The itchiness here might be an unexpected sign of stress.

Some people experience an itchy scalp when they are stressed. The most common cause among them is seborrheic dermatitis. It is a common skin condition that occurs in 1-3% of the population, with main symptoms including an itchy and reddened scalp. In severe cases, yellow greasy dandruff may also develop. Seborrheic dermatitis tends to recur chronically rather than being completely cured, so individuals with severe symptoms should avoid aggravating factors and manage their condition carefully.

 

◇When stressed, increased sebum secretion worsens the condition

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp has not yet been identified, but it is known that stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can worsen the symptoms. In particular, the scalp skin is rich in sensory nerves and blood vessels compared to other areas. When stress is severe, increased sebum production creates an environment prone to inflammation. Additionally, hormonal changes and nervous system abnormalities are also believed to be related to the development of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

 

The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp vary depending on the individual.

In mild cases, only dandruff increases or slight itching is present.

✔️If symptoms worsen, yellow or red pimples may appear along with pus, and they become severely itchy.

✔️Dead skin flakes off like rice bran, and oily dandruff may form. These symptoms can be easily experienced by anyone and may not be recognized as a disease, but if left untreated, they can lead to hair loss.

 

◇Improving lifestyle habits is important... Seek hospital treatment if symptoms become severe

To prevent seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and to stop the recurrence of symptoms

Maintain a regular lifestyle,

Getting enough sleep,

We must minimize stress.

It is also advisable to avoid behaviors that can worsen alcohol consumption or inflammation.

 

If the scalp condition is poor, avoiding aggravating factors and washing the hair more thoroughly can be helpful.

It is better to gently wash without applying pressure to the scalp.

Using a topical ointment for dermatitis sold at the pharmacy for a short period may help alleviate symptoms.

✔️ However, this ointment should only be used for a short period, and if proper treatment is not administered, the symptoms may persist long-term, so caution is advised.

 

If symptoms do not improve or if inflammation worsens, leading to pain or hair loss, you must visit a hospital. At the hospital, they may temporarily prescribe steroid ointments or immunosuppressants such as calcineurin inhibitors.

 

In addition, oral medication may be prescribed to relieve itching and inflammation.

If inflammation is suspected to be caused by fungi, antifungal agents may also be used.

Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp tends to recur frequently, so rather than aiming for a complete cure in one go, it is better to continuously pay attention to your lifestyle habits.

 

Source: Health Chosun

 

I also have a sensitive scalp, and since stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can be causes, I need to pay more attention to my care. Although it's not quite seborrheic dermatitis, I sometimes experience itching, and applying a scalp soothing serum seems to help.