Itchy Scalp
What can be the causes of dry and itchy scalps?
Dry and itchy scalps can be caused by dandruff. They can also be caused by a matter of simple things. With a very, very dry scalp, very dry skin elsewhere is not uncommon. If a person has dry skin naturally on their body, their scalp might well be dry. A dry scalp can also be caused by very simple things, such as not rinsing their hair properly after shampooing, or not washing their hair often enough. Both of those, of course, are easily dealt with. Dry skin and dandruff, or flaking of the scalp, happens because the skin is turning over on the body - all over the body including the scalp all of the time - though we don't notice it. But on the scalp where there's hair growing, it tends to accumulate. When you comb your hair it will fall, and be physically not too attractive.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is caused by a proliferation of fungus. It can also be conditions which are not actually dandruff, and may be more than that, but it appears to be dandruff because of the scaling. Such things as psoriasis and seborrheic eczema are often labelled as dandruff, but actually require slightly different treatments because they are more severe. But they are all basically caused by an excessive scaling of the scalp.
How can you treat dandruff?
You can treat dandruff relatively easily. Many of the proprietary brands within the supermarket sell anti-dandruff shampoos. If one doesn't work for you, try another, because the ingredients may vary. The bit that actually kills the fungus that we are trying to treat may respond to one particular type of chemical but it may not, and so if you find that you are using a proprietary brand and nothing is happening, try another brand.
Can you prevent dandruff?
Strictly speaking, it is very difficult to prevent dandruff. If your dandruff is caused through something so simple as not rinsing your hair thoroughly then of course you can prevent it. But if it is a proliferation of fungus within the scalp, then you've got to continuously control it rather than prevent it.
