When you itch, it’s the result of a complex process your body goes through in response to irritation. It’s no different for itchy scalp. Find out why your head is itching and what you can do about it.
Why do we itch?
Itch is the body’s response to irritation, whether it’s chemical – such as an allergen – or mechanical, such as an insect or fabricrubbing on your skin.
These things all trigger a neural pathway that results in itching:
- Neurons detect an irritating stimulus
- Information is sent to the spinal cord, where a protein known as NPPB is produced. This protein is the trigger for itch
- NPPB receptors in the brain release another protein called GRP, which sends the itch signal to the site of stimulus
Sound complicated? It all happens in an instant; you experience irritation and within seconds your body triggers an itch response atthe site of the irritation.
Your itchy scalp could be dandruff
If you’re scratching your head, there’s a good chance it’s caused by dandruff.
Dandruff is the body’s response to irritation, and this irritation can also trigger the body’s itch response.
So if your scalp becomes irritated by dandruff, signals are sent directly to the scalp to trigger an itchy feeling.
How dandruff causes irritation
Itch can start before flakes
The body’s itch response is fast, and it’s often the first sign of dandruff and can happen before flakes even appear.
So while you might think you don’t have dandruff, if you’re itching there’s a good chance you soon will.
Act fast before flakes appear
If you start to experience itchy scalp, reach straight for a proven anti-dandruff shampoo.
That way you’ll be tackling the root cause of the problem and can start to treat it before flakes appear.
Try our Cool Menthol Shampoo with cooling tea tree essence and peppermint oil – it’s been proven to tackle itch and irritation caused by dandruff and gives a great cooling sensation inthe shower.
More tips and advice from the experts: