WHAT'S GOT YOU SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD?

Itchy scalp is a year-round problem, but intensifies with environmental and emotional stress.

While millions of Americans suffer from scalp itch and other scalp-related ailments throughout the year, the winter season is when they usually suffer the most acute symptoms—intense itching, irritation, redness, flaking and scaling. Ranging from the harsher elements of weather to wearing a wool hat, the skin on the scalp falls prey to the various environmental stresses of the cold weather season. Yet, emotions can also play a role, with stress from work, family, health or financial issues being suspected culprits when certain scalp conditions worsen.

• Who Suffers from an Itchy Scalp?
• A More Serious Side to Scalp Itch
• Other Culprits of Itchy Scalp
• Relief for Scalp Itch
• Some Simple Solutions for Controlling Scalp Itch
• SCALP "PSYCH 101"

WHO SUFFERS FROM AN ITCHY SCALP?

While anyone can experience occasional scalp itch, research shows that 43 percent of the general population suffers from at least one scalp symptom in the past 12 months, with the most common symptoms being scalp itching, dry scalp, dandruff and scalp flaking—much of it occurring during the winter months. Scalp itch is quite a common occurrence in both men and women of all ages, especially during the colder months. In fact, one out of five Americans suffer from an itchy scalp.

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A MORE SERIOUS SIDE TO SCALP ITCH

As common a problem as scalp itch is, those who are most affected by it are people who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.

• Seborrheic dermatitis
  can be found anywhere on the body, but is often limited to the face and scalp areas, where sebaceous (oil) glands are prevalent. This condition of severe itching, dryness and scaliness results when these oil glands become clogged and inflamed. The cause of the recurring condition is unknown. Scratching the area can actually worsen the problem.
• Psoriasis
  is a skin condition that can be found anywhere on the body. Scientists believe it is a result of a gene that is passed down through families. In a person with normal skin, new cells replace old cells of the stratum corneum (outer layer of skin) every 28 days, as dead skin cells naturally slough off. Those with psoriasis can have new cells coming to the surface approximately every four days. This hyper-proliferation of cells causes them to bunch up at the surface, taking on the form of large, thick, white scales and sheets of skin that actually slough off in these large sheets. The bunching of the skin cells at the surface of the skin can lead to intense itching which, again, can be exacerbated by scratching. The scalp is an area where psoriasis often occurs.

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OTHER CULPRITS OF ITCHY SCALP

Skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis, are among the main and more severe reasons why people suffer from an itchy scalp during the winter and year-round. Yet, millions of people find that they experience general scalp itch seasonally, occasionally or even throughout the year.

• Dandruff:
  An example of how we experience dry, itchy skin of the scalp is dandruff. While it may seem serious to those who experience it, dandruff is not an inflammatory skin condition, as psoriasis is, but rather a general flakiness and itching of the scalp that is more embarrassing and annoying than serious, and results from the normal process of shedding the skin from the scalp. Yet, even though it is normal, this flaking can cause minor discomfort and itching, as general dry skin of the hands or legs does.
• Hair Products:
  One of the major causes of this general scalp itch, or dandruff, can be using the wrong shampoo or conditioner, and using it too often. Many people choose a hair product that is too harsh for their scalp, and some can experience a skin reaction to the chemicals in the shampoo or conditioner. Using the mildest shampoo/conditioner possible, making sure to choose a product for your hair/scalp type, can help avoid this problem. Also, try using lukewarm water (instead of hot) and cut down on shampooing if you find that your scalp is itching, since the scalp can be stripped of the natural oils that help keep it from drying out.
• Weather:
  Another major culprit of scalp itch is the weather. In winter, humidity is lower, which has a drying effect on our skin. Combine this with the fact that we tend to wear more hats, and one can see how the skin on our scalp would be impacted. While we can't change Mother Nature, we can affect our "indoor" weather. The best way is to keep the thermostat set at 68 degrees or lower (if tolerable), and invest in a humidifier for home and work. These will keep indoor humidity higher, and may help relieve dry skin on the scalp, as well as the rest of the body.

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RELIEF FOR SCALP ITCH

What you really need is a practical product that can help control the scalp itching without ruining your hairstyle. The important thing is to find a product that relieves the cause of the scalp itch. An over-the-counter product like Scalpicin® Anti-Itch Scalp Treatment will help relieve itching caused by seborrheic dermatitis. The unique flow-control cap of the liquid allows you to control just how much Scalpicin you'd like to apply, and it allows the user to apply anytime during the day, not just when shampooing. One of the ingredients of this product is salicylic acid, which provides betahydroxy action, and is quite effective in breaking up the flaking skin that causes the itching. This can help improve the condition that is causing the seborrheic dermatitis itch. Scalpicin's unique formulation also includes tea tree extract, vitamin E and aloe.

Using a shampoo alone to control scalp itch problems only allows for a one-shot application. If your scalp becomes itchy later in the day, such as at work, it would be quite impractical to shampoo your hair again. This is why having a product on hand, such as Scalpicin, which is easy to apply throughout the day, can be a better or additional option.

While it is possible to reduce or control certain scalp itches with regular use of over-the-counter products, such as Scalpicin, a physician should make a proper diagnosis of the cause of chronic scalp itch.

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SOME SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR CONTROLLING SCALP ITCH

Millions of people suffer from mild to chronic scalp itch throughout the year, yet they often do not realize that a few simple precautions can help reduce and control the problem:

Year-Round Tips:

• Avoid using hairstyling products with harsh ingredients, which can dry out the skin of the scalp or irritate existing scalp conditions. Read ingredient labels before purchasing.
• Shampoo hair in lukewarm water—hot water strips away natural oils of the scalp that protect the skin.
• Avoid overwashing hair, which can also strip protective oils.
• Choose hair products made for your specific hair/scalp type.
• Relieve scalp itch with Scalpicin® Anti-Itch Scalp Treatment for instant relief of mild to agonizing itch, including that caused by seborrheic dermatitis, any time of the day.
• Learn to relax, which may help to avoid stress-related conditions. Take up an interesting hobby, go for a long walk or try something enjoyable to help ease stress from work, family and other sources.
• Severe or chronic scalp itch should be brought to the attention of a physician.

Winter Season:

• Avoid wearing wool hats, since wool itself can be irritating. Try cotton or a man-made fiber.
• Invest in a humidifier to keep relative humidity indoors, both at home and work, higher, which, in turn, will keep the skin on the scalp and entire body from drying out.
• Have a humidifier attachment professionally installed on forced hot air home heating systems.
• Keep thermostat at 68 degrees or below (if tolerable) in order to keep indoor humidity levels higher.

Summer Season:

• Rinse hair immediately after swimming in a pool since chlorine can irritate the scalp.
• Use a bathing cap when swimming.
• Avoid sunburn of the scalp by wearing a hat.

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SCALP "PSYCH 101"
Styling, hormones and stress can wreak havoc on your head

Just as our facial complexion is affected by the chaos of adolescent hormones, our scalp can become a barometer for the changes in our bodies as we get older. Stress related to work or taking care of children, hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, the aging process—these are just some of the factors suspected of worsening scalp problems that already exist, according to Jerome Shupack, M.D., nationally-recognized, board-certified dermatologist.

In his busy New York City practice, Dr. Shupack uses a term for the scalp problems he sees in many of his patients—Executive Scalp Syndrome, or scalp stress. "I see executives of all ages, men and women, in high-stress, high-pressure jobs who find that their scalps are quite flaky and itchy," explains Dr. Shupack. "Often, it is the stress of their jobs heightening the awareness of an existing scalp condition and the fact that high-stressed people often need an outlet: sometimes they pull and pick at their scalp unconsciously, which creates or exacerbates the scalp problem. There seems to be some type of psychological link between their scalp problems and the stress of their careers," he adds.

Yet, Dr. Shupack says that the scalp stress phenomenon is not limited to Wall Street executives. "New moms who are going through hormonal changes from pregnancy, as well as the stress of taking care of a new child, may experience an itchy scalp, as will a person who worries over a possible health condition, or if they can't pay their bills. Most types of stress can complicate existing scalp problems, especially in those people prone to these types of symptoms," he explains.

The Stress Factor

Just how does stress worsen these types of scalp problems? Dr. Shupack and other medical experts believe that the reason is as follows: First, when the body is "stressed out," the immune system can be affected. Lowered immune resistance can set the stage for the over-colonization of a yeast organism called Pityrosporum ovale. While this organism is normally found on our hair and scalp, a person with lowered resistance, whether from prolonged stress or not feeling well, can be plagued by scalp itching and flaking resulting from above-normal counts of this yeast.

External Forces

While the skin of the scalp is obviously affected by internal stress factors, it is also exposed to external stresses daily. From the intense heat of blowdryers or other styling appliances, to the use of hairstyling products (e.g., gel, mousse, hairspray) or wool hats, the external environment plays a role in scalp stress. "Harsh winter weather or the burning summer sun can cause damage to the skin of the scalp," adds Dr. Shupack.

How we care for our hair and scalp is also a significant factor in how the scalp feels. "Using gentle shampoos and conditioners for your hair type is important, as is proper washing," says Dr. Shupack.

It is not uncommon for some people to wash their hair infrequently, which will also lead to the yeast over-colonization, causing itching and flaking. This is a phenomenon quite common in older women who have their hair set weekly at the beauty parlor, as well as in people with certain ethnic hairstyles. "Daily washing will clean off any yeast build-up," explains Dr. Shupack.

So what does Dr. Shupack recommend for his high-stressed patients? "First of all, they need to learn to relax. Dealing with their stress through other outlets, such as a hobby or exercise, keeps them from picking on their scalps. And, it is important to get rid of the flakes to help relieve the scalp itch," he concludes.

Along with daily hair washing, Dr. Shupack recommends applying Scalpicin® Anti-Itch Scalp Treatment daily during any outbreaks of scalp itch due to seborrheic dermatitis. Medicated shampoos only allow for limited contact time of the active ingredient, while Scalpicin can be applied up to four times a day, at any time, without affecting the hairstyle.

For more information, Contact the scalp experts by clicking here, or click on our free brochure page.

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