Your scalp feels wet when you scratch because of wet dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) or general scalp buildup, caused by a combination of excess oil (sebum) produced by overactive glands, natural Malassezia yeast overgrowth, sweat, dead skin cells, and hair products, forming greasy, yellowish flakes that feel moist or sticky. Stress, hormonal changes, infrequent washing, and certain environmental factors can trigger this, leading to itching, redness, and that wet sensation.
Wet dandruff is caused by the overproduction of sebum , or oil, on the scalp. This often is due to not shampooing properly, but it can also result from an underlying condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or an infection.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema that causes itchy rashes, according to the AAD. So, in the case of scalp eczema, you may have dry, itchy areas on your scalp that potentially bleed, ooze clear fluids, and develop a crust afterward.
That white residue is usually a combination of excess oils, dead skin cells, and leftover product buildup. It's a sign your scalp needs a proper cleanse rather than scratching.
Itching scalp can be caused by a number of conditions, including dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis. Medicated shampoos can be used to treat dandruff and relieve itchy scalp.
An intensely itchy scalp is often the first sign of a fungal infection. The constant urge to scratch can be overwhelming as fungi colonise the skin. White, flaky scales typically develop and may shed from the scalp, resembling severe dandruff.
Look for a clarifying shampoo that contains salicylic acid, which helps to break down sebum plugs. Exfoliate your scalp: Just like exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, exfoliating your scalp can help to remove sebum plugs.
Don't Scratch
When you scrap away the skin on your scalp, you risk exposing it to infection and making your dandruff worse. If you feel the urge to scratch, use your time to the shower to gently massage your scalp instead. This will give you some relief and not disturb your scalp as much.
Scratching your scalp with your nails can cause even MORE flaking and inflammation, and may result in small tears and scabs. Your scalp skin actually has more hair follicles and oil glands than any other part of your body, making it a lot more sensitive and susceptible to skin issues.
“Weeping eczema happens when your skin gets so irritated that it starts to ooze fluid — this is the 'weeping,'” says board-certified dermatologist John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP. You can still have itch, swelling, and other eczema symptoms alongside a weepy rash.
First try a mild corticosteroid cream, foam, ointment or oil (Scalpicin Scalp Itch) on affected areas, keeping it away from the eyes. If that doesn't work, try the antifungal cream ketoconazole. Don't use styling products. Stop using hair sprays, gels and other styling products while you're treating the condition.
However, if your scabs result from another condition, such as psoriasis, infection, or eczema, you may need additional treatment. Picking at your scabs may prevent healing and lead to complications, such as infection or scarring. Contact your doctor for any scalp scabs that continue to grow back or will not heal.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
You probably know about the mildest form of this type of eczema as dandruff. But it also can cause scaly, itchy patches on your scalp that can ooze and scab over. You could also get sores if you scratch your scalp because it's itchy. Symptoms tend to come and go and may be worse in winter.
Scalp massage is a simple and effective way to encourage circulation and loosen buildup. Rinsing your hair with apple cider vinegar can also help remove buildup and restore your scalp's pH balance. If you prefer a more intensive exfoliation, you can try a scalp scrub or chemical exfoliant.
If you notice increased dryness, oily skin, or scalp irritation, that could be a sign that you're either over-washing or under-washing your hair. Washing your hair too much can lead to hair that's dry, brittle, or breaks easily, or a scalp that's dry, irritated, or itchy. Conversely, under-washing may lead to dandruff.
Dandruff scale is a cluster of corneocytes, which have retained a large degree of cohesion with one another and detach as such from the surface of the stratum corneum. A corneocyte is a protein complex that is made of tiny threads of keratin in an organised matrix.
Vitamin D seems to inhibit sebocyte proliferation, differentiation, and sebum secretion, all of which are key factors in the production of sebum.
Have you ever scratched your scalp and noticed white, waxy buildup under your nails? That's sebum mixed with dead skin cells.
For instance, L'Oréal Professionnel anti-oiliness dermo-purifier shampoo for greasy scalp is a scalp-purifying shampoo and is ideal for oily hair and scalp. This anti-oiliness shampoo purifies your hair, ensures 78% less scalp sebum in 1 use* and delivers up to 67% more nutrition*.
Dandruff can cause an itchy scalp. Sometimes a fungus can cause dandruff. Other skin conditions can also cause dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs on parts of your body where the skin is oily.
Scientifically speaking, a diet rich in highly processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats increases inflammation and oil production. These factors, in turn, provide a perfect breeding ground for Malassezia, aka the yeast that causes dandruff.
How to Treat Wet Dandruff