dandruff itchy scalp hair doctor st louis missouri

dandruff itchy scalp hair doctor st louis missouriAn itchy scalp can be very uncomfortable. If you’re dealing with a constant scalp itch, it’s important to know the cause to help get it under control. Otherwise, your constant itching can lead to irritated skin that might be rubbed raw or even bleeding. Here are some of the common causes of an itchy scalp and how to deal with them.

Dry Skin

One of the most common causes of an itchy scalp is dry skin. During the winter, the cold, dry air can dry out your skin. When your skin lacks moisture, it can become itchy. This dryness can occur in your scalp the same way it occurs in skin on other parts of your body. In order to avoid itchiness caused by dry skin, moisturize your hair and scalp, especially in the winter. A deep conditioning once a week can help keep your hair and scalp well hydrated.

Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis

On your scalp, there is a presence of yeast. When there is an overgrowth of yeast, your body exhibits an inflammatory response that manifests itself as dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, which result in itching and flaking. In mild cases, over-the-counter shampoo with selenium or zinc pyrithione can solve these issues. More serious cases will require prescription-strength antifungal shampoo, topical cortisone, or medicated foam, solution, cream, or ointment.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. Although experts are unsure what causes it, genetics play a role. Fortunately, over-the-counter medicated shampoos with coal tar or salicylic acid can usually solve the issue. If the problem persists, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger shampoos and topical cortisone.

Tinea Capitis

This fungal infection is commonly known as ringworm, and extends deep into the hair follicle. It can cause round patches of hair loss that increase in size over time. A rash can also appear, that may have black dots or a stubbly appearance. To treat this infection, a doctor will prescribe oral anti-fungal medications that will solve the problem.

Head Lice

Head lice are small ectoparasites that can live on your scalp. Although head lice are often too small to see, you can see tiny nits (eggs) attached to hair strands if you look closely. Although nits can look like dandruff, they are not shaken off easily, as they are suck to the hair shaft. Head lice can cause a lot of itching on the scalp, but the problem is easily solved through over the counter shampoo with insecticides.

Allergic Reactions

Another common cause of an itchy scalp is an allergic reaction. The skin on your scalp can react to hair dyes and other products, resulting in eczema and atopic dermatitis. These reactions typically go away on their own when you stay away from the thing you’re allergic to. If you’re not sure what caused the allergic reaction, a dermatologist can perform a specialized test to figure out what caused the reaction.

Dr. Richard Moore | St. Louis Hair Loss Doctor

Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and medical. If you are concerned about hair loss and thinning hair, we invite you to contact our office today to schedule a complimentary hair and scalp evaluation and get all your St. Louis hair loss treatment and hair restoration questions answered fully and completely.

covid 19 hair loss telogen effluvium st louis missouri

covid 19 hair loss telogen effluvium st louis missouriTelogen Effluvium is a medical term which refers to hair loss caused by profound stress to a person’s nervous system. Teleogen Effluvium can present in both men and women.  For example, stress-related hair loss can occur in women as a result of childbirth. It can also present in both men and women as a result of illness due to Covid-19 infection.  When we experience nervous stress, it is not uncommon for anxiety to have an impact on us in all sorts of ways. High levels of stress can affect your ability to sleep, think clearly, it may even be linked to being a contributor to back pain and muscle tension. For some men and women stress is also a factor for hair loss.

Identifying Stress and Hair Loss

Clearly, not all hair loss is attributable to stress, and not everyone who has stress will suffer from hair loss. As we age there is a certain amount of hair loss that happens and there are a number of different disorders that can also cause varying levels of hair loss. There are individuals that have alopecia areata or telogen effluvium that say their hair loss condition was brought upon because of periods of severe or ongoing stress. If you notice patches of sudden hair loss or abnormal hair thinning, the first thing you need to do is seek professional medical option.

Alleviating stress

If you are experiencing high levels of stress it is important to deal with it, whether you are currently having hair loss or not. To do this you may have to make changes to your lifestyle, like changing jobs, seeking financial advice or talking to a counselor. There are a number of other options that may also help like:

  • Exercise – Eating healthy and get regular exercise is good for the body and the mind.
  • Meditation – Many people attest that meditation is a useful tool to help alleviate stress and maintain a positive focus. If you are not sure how to get started there are free meditation apps for smartphones to help.
  • Acupuncture – Lots of people swear by the positive effects that can happen when acupuncture is used to help elevate stress levels.
  • Social network – Good friends may make all the difference. It’s helpful to talk when stressed, and close friends or family may also help you see things from a different perspective.
  • Music – For some people, music may be beneficial. Opt for slower paced tunes or even classical music and just listen and relax by taking some deep breaths.

Solutions Hair Loss

Once you have sought out medical advice to help you get your stress levels under control. You may want to address the thinning hair or bald patches that have developed. Men and woman alike often feel the impact that hair loss can have. It often hampers and persons’ confidence and self-esteem but there are solutions like human hair crown extensions and hair extensions, synthetic and human hair wigs that can all improve the appearance of your hair. To know which solutions are right for you, seek the advice of a St. Louis area hair loss specialist who can help you find the right solution that will work best for your hair type and the about of hair loss you suffer from.