Causes And Treatment Of Itchy Scalp During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women experience a skin or liver condition called cholestasis that makes their belly, thighs, feet, and hands feel itchy. The condition also causes an itchy scalp during pregnancy. But fret not – there are treatment options available to give you some relief. Continue reading to know the causes and triggers of cholestasis, why it affects the scalp, and what you can do to soothe an itchy scalp.

What Causes Itchy Scalp During Pregnancy?

• Hormones: Hormonal ups and downs during pregnancy commonly cause nausea, vomiting, and mood swings. An itchy scalp could also be another symptom of these fluctuations. The quality of sebum gets impacted by the hormonal changes in the skin.

• Dehydration: Not consuming food or not drinking enough water causes dehydration and an itchy scalp.

• Dandruff: Dandruff caused due to dry weather or inflammation (seborrheic dermatitis) can also be a reason why your scalp is itchy. Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of chronic dandruff that can spread to your head, back of the neck, legs, arms, and pubic area.

• Stress: Pregnancy can trigger stress in many women. The hormonal response to stress causes inflammation in the body which, in turn, can have an impact on the scalp.

• Not Washing Your Hair: A common reason for having an itchy scalp is not washing your hair enough. Dirt, sebum, pollution, sweat, etc., get accumulated on your scalp, which can cause scalp itching.

Vicki, a vlogger, shared about experiencing a sore scalp with itching, burning, and sensitivity. She said, “It happened to me during pregnancy every time, and I didn’t know what it was, so afterwards I went and researched (i).” She explored the potential causes of a sore scalp, ranging from dryness to excess sebum production, and offered practical tips.

There are various ways you can recognize if you are dealing with an itchy scalp. Let’s find out through the symptoms below.

Symptoms Of Cholestasis

Watch out for certain signs to check if you have cholestasis during pregnancy, such as:

• Intense itching
• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

These could be a few reasons why you have an itchy scalp during pregnancy. So, how do you fix it? Let’s find out in the following section.

How To Treat Itchy Scalp During Pregnancy

Here are a few tips for hair care during pregnancy to keep your locks healthy and itch-free.

• Drink Adequate Water: To prevent dehydration and flush out the toxins from your body, you must drink adequate amounts of water every day. According to a paper published in the Journal of Perinatal Education, pregnant women must drink 8-10 glasses of water per day (1). Water also helps reduce stress and inflammation in the body, thereby reducing anxiety and depression (2).

• Exercise Every Day: Stretching, yoga, and meditation are essential for your physical and mental well-being (3). Exercising every day is vital to reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and keep your hair and skin healthy, especially during pregnancy. Talk to a physical therapist who specializes in prenatal yoga and meditation. Practice at least 20 minutes of yoga stretches and 10 minutes of meditation every day to reduce the scalp itching caused by hormonal ups and downs and stress.

• Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo: If you have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, you must use an anti-dandruff shampoo to reduce scalp itching. Use a shampoo with selenium sulfideⁱ  A chemical compound that acts as an antifungal agent and treats itching, flaking, and other scalp conditions. , pyrithione zincⁱ  A compound of zinc with antibacterial and antifungal properties that treat skin and scalp infections, such as dandruff and eczema. (antifungal agent), and ketoconazoleⁱ  A chemical compound that treats and prevents fungal infections and often causes severe side effects. to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis effectively. Here are a few more shampoos you can use.

Note: Avoid shampoos with coal tar, parabensⁱ  Toxic chemical compounds used as preservatives in cosmetic products to increase their shelf life. , and sulfatesⁱ  Deep cleansing agents that help remove dirt, excess oil, and product buildup from your tresses and scalp. .

• Use Coconut Oil And Lime Juice: The combination of coconut oil and lime juice is a good home remedy for a dry scalp and dandruff. Massage coconut oil into your scalp and hair. Then use a cotton ball to dab lime juice all over your scalp. Wait for 10 minutes before washing it off. You must use coconut oil to avoid irritating the scalp with lime juice. If your scalp starts to burn, wash it off immediately. But keep in mind, sometimes extreme dry skin can be undiagnosed eczema and psoriasis. You might need to avoid lime juice, it can trigger the skin condition further. In this case you need to see a doctor.

Quick Tip

You can use almond or coconut oil to massage your scalp twice a week. Heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil to the right temperature. Massage your scalp for 10 minutes and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing it with a shampoo and conditioner.

• Use Essential Oils: Using essential oils has two benefits – it reduces dry scalp and helps you de-stress. You can choose any of these essential oils and dilute them with a carrier oil before applying them to your head. Massage your scalp gently to increase blood flow in the scalp. Take deep breaths and relax your shoulders and neck. Wait for 20 minutes before washing your hair.

• Get A Spa Treatment: If pregnancy has made your hair and scalp dry and lackluster, getting a spa treatment can help you revive it. The steam in saunas helps open up the hair cuticles, allowing moisture to penetrate the hair strands. Applying a moisturizer to your hair then helps keep the hair strands hydrated and nourished. Get a spa treatment once or twice a month to reduce dryness on the scalp and rejuvenate your hair.

• Sleep Well: Stress, anxiety, and depression are common during pregnancy and after childbirth. While exercising can help reduce stress and release serotonin (a feel-good hormone), your body and mind also need rest. Nothing is better than getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep every night. This will help reduce stress and inflammation and reboot your immune system.

• Take Your Supplements: Vitamin and mineral deficiencies during and after pregnancy is a common issue. Taking the right supplements after talking to your doctor can also help manage an itchy scalp and hair loss.
• Consult A Dermatologist: If over-the-counter treatments don’t improve your itchy scalp, you should see a dermatologist. They can examine your scalp, run tests to find the cause, and recommend stronger treatments. Getting help early can prevent problems and provide relief.

These are the ways you can reduce scalp itching during pregnancy.

Products To Use To Reduce Scalp Itching

1. Shampoo

Use a paraben-free, sulfate-free, and coal tar-free shampoo to keep your scalp, hair, and the baby(or babies) safe.

2. Conditioner

Using a good pregnancy-safe conditioner will keep your scalp and hair hydrated, soft, and nourished.

3. Hair Oil

Hair oils are loaded with fatty acids and nourishing properties that help lock moisture in your hair and reduce dryness on the scalp.

4. Essential Oils

Essential oils have stress-relieving and hair-nourishing properties. Aromatic lavender or lemon essential oil mixed with a carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) can be applied to your hair to relax and moisturize your scalp and hair.

5. Hair Masks

Applying a hair mask once a week is a great way to treat your dry and itchy scalp. And the best part is, you don’t need to rummage through your kitchen to find ingredients to make a good hair mask.

Quick Tip

You can make your own hair mask by soaking fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of water overnight. Grind the seeds to a paste and apply it to your hair the next morning. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is beautiful, but it comes with its own set of problems. Itchy scalp is one of them. Thankfully, you can treat your itchy scalp if you know what’s causing it. If it is your hormones, talk to your doctor to find a solution to help balance them. Drink water, exercise, eat healthy, stay stress-free, sleep well, take supplements, and take care of your hair during pregnancy by implementing the solutions mentioned above. Your scalp itching will reduce in a few weeks’ time.

Infographic: Itchy Scalp During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatments

An itchy scalp during pregnancy is one of the many discomforts a woman undergoes. The safest way to go about it is to know how to manage it. Check out the infographic below to know about the causes and treatments of cholestasis.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

At what month does itching start in pregnancy?

Itching in pregnancy starts somewhere around the third semester. However, some people can get it earlier as well.

Can early pregnancy cause dry hair?

Some women may get dry hair during the early weeks of pregnancy, while some may experience more oil secretion. It varies from person to person and with different pregnancies as well.

Is it safe to get scalp treatment while pregnant?

It is generally safe to get scalp treatment while pregnant, but it’s important to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing any treatments.

Can using hair products cause an itchy scalp during pregnancy?

Yes, using hair products can cause an itchy scalp during pregnancy. The scalp may become more sensitive during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, and some hair products, including colors, gels, and sprays, may include chemicals that irritate the scalp and cause flaking or itching.

Can you safely use hair products during pregnancy?

Many hair products are safe to use during pregnancy but it is best to avoid those with harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens. Always check with your healthcare provider before using new products.

How can I tell if my itchy scalp is caused by a serious condition?

If your itchy scalp is persistent and accompanied by redness, sores, hair loss, or swelling, then it may indicate a serious condition. Consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Illustration: Why Do I Have Itchy Scalp During Pregnancy? How To Treat It?

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Experiencing an itchy scalp postpartum? Gain insights into how hormonal changes after childbirth may be responsible and explore practical solutions to alleviate discomfort in this informative video below. Check it out now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Divya SharmaMBBS, MD

     

Dr. Divya Sharma is a renowned dermatologist and hair expert with over 14 years of experience dealing with all skin types. She has extensive experience in medical dermatology, lasers in aesthetics, and regenerative medicine.

Read full bio of Dr. Divya Sharma

Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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