How to soothe an itchy scalp

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Here’s how to restore comfort and balance to your scalp, depending on the source of your itch.

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

“It’s important to get to the bottom of it because if you’re dealing with a recurring itchy scalp and constantly scratching, this can eventually lead to inflammation and possibly even hair loss if left unchecked,” says Gaby Longsworth, PhD, who holds a certification in hair treatment. If none of your at-home fixes are yielding improvement after three to four weeks, it’s worth paying a visit to a dermatologist, notes Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

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

What causes dry scalp?

“Seasonal changes and atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema, the chronic condition that causes dry, itchy skin — are common drivers,” says Longsworth. If your condition is weather related, you’ll typically only experience itchiness and flakes of skin, especially in low humidity and cold climates. If it’s atopic dermatitis, your scalp may be dry, itchy, scaly and inflamed — and may also be painful and “weep” clear fluids during flare-ups.

Treatment for dry scalp

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

Is it allergy related?

“Itching, scalp sensitivity, rashes and little bumps on the scalp, forehead and neck and behind the ears are all signs that you may have an allergy to an ingredient found in some types of hair product,” says Longsworth. Fragrance, quaternium-15 and propylene glycol are all common ingredients in many hair products, including shampoos and conditioners as well as stylers such as gels and mousses. They are also common allergens.

“Typically, symptoms will show up a few days or weeks after exposure,” says Dr. Bhanusali. And if your scalp is suddenly red and itchy after coloring your hair, that may also indicate an allergy. “Para-phenylenediamine, found in darker hair dyes, is another frequent allergen,” Longsworth says.

Always review product labels for complete and up-to-date information. Consult a health care provider with any health-related questions.

Treatment for allergy-related reactions

If an allergic reaction is suspected, speak with a medical provider first to determine a plan of action. Stop using any hair products that may be causing the problem, particularly if they’ve been newly added to a hygiene routine.

Dandruff and scalp seborrheic dermatitis

As for what causes dandruff, a number of factors can contribute to this condition, which may affect up to 50 percent of the population. One culprit is an overgrowth of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia 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.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that’s essentially a more severe version of dandruff; it’s also frequently caused by Malassezia. 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. 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.

Treatment for dandruff and scalp seborrheic dermatitis

For both, prescription treatments are available with the help of a provider. Another option is an over-the-counter medicated shampoo for itchy scalp. “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. Head & Shoulders clinical strength dry scalp rescue shampoo with selenium sulfide is one good choice, as is 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. A head will be itchy, but a silvery sheen and dry scale may also be visible, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation or soreness. “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, because the ingredient is both clarifying and can help exfoliate scaly skin, according to Longsworth.