Itchy Scalp

DID YOU KNOW AN ITCHY SCALP COULD BE A SIGN OF SCALP INFECTION?

WHY DOES YOUR SCALP ITCH?^1,2

Many conditions can cause an itchy scalp.
The most common of these include:
1. Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
2. Infection.
3. Psoriasis (an autoimmune disease that causes raised, reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp).
4. Head lice (tiny nits or eggs) attached to a strand of hair.
5. Allergic reactions possibly from hair dyes, eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Scalp infection is a term commonly used to define various conditions of the skin on the head. While an itchy scalp can simply be the result of a sensitive scalp, a persistent itch can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. A scalp infection can lead to scratching, discomfort, and pain in more severe cases. Sometimes, inflammation, flaking, scabbing or skin lesions accompany the itching, although your scalp can itch without any visible changes to the skin.

Various conditions can cause your scalp to itch, from dandruff to ringworm, or something more serious like an infection.² While the scalp, like skin anywhere on the body, is prone to infections from many different types of infectious agents; fungal and bacterial infections are by far the most common.³

Look out for:

• clusters of small red bumps or white-headed pimples that develop around hair follicles
• pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• red and inflamed skin
• itchy or burning skin
• tenderness or pain
• large swollen bump or mass
• itchy, scaly or bald patches
• If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a bacterial, fungal or viral infection.

For fungal infections, the length and type of treatment can vary depending on:
• the type of infection;
• how severe your symptoms are and
• if you have any other immune system health issues.

Some courses of treatment (including basic self-care), can be as short as a few days, while other courses of treatment can be as long as eight weeks, for instance a ringworm infection of the scalp.5

A mild bacterial infection may clear up in a few days with basic self-care measures. For more serious or recurring symptoms, you may need to consult your doctor or pharmacist.4

Viral infections are a result of systemic illness. For instance in the case of chicken pox, herpes, or shingles, viral lesions may appear on the scalp.5a While the treatment of a systemic infection requires oral systemic medication, basic self-care measures can help to prevent secondary infections on top of the viral lesions.

To assist in eliminating the cause of the infection and soothe symptoms fast and effectively, use Betadine® Medicated Shampoo.6 Using a specially formulated shampoo may reduce the risk of spreading the infection to family members or classmates. It’s also important to avoid sharing personal items such has combs, hats and towels.⁷

You can also take the following preventative steps:

• never share hats, combs or towels
• wash your hands regularly
• treat scalp lesions immediately
• maintain a clean scalp
• keep Betadine® Medicated Shampoo handy to help you to defeat viruses, fungi and bacteria before they get a chance to make their home on your scalp.^6,8-9