What could cause a terribly itchy head - not head lice?

Question

No dandruff or anything to look at, no redness, just itching.
Have bought t-gel shampoo which has helped me but not my daughter (she is 5).

Answer 1

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Itchy scalp. There are likely to be other possible causes, so may be wise to see your GP / Pharmacist about your symptoms - particularly if your five-year old has same condition:

* Dandruff - but you have ruled this out
* Sunburn
* Psoriasis
* Seborrheic dermatitis
* Head lice - also ruled out by your q...
* Reaction to hair products
* Hair dye allergy
* Reaction to perm chemicals

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Itchy scalp as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms.

I would recommend that you advise your GP of any medications or treatments you or your daughter are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

* Akorazol Shampoo
* Ketoconazole Shampoo
* Nizoral Shampoo
* Minoxidil lotion
* Rogaine

I've also heard it said that some superstitious people believe an itchy scalp to be a sign of rain.

So dig out yer brolly! ;)

Good luck.... hope both you get some relief soon.

Answer 2

Maybe it was your previous shampoo? Head lice eggs are very small and may not be visible. but with a lause- comb you will be able to remove most of them. Then you need to treat the scalp with a shampoo. Each county / area has a different medicated shampoo, because the lice can get immune to the treatment. Ask your pharmacy which one is appropriate for your area and treat everyone in the family. You can not use these shampoos prophylactic (preventative).

Answer 3

It could be an allergy or even stress. My scalp tends to get quite itchy when I'm under some stress. I know it may sound a bit strange but I can link it to times of stress more than anything especially since I have no bother with dry scalp, dandruff or have any other medical reason for this.
Hope this info might be useful.

Answer 4

The shampoo, most commercial shampoos contain skin irritants.

For example T-gel shampoo;

Fragrance – can contain between 60-100 different chemicals, many are skin irritants.
Imidazolidinyl urea, Cocamide DEA, cocamidopropyl betaine, propylparaben - potential to instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate – skin irritant, common cause of dandruff.

http://ewg.org/reports/skindeep2

Answer 5

Did you use the conditioner also? If not, I suggest you do. You are probably suffering from a dry scalp. We use T-Gel a lot. It is a wonderful product that works best with both the shampoo and the conditioner.

Answer 6

My daughter scratches her head when she's been running round(like kids do) + been sweating.
Or got it a little bit wet in rain+ its dried, or she's had the hood up on her coat.
Same as when i've had my hair in a pony-tail or headband all day then take them out, it makes it tickle as its going back to natural position.If that makes sense?
Or have you changed or used a different product i.e. Shampoo, conditioner,hair-spray,washing powder or soap?

Answer 7

it could be an allergic reaction to something,maybe it is not bad enough to bring out a rash,but enough to make it itch..try using something wit no added perfume or c a dr to give her special shampoo like oilatum as children have more sensitive skin then adults
hope this helps

Answer 8

a dry scalp,too much washing of the hair,wrong shampoo
children need a different shampoo,not as strong, shampoo for dry scalp

Answer 9

Dandruff.

Answer 10

i had a really itchy scalp for 3months, i thought i had headlice as i have got 2 young daughters who keep getting them from school,but my arms were itching too.i saw my doctor who diagnosed psoriasis,another symptom for me though,was i was losing quite a bit of hair,also a build up of hairspray can cause itchiness.