Here Are Some Common Reasons For Experiencing An Itchy Scalp

Dandruff is annoying, frustrating and even embarrassing. And while dandruff doesn’t necessarily come and go, it can get worse during the winter months.If you have an itchy scalp or flakes in your hair, you may be tempted to just reach for the nearest dandruff shampoo. Before you do, read on to find out common misconceptions about the irritating condition and get experts' advice on dealing with it.

* You have dry skin

Dry skin is one of the most common causes of dandruff. And unfortunately, if this is the root of your dandruff, you might see it get worse this time of year. If dry skin is causing your dandruff, it’s easier to tell as other places of your body are most likely dry as well.

* You aren’t shampooing enough

While it sounds unhygienic, not shampooing enough could be the cause of your dandruff. When you don’t shampoo enough, oil accumulates and builds up on the skin and can cause dandruff. Before you freak out, this doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t clean yourself enough. It could be that you don’t use enough shampoo, or that the shampoo you use isn’t strong enough to break down the oil barrier that is contributing to your dandruff.

* You are allergic

From grass to peanuts, people are allergic to a wide variety of substances. Could an allergy to your hair care products be to blame for your flakes? It definitely can, says Dr. Kwon. If you notice any sort of scalp irritation such as itchiness or soreness after using a certain product, it could be because of a sensitivity you have.

* You have a medical condition

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic medical condition that not only affects the scalp but also other areas of the body where oil glands are present. This condition is characterized by dandruff as well as redness of the scalp. It looks similar to other common skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema or even an allergic reaction.

* You have a yeast overgrowth

Malassezia is a fungus that lives on the scalp and skin of all people. For some, a sensitivity develops which can result in dandruff. Like seborrheic dermatitis, other skin conditions aggravated by malassezia include psoriasis and other types of dermatitis.