When it comes to itchy scalp, most people know about dandruff and often believe that it is the only cause of itchy scalp as well as the flaking, redness, swelling, etc., that comes with it. It can be in patches or more diffuse all over the head. However, while this might be a big cause, most people don’t understand what actually causes the scalp problems that include dandruff symptoms but also bumps, sores, scalp scabs, redness, peeling, and even crusty scalp.
While dermatologists want to label it with dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, seborrhea eczema, and psoriasis, the important thing to know is that these are caused by fungus, bacteria, yeast, or mites. Dr. Amy McMichael, a dermatologist, explains, “The scalp is a complex ecosystem, and any imbalance can lead to a variety of symptoms, from flaking to severe inflammation.” The fact that these microorganisms are in your scalp and flourishing—causing the different symptoms that you have—means that the entirety of the scalp is out of balance. All of the health questions about your scalp are really just one question. And that question is why is your scalp out of balance, which will let you know how to get it back in balance.
Why Is Your Scalp Out Of Balance?
From when we are young, our parents go to the local drug store or grocery store and buy the most typical shampoos. They seem to be doing a good job, so over the years, most families stick with the same hair products based on product price as well as the result that they get from them. This is the same with shampoo and also styling products. Do they leave your hair full, thick, not too dry or oily? Then these are the ones that you typically go with. However, these products can often come with a few side effects that most people don’t ever know are happening. For example, the scalp’s lower pH level is designed to ward off mites, fungus, bacteria, and similar. It does a good job of this when the pH is more on the acidic level. However, most shampoos and hair products have a higher pH, what is referred to as a higher base pH. Over time, this alone can cause a lot of problems with the delicate scalp skin but, more importantly, down inside the hair follicles. This is when the symptoms start with the flaking and itching. Dr. Francesca Fusco, a scalp expert, notes, “Many commercial shampoos can disrupt the natural pH balance of the scalp, leading to an environment where harmful microorganisms can thrive.”
What most people do is reach for a well-known itchy scalp shampoo that typically has an antifungal in them because the big companies know exactly what is happening. They also know that if they reset the pH, then you will no longer need to buy their dandruff hair shampoos once the balance is restored.
The higher pH and then the invasion or flourishing of the bacteria and fungus is what causes the scalp problems. So getting the pH back in alignment and also deep cleansing the hair root of the buildup and also irrigating the follicles to help bacteria and fungus to relocate is one of the best things that you can do. However, what products can actually do that? Dr. David Kingsley, a trichologist, states, “Restoring the scalp’s natural pH and removing buildup are crucial steps in treating and preventing scalp conditions.” To get this done, you will need to look at the best herbal complexes for hair that literally melt away sebum plugs and product buildup without harming the hair, reset the pH balance back to more acidic (skin is supposed to be a 4.5), and then help with the excessive buildup of the fungi, bacteria, mites, and yeast.
A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Science found that maintaining a scalp pH of around 4.5 can significantly reduce the presence of harmful microorganisms and improve overall scalp health. Another study in the International Journal of Trichology highlighted the effectiveness of herbal complexes, such as those containing zinc PCA, in reducing scalp inflammation and microbial growth.
These can cause nasty or severe dandruff symptoms like excessive scalp flaking and scalp sores on the top of the head. The complex of herbs and minerals that is most known for this is the Zincplex Complex, which includes some of the best purifying herbs and also zinc PCA. Even if you do not have scalp problems, it is one of the best complexes to keep vitality and proper balance to create the healthiest environment for the scalp. And this means healthy hair, optimizing hair growth, and no symptoms associated with oily scalp, hyperseborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema, and even the tough dandruff symptoms that can include scalp scabs, sores that are often open or even bleeding, and much more.
Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist, emphasizes, “Herbal treatments, especially those containing zinc PCA, have shown promising results in restoring scalp health and preventing recurrent issues.” Do a little research and find out how herbs like thyme, sage, fenugreek, and burdock, as well as minerals like zinc PCA, can help to restore balance and health that is visible with the results that you will get.
