid Harsh Skin or Hair Care Products
Do not use products you are allergic to or products with harsh chemicals. These products can cause severe damage to your skin and scalp, such as scarring or hair loss.
Switch to Healthy Food and Diet
The type of food you eat can affect how your body functions. Reduce your alcohol, sugar, and caffeine consumption and drink more water during hot weather. Avoid allergy-causing foods and stay hydrated.
Do not share the same personal hair care tools
Every individual has a different scalp and skin condition. When you share the same personal hair care tools and products with others, you unknowingly transfer microbes from their scalp to you and vice versa.
Haircare routine
How often do you wash your hair? What products do you use after washing your hair?
What follow-up practices do you do after washing your hair?
It is vital to be consistent with your hair washing regimen to avoid a repeat of previous itching and skin conditions.
Scalp itching is not always caused by sweating. Sometimes, it may be your routine, weather changes, or skin condition that worsens your itchy scalp. Always treat scalp itching and excessive scalp sweating immediately to avoid hair loss and other long-term consequences.
Pristen Health
