How to soothe an itchy scalp

Not only is an itchy scalp uncomfortable, but it can also be embarrassing, especially if it’s accompanied by flakes. Here’s how to help restore comfort and balance to a scalp, depending on the source of the itch.

Just like there’s no shortage of things that can make skin itch — such as bug bites, eczema and poison ivy — so too are there many possible reasons for an itchy scalp. And knowing the root cause is important for effective itchy scalp treatment, because different culprits need to be addressed differently.

If at-home fixes aren’t yielding improvement after three to four weeks, it’s worth paying a visit to a dermatologist, says Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.¹

Below are a few soothing options for some of the most common causes of a dry, itchy scalp.

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What causes dry scalp?

Two common causes of a dry scalp are seasonal changes and atopic dermatitis.² If the issue is weather related, a person will typically only experience itchiness and flakes of skin, especially in low humidity and cold climates.³ If it’s atopic dermatitis, the scalp may be dry, inflamed, itchy and scaly — and may also be painful and weep clear fluids during flare-ups.⁴

Treatment for dry scalp

To tackle it, consider avoiding shampoos with detergents and fragrances, which may be more likely to dry out the scalp.⁵ Instead, look into mild, moisturizing formulas,⁶ such as Neutrogena moisturizing healthy scalp Hydro Boost shampoo, which is free of sulfates and infused with hyaluronic acid.

Is it allergy related?

A dry scalp could be reacting to ingredients in hair products.⁷ Fragrances, quaternium 15 and propylene glycol are all common ingredients in many hair products,^8,9 including shampoos, conditioners and stylers like gels and mousses.

If the scalp is suddenly red and itchy after coloring the hair, that may also indicate an allergy.¹⁰ Para-phenylenediamine, which is found in darker hair dyes, is another allergen.^11,12

Treatment for allergy-related reactions

If someone suspects an allergic reaction, they should speak with a health care provider first to determine a plan of action. They’ll want to stop using any hair products they think may be causing the problem, particularly if they’re new ones recently added to their routine. If they suspect the symptoms are from a hair dye, applying an over-the-counter steroid cream like Cortizone 10 maximum-strength, anti-itch creme may help with inflammation, redness and soreness.¹³

Dandruff and scalp seborrheic dermatitis

The difference between dandruff and dry scalp? If a scalp is itchy with visible white flakes, it’s most likely dandruff.¹⁴ As for what causes dandruff, a number of factors can contribute to this condition,¹⁵ which may affect up to 50 percent of the population. One culprit is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia¹⁶ that feeds off the oil on the scalp. It can be unsightly, which is stressful, but most people can treat it at home and don’t require a doctor’s care.¹⁷

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that’s essentially a more severe version of dandruff; it’s also frequently caused by Malassezia.¹⁸ It can be itchy too, but the main difference is that seborrheic dermatitis can also develop on the face and chest, causing swelling and discolored skin.^19,20 There’s often redness on the scalp as well, notes Dr. Bhanusali, and seborrheic dermatitis can also show up along the eyebrows or in facial hair in men.²¹

Treatment for dandruff and scalp seborrheic dermatitis

For both, prescription treatments are available, and a person can speak to a health care provider to see if these are for them. They can also try an over-the-counter medicated shampoo for itchy scalp.^22,23 “There are several active ingredients used in these formulas, including ketoconazole, selenium sulfide and zinc pyrithione, all of which work well against Malassezia,” says Dr. Bhanusali.²⁴

Two options to consider: Head & Shoulders clinical dry scalp rescue shampoo with selenium sulfide and Dove Dermacare scalp anti-dandruff shampoo dryness & itch relief with zinc pyrithione.

Scalp psoriasis

While psoriasis may more often be associated with the face or body, it can show up on the scalp as well in about half of the people with the condition.²⁵ The head will be itchy, but they may also see a silvery sheen and dry scale sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation or soreness.²⁶ “Scalp psoriasis tends to manifest with thicker pieces of scaly skin, known as plaques,” says Dr. Bhanusali.

“If you suspect your itchy scalp is caused by psoriasis, consider visiting a dermatologist as soon as possible, as anti-inflammatory steroids may be needed to help calm the condition,” says Dr. Bhanusali.

Treatment for scalp psoriasis

Fortunately, a shampoo with salicylic acid can help manage the symptoms of scalp psoriasis,²⁷ because the ingredient is both clarifying and can help exfoliate scaly skin.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements, and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.