Itchy scalp is a common condition. An itchy scalp can be caused by a combination of factors or be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. In some cases, this itching can be accompanied by peeling skin, scaly patches, swelling of the skin, and even severe shedding.

1. Causes of itchy scalp with shedding

Shedding occurs when you scratch your scalp too hard or a scalp condition affects the structure or strength of the hair follicles. Once the underlying condition of the scalp is treated, the hair will regrow.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone experiences an itchy scalp at some point, and it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, excessive or persistent scalp itching can worry you, you may notice a scaly scalp or hair loss more than usual.

Here are some common causes of itchy scalp with excessive shedding.

1.1 Dandruff

Many people believe that overactive oil glands on the scalp are the cause of dandruff. That is why in childhood dandruff often does not form.

Some researchers suggest that dandruff is not caused by nature, but rather is caused by a yeast infection in the scalp and hair follicles. In addition to inflaming the scalp and causing itching, yeast has the ability to weaken the hair roots and lead to shedding. Even so, excessive hair loss due to dandruff is very rare. It only happens when dandruff is severe and goes untreated for a long time.

1.2 Psoriasis

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, about 50% of people diagnosed with psoriasis will develop scalp psoriasis.
This condition can lead to:
+ White, dry flakes on the scalp
+ Inflammation of the scalp
Shedding due to excessive scratching or flaking.

1.3 Alopecia areata

Besides, causing scalp itching and feeling like ants crawling, hair loss in patches can cause each bun to fall out. This causes bald patches to appear.
It is thought that the condition is caused by the immune system attacking healthy hair follicles. Patchy hair loss often occurs in people with a history of other autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes or arthritis.

1.4 Fungal scalp

The fungal scalp is very dangerous if not treated in time, because the fungus penetrates deep into the hair shaft, causing itching and shedding. Depending on the type of fungus causing the infection, the hair may break off close to the surface of the scalp or just break the upper body, leaving the hairline.
The disease is highly contagious, most common in young children, and may also be accompanied by:
A dry, scaly rash that rises to the surface of the skin
+ Black, rough spots on the scalp.

1.5 Allergic reactions

In some severe cases, an allergic reaction to things like hair dyes causes scalp inflammation, itching, and shedding. In a study published in the journal ISRN Dermatology, researchers found that up to 1% of people were allergic to paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common ingredient in hair dyes.
PPD has the potential to cause excessive hair loss in some susceptible individuals. Scalp inflammation and itching appear around the bug bite and can look like a rash or an allergy.

1.6 Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Staphylococcal bacteria and fungi are common causes. It can occur on the skin anywhere hair and hair grow, including the scalp.
In addition, inflammation of the hair follicles in the scalp causes temporary shedding. With timely treatment, hair will grow back. If not treated promptly, it can cause permanent shedding.

1.7 Lichen planopilaris

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition of the scalp that is thought to be caused by an error in the immune system. It tends to appear in young women, causing patches of hair loss on the scalp:
+ Scaling
+ Red skin
+ Burns skin
+ Swelling
+ Blisters
If the hair follicles are scarred beyond repair, permanent hair loss will result.