AN itchy scalp can be irritating and while it’s usually down to a bit of dandruff or the shampoo you are using, your scalp health could also be a sign of underlying issues.
Although most hair problems are not serious, experts warn that some conditions can be very serious. Experts have discovered that the health of your scalp could also indicate other issues like hormonal changes or weight gain.
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Most people were keen to get back to the hairdressers after they opened following the lifting of Covid restrictions, with many people complaining of scalp issues during the pandemic.
While stress is the main cause of many of these conditions, it was also discovered that Covid-19 can also lead to hair loss. The condition, know as telogen effluvium (TE), is when a person temporarily experiences hair loss.
According to doctors, this is usually caused by a person who has been in a stressful situation. The number of hair follicles on the scalp is affected by TE.
This is common in people who have suffered from long Covid.
1. Vitamin deficiencies
Speaking Central Recorder, Stephanie Sey, expert trichologist for Nizoral said issues with your scalp could mean that you are lacking in certain vitamins.
A well-balanced diet can usually ensure that you get the right vitamins and minerals. But, there are some cases where certain diets may not be enough.
“Supplements are only required when you do not get the necessary nutrients from your diet, or you have a specific deficiency such as an iron or vitamin D.
“It is important to have a healthy diet in order to support your skin and hair. However, a lack of B6 and B12 cause dry skin (flaky scalp) and B7 and B2 help with the maintenance of healthy skin.”
If you are suffering from thyroid issues then you might need to take a supplement – as this can also lead to hair loss and thinning.
Experts at WatermansHair said: “Hair loss can affect us all, but thyroid-related hair loss isn’t like other hair loss conditions (think alopecia areata or trichotillomania).
“This hair loss condition affects the whole scalp and can impede the production of healthy hair cells. Rather than patches of hair loss, you’ll likely notice a reduction in hair volume.
“Hair loss often occurs after treatment for the thyroid condition has already begun, making it seem like it’s triggered by the thyroid medication. In reality, it’s actually caused by the original thyroid condition.”
Thyroid-related hair loss is reversible and when treated with the right medication, the thyroid can start working properly again, hair loss can resolve itself, and the hair’s healthy growth cycles can resume.
2. Fungus
If you’re suffering from an oily scalp or have dandruff then you actually have a type of fungus
Many people get dandruff and in most cases it can go away with a special shampoo.
One expert stated that dandruff can be caused by Malassezia Furfur, which is a microorganism that is always present on the scalp.
Sara Alkazraji (manager of education at the Institute of Trichologists) and owner of Ilkley Moor Trichology Clinic, said that changes to the scalp, such as increased sebum production, create an optimal environment for fungal growth. This can lead to irritation, itching, inflammation, and even skin rashes.
She told MailOnline that dandruff is not caused by a dry scalp and is usually accompanied by oil.
3. Stress
Eva Proudman, expert trichologist atAbsolute Collagenwho has over 18 years’ experience said the stress of the pandemic has caused many surprising side-effects to our bodies, including muscle aches, weight fluctuation and most recently, hair loss.
The easiest way to determine if you are under stress is hair shedding, she explained.
She explained that the average hair cycle lasts about 10 months. Because of this, stress due to the outbreak of the pandemic is primarily starting to affect people several months ahead.
Hair shedding occurs when there is excessive hair loss and hair density loss. This condition is the most common.
“This is because a trigger, such as significant emotional distress, causes a sudden abnormal shift of hairs into the ‘shredding phase’ of the hair growth cycle.”
Why scalp health is important
Dr Sara Kayat, Viviscal Medical Ambassador explains why having a healthy scalp is important and how to understand when there is a problem.
Healthy scalps are important because hair loss can result from follicles being damaged by oil, dandruff, debris, or infection.
Your scalp could be suffering from itchiness, flakiness, dandruff or redness as well as oiliness and bumps.
“Often simple changes to your usual hair care regime can be enough to remedy this but, if not, you should be reviewed by a doctor”She explained.
Dr Sara, who works with Viviscal said that there are some telltale signs when it comes to spotting hair loss.
These signs can often be subtle and difficult to notice, but women will notice a slimmer ponytail or wider parted hair.
“One may also notice more hair being shed in the shower or when brushing. The thinning may be more noticeable at the crown, or it may manifest as a receding hairline.”
She said if you want to improve your scalp health you should:
- Avoid products that contain alcohol as they dry the scalp
- Was your hair regularly to avoid a build up of debris
- Treat your scalp if you have dandruff
4. Weight changes
If you’re suffering from a flaky or itchy scalp then it could be down to your diet.
Stephanie stated that if your scalp is feeling itchy or sensitive, then you might not have noticed the connection. However, diet can impact your scalp condition.
A balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins, as well as fibre, vitamins, minerals, and vitamins is best for hair. Healthy hair growth is possible by eating a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods.
“Processed foods like fast food and ready meals are typically high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats as well as chemical additives.
These foods are often deficient in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is what our bodies need to be healthy.
“The hair is the very last system in your body to receive nutrients (as it is one of the least essential), so if your body is not receiving adequate nutrients, your hair will likely be affected.”
5. Hormones
If you’re experiencing an itchy scalp then this could be down to hormonal changes.
Dr Johanna Ward, Founder of ZENii.co.uk said your scalp is an extension of your skin. We don’t pay the same attention to our scalps as we do to our skin. It responds to stress and illness in the same manner.
She added: “Stress has a huge impact on our bodies through the actions of the body’s main stress hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones have complex interactions with millions of cells in the body and can carry signals that fundamentally alter the behavior of our cells.
“If you are acutely unwell this will cause a short burst of stress hormone release that will send chemical signals to your skin, hair and scalp.”
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