Fulham Scalp & Hair Clinic
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Approach
    • Conditions
  • Services
  • Afro Hair
  • Shop
    • Stimulating Range
    • Gift Sets
    • Medicated Range
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
    • News and Offers
    • In the media
  • Opinion

The Itch Scratch Cycle

3/8/2015

0 Comments

 
Itch, scratch, rub, massage, pinch, poke, scrape.  They have all offered relief to an itch, but what damage could these actions be causing behind the scenes?

When we scratch our scalps we’re not thinking about the state of our fingernails, the sensitivity or our scalp or the breakage we may be causing to our hair. All we care about is instantly satisfying that itchy, irritating sensation, and therein lies the problem. With such a short term goal of relief in mind it’s hard to weigh up the long term effects of constantly itching one’s scalp. 


Dirty fingernails are the worst offenders, but they don’t deserve all the blame. Over the years I have seen combs, keys, pens and pencils, clips, pins, chop sticks, credit cards and even scissors being used to scratch an itch. None of these objects are known to be thoroughly cleaned all the time (although one would hope that the chopsticks are on the top of the list), so the likelihood that they are harbouring harmful bacteria to be transferred to the scalp is also high. Severe scratching can break the skin and transfer harmful bacteria, resulting in a messy, smelly and uncomfortable bacterial infection of the scalp.

My top tips for an itchy scalp

1. Don’t let it fester
Just because your friend says their scalp itches all the time and it’s no big deal doesn’t mean it’s normal. If your scalp is itchy, there will be a reason for it. Get it treated and the itch will go away and you will have reduced you chances of getting a bacterial infection to zero.

2. Get it diagnosed
Itching may feel all the same, but the causes can vary greatly, from sensitivity of the scalp to an oil to head lice infestations. Knowing what is causing your itch means you know the best way to treat it in the fastest time. There are specific products to be used on fungal infections such as ring worm and dandruff, bacterial infections such as folliculitis and infestations such as head lice and mites. Using the right product and treatment plan is paramount to treating the itch fast and preventing any further effects.

3. Know your scalp
If you have suffered from an itchy scalp in the past and have figured out the cause, it’s simple logic to avoid that in the future. If you are prone to a sensitive scalp there are a few things that you should consider avoiding as it can lead it irritation, such as oils or heavy hair dressings and perfumed shampoos and conditioners. If a product doesn’t say hypoallergenic on it, even if it is organic and “natural” it can still cause irritation if you are prone to allergies.


The more your scratch an itch, the more inflamed and irritated the skin becomes and the itchier it remains. The “itch scratch cycle” can exaggerate a relatively simple and treatable condition into a serious infection that, if left untreated, can result in scarring and hair loss. Nobody should lose hair over an itch!


Thank you,

Teresa Angelina Richardson, MIT
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Our opinions shared

    Let's talk about hair, haircare, bad habits, good habits, myths and truths.  Let's get down to the basics of achieving beautiful hair in a healthy manner.

    -Teresa Angelina Richardson MIT
    

    Archives

    September 2017
    May 2016
    April 2016
    August 2015
    September 2014
    May 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013

    Categories

    All
    Bad Habits
    Balding
    Biochemistry
    Blow-drying
    Conditioning Mask
    Consultation
    Consultations
    Deep Conditioning Clay Mask
    First Post
    Hair Care Tips
    Hair Damage
    Hairdresser
    Hairdressing
    Hair Growth
    Hair Managability
    Hair Regrowth
    Health
    Leave-in Hair Protector
    Limiting Hair Breakage
    Moisturise
    Physiology
    Protective Styles
    Scalp Health
    Specialists
    Steam Treatment
    Straightening
    Trichologist
    Vicious Cycle
    Winter Tips
    Woman In The Jungle 2014

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.