What’s Itching You?
                            By Dr. Linda Amerson

Pruritus is defined as an excessively itchy scalp.  This scalp condition, which may range from mild to very severe, affects millions of Americans on a daily basis.  Some consumers keep a sharp object or comb close in hand to relieve this discomfort temporarily.  In extreme reported cases, there are some consumers who sleep with a comb under their pillows to use on their scalp when they awake from their sleep during the night with intense pruritus.  Seek professional help immediately for a better quality of life.

The cause of pruritus varies per individual:

• An Unclean Scalp

One cause is a dirty, oily scalp. Many consumers do not shampoo their hair     and scalp on a regular basis.  A consumer should shampoo a minimum of once per week.  If you perspire in your scalp at night because of night sweats or are very active with regular exercising, you need to shampoo more often.  You may need at least 3-4 shampoos per week.  Some consumers need to shampoo on a daily basis.  Shampooing your hair on a frequent basis will assist you with a healthier scalp.

• Using Effective Products

Avoid using products from the dollar store.  These products are not effective for scalp conditions or pruritus of the scalp.  A Therapeutic product is required to alleviate this scalp condition.  In many cases, a consumer will also have inflammation combined with pruritus, as well as other scalp disorders.

• Alopecia May Occur

If you wait too long to seek assistance with this pruritus condition, Alopecia may occur in affected areas from consistent severe scratching.

• Avoiding Shampooing to Keep your Hair Style

There are many female consumers who neglect the health of their scalp for a trendy hairstyle.  A healthy scalp should precede a popular, trendy hairstyle.  This is especially true with hair styles requiring hair extensions.  Once a woman has invested hundreds even thousands of dollars on their hair to look flawless, scalp care is not a priority, but it should be.

Scratching an itchy scalp may bring only temporary relief, yet it may be a symptom of other health conditions and scalp disorders present.  Contact a board certified doctor of Trichology.

For a microscopic analysis of your scalp condition, contact Dr. Amerson, board certified doctor of Trichology (817) 265-8854 or www.hairandscalpessentials.com.