When you experience itching, it's caused by a complex process your body initiates in response to irritation. The same applies to your scalp. Discover why you're itching and how you can relieve it.
Why do we itch?
Itching is a body reaction to irritation, whether it's chemical, such as with an allergen, or mechanical, such as with the presence of an insect or the rubbing of a fabric on your skin.
These elements trigger a neural process that causes itching:
- Neurons detect an irritating stimulus
- Information is sent to the spinal cord, where a protein called NPPB is produced. This protein triggers itching
- NPPB receptors in the brain release another protein, called GRP, which sends the itching signal to the site of the stimulus
Does this sound complicated? It all happens in an instant. You experience irritation, and within seconds, your body triggers an itching reaction at the site of the irritation.
Scalp itching can be linked to dandruff
If you suffer from head itching, it is likely caused by dandruff.
Dandruff is the body's reaction to irritation, and this can also trigger body itching.
So, if your scalp is irritated by dandruff, signals are sent directly to the scalp to trigger itching.
How dandruff causes irritation
Itching can appear before dandruff
The body reacts quickly by creating itching, which is often the first sign of dandruff and can occur even before the latter appears.
So, even if you think you don't have dandruff, if you're scratching, you'll probably have it soon.
Act quickly before dandruff appears
If you start experiencing scalp itching, opt for a proven anti-dandruff shampoo.
This way, you will address the main cause of the problem and can treat it before dandruff appears.
