Red Itchy Scalp

A red itchy scalp is very discomforting and can irritate you all the time. The scalp can become itchy and turn red due to number of reasons, and hence, to treat this discomforting problem, it is necessary to diagnose the cause. Some causes are very minor, and can be treated with home remedies, while others can be very severe and may need medical help.

Contact dermatitis is a very common cause of red bumps on the scalp, which leads to constant itching, inflammation, and rashes. This is usually observed in people who are allergic to certain chemicals used in hair oils, shampoos, or any other hair care products. It is caused due direct contact of the allergens or irritants present in these products.

Contact dermatitis, if caused due to irritants, can take a long time to show its symptoms, however, allergens can cause instant symptoms. Some allergens cause this condition only when the scalp is exposed to sunlight.

Contact dermatitis is not contagious, and can be treated with certain self-care steps and oral medications. Avoiding the allergen or the irritant is the best treatment for the problem.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin problem that causes dandruff and makes the scalp red, itchy, and flaky. When it affects infants, it is called cradle cap. Though this is not a harmful skin ailment, it causes too much of discomfort due to itching.

The exact causes are yet unknown though. Neurological conditions, change of season, stress, and fatigue are considered as some of the triggering factors that cause dandruff production. Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by using hair care products to prevent dandruff formation on the scalp.

As the name suggests, scalp sunburn is nothing but sunburn that directly affects the sensitive skin of the scalp. Many a time, we protect the skin of our whole body with sunblock, but we forget to protect the skin of the scalp, and it is exposed completely to the sun's rays.

Scalp sunburn causes the skin to become tender and red, and the skin may shed away after some days. This can cause serious problems if neglected. The use of hats and scarfs would help reduce the chances of the problem.

Scalp psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that affects the skin of the scalp. It causes the scalp to become itchy, red, with scales that are silvery-white in color. The elbows, knees, face, palms, face, etc., are some other body parts that can be affected by psoriasis.

It is basically a consequence of an immune system disorder, and can last for lifetime, if timely treatment is not provided. Psoriasis can be hereditary and can run in families for many generations. Home remedies can involve treatment with topical creams, light treatments or medications, depending up on the severity of the skin ailment.

Folliculitis is basically an infection caused to the hair follicles due to a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria can cause pus-filled red bumps on the scalp, and the infection may spread to other parts of the body.

Usually, this skin disorder does not require any treatment, since it gets cured on its own. If the bacteria has caused serious infections, then antibacterial shampoos are preferred or oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.